The traditional owners of the South West are the Wadandi Boodja tribe (saltwater peoples country) who live by a 6-season calendar, allowing harmonization with the land and the ocean. This calendar is dynamic in that it can change when there is a new display in nature e.g. wildflowers blooming. The seasons represent what is plentiful at certain times in the year and therefore which resources the Wadandi people will take when in abundance. Parallel to nature, they will only take what is needed when available. 

Djilba: Aug- Sept 

Djilba is the season of conception bringing a mixture of sunny and rainy days. Wildflowers such as Yonga Marra (Kangaroo Paw) begin to bloom, dolphins are most active and fish are plentiful. 

Kambarang: Oct- Nov

Kambarang is the season of birth and when the most graceful ocean giants are in full swing. The annual migration of Humpback, Southern right and Blue whales throughout Geographe Bay means that there are whales as far as the eye can see. The bay is used as the final rest stop for humpback mothers to allow their calves to play and feed before a huge journey south to Antarctica for krill. 

Birak: Dec- Jan 

Birak brings longer warmer days and warmer waters. The Peppy Flowers have fallen which signals to us that the rains are easing.  The Long-Nosed Fur Sea Lions are having their pups and you can find larger fish species close to shore. 

Bunuru: Feb- March 

Bunuru is the hottest of the seasons and the season of adolescence. The Seal pups are becoming more playful- like sea puppies and seabirds are abundant. The blue manna crab and stingrays can easily be spotted from the surface. Seafood is in abundance making up a large proportion of the Wandandi peoples diet. 

Djeran: April- May 

Djeran is the season of adulthood and the beginning of a cool-down. The weather brings lower temperatures and Salmon makes its way into shore. The Salmon guides larger pelagics into shallower waters creating incredible visual displays and diving sea birds.

Makuru: June- July 

The fertility season. Heavy rains are rife and the Wadandi people move inland to seek shelter from the Oceanic elements. This time of year is good for hunting land fauna such as Kangaroo and Bandicoot. 

Here at Oceania Experiences, we offer our ‘Dunsborough Eco Boat Tour’ which allows guests to view the spectacular local aquatic wildlife from the best place, the ocean! Join us on a tour where we will talk you through the history of the land and showcase some awesome local wildlife. The sea lion pups can actually only be viewed from a boat so hop on board and we will show you what Cape Naturaliste has to offer!