WA’s Diverse Aboriginal Seafood Experiences
Western Australia has played host to great seafood for millennia, as evidenced by the continued fishing practices of Indigenous communities along the entire coast, as well as historical fishing sites with functioning fish traps over 7,500 years old. Discover some of the original fishing methods from the traditional owners themselves, all the way from the Dampier Peninsula to Albany.
Kurrah Mia Oyster Harbour Fish Traps, Albany
Albany (Kinjarling) has its own indigenous fishing history, with access to both King George Sound, the Southern Ocean and a number of river systems. At the Kalgan River, evidence of this fishing still remains, with functioning fish traps which have existed for at least 7,500 years. The Oyster Harbour fish traps are part of a historical Noongar camp site. Kurrah Mia, a local Noongar tour company, can take you around the area, and provide unique insight into its cultural significance and function.
Contact Kurrah Mia to arrange a tour of the fish traps, as well as other great locations in the Albany area.
Bundy’s Cultural Tours, Broome
Located on the Dampier Peninsula just north of Broome is Kooljaman; a remote wilderness camp owned and run by the local indigenous Bardi Jawi Communities. From here, you can take a day or night fishing tour with Bundy and learn about the history and practice of indigenous fishing in the area, including spearfishing, and have a go yourself. You’ll even get to taste fruits of your labour afterwards, as your fresh-caught seafood is cooked with delicious and traditional bush flavours.
Bookings can be made here, dependent on the fishing season and tide.
Gumbanan Wilderness Retreat, Dampier Peninsula
Just near the Ardiyooloon Community (One Arm Point), lies one of the best kept secrets of the Dampier Peninsula, Gumbanan Wilderness Retreat. Here, you can participate in custom cultural tours and seafood experiences, like Gumbanan’s popular Mud Crabbing adventure,. The site also is home to an ancient fish trap, one of the earliest forms of fishing in Australia, which still functions today.
Check out the Retreat here, and find out more about the experiences on offer.
Brian Lee’s Hunter’s Creek Tagalong Tour, Dampier Peninsula
One of the Kimberley’s most colourful characters, Brian Lee is full of knowledge about country and the powerful Aboriginal knowledge of it. Among many highlights of this experience is the creek itself, where you’ll learn traditional fishing and crabbing methods, and cook your catch, Bardi style, on an open fire under a shady tree. Brian even goes fishing for oysters when the season is right!
To tag along fishing with Brian on the Dampier Peninsula, book here.
Djiljit Coastal Fishing Experience, Dunsborough
Explore the beautiful Meelup Regional Park and go fishing and foraging with a cultural custodian of the local Wadandi people. The name Meelup describes the ‘place of looking at the moon rising,’ as the full moon appears to rise out to sea. The crystal-clear waters are home to herring, salmon, bream and other djilit (fish). Walking along the pristine coastline, it is also common to spot majestic dolphins and whales. Along the journey you’ll be taught how to prepare the fish you catch, as well as what to forage for your salad, which concludes with a ‘catch and cook’ BBQ lunch.
Find out more details, as well as other indigenous experiences in the area, here.
Francois Perron Catch & Cook Safari, Shark Bay
See the best of the Shark Bay World Heritage area sustainably on an overnight catch and cook safari with Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures’ owner Capes. You’ll have the opportunity to camp under the stars, swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters, and catch and cook your own dinner, all while discovering the cultural and traditions of the local Nhanda and Malgana people.
See here for more information, as well as other exclusive escapes in the area.
Ngurrangga Staircase to the Moon, Karratha
Up for some coastal foraging beneath stunning skies? Nugurrangga’s Staircase to the Moon tour gives you the opportunity to see the sun, moon and stars in their best light. From Hearson’s Cove near Karratha, watch the sun set whilst foraging for mud crabs and cockles. As the moon rises, you’ll be able to see the famous Staircase to the Moon from the ultimate viewpoint, with the staircase starting at your feet. Afterwards, enjoy stargazing whilst listening to dreamtime stories about the constellation. Coastal foraging is also a part of Nugurrangga’s Bush Tucker tour – if you’re lucky and willing to get your hands dirty, you may even catch a mud crab!
Make a booking for a prime Pilbara fishing experience here.
