Coorndarup - Mt Clarence Guided Aboriginal Walking Tour, Kinjarling

The landscapes of Coorndarup reveal a fascinating and intricate ecosystem, where plants and animals have adapted to thrive in the South West’s unique conditions.

‘Kurrah’ means Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and holds profound significance as a totem, guardian, and cultural symbol. The red-tailed black cockatoo is often viewed as guides and protectors, they are believed to carry messages from the spirit world and ancestors.

Along the walk, you’ll encounter native grasses and flowering shrubs used as bush foods for the Menang people. Your Guide will also identify and talk about the Bluebell, found only in the South West of WA, and its traditional uses. You’ll also discover which plants are toxic and should not be ingested.

You’ll also discover remarkable plant adaptations, including carnivorous species often referred to as the Albany Sticky Bush, which releases a strong scent in warmer conditions to attract insects, trapping and digesting them as a nutrient source.

The forest floor tells its own story, from the slow growing moss systems that can take up to 100 years to grow just a centimetre, to the delicate balance of ecosystems forming across granite outcrops. These environments support a wide range of life, including insects, reptiles and bird species.

Keep an eye out for signs of wildlife, including monitor lizards, which nest in termite mounds where temperature plays a role in determining the sex of their young, a remarkable example of nature’s design.

Together, these elements showcase a landscape that is not only diverse and resilient, but deeply interconnected, offering a richer appreciation of the natural systems that sustain life in this region.