Mangroves Boardwalk Trail, Carnarvon Heritage Precinct

Yinggarda Country is recognised as one of the oldest living landscapes on Earth, with ancient fossils that offer insight into some of the earliest forms of life. This region is uniquely diverse, where reef, river, ocean, desert, mountain ranges and red earth country meet. It also includes important ecosystems such as seagrass meadows and mangroves.

The Gascoyne River is both a heritage-listed and culturally significant feature, shaped through Creation Storylines. Where the river meets the sea is an important place of transition, both ecologically and culturally. Across this landscape, natural features act as seasonal and cultural markers, guiding movement, knowledge and life on Country.

Flora (Plants and Bushfoods)

Many native plants found in this region play important roles in both the ecosystem and Yinggarda cultural knowledge.

• Wanyu (Acacia / Wattle) is an important seasonal indicator plant with many uses, including medicinal applications. Its wood was traditionally used to make tools, and there are over 1,000 species of Acacia across Australia.
• Native Northern Bluebell is a flowering plant that signals the arrival of bees and supports local ecosystems.
• Bird Flower (Crotalaria cunninghamii) is a unique plant that thrives in sandy soils and blooms throughout much of the year. Its uses and significance are shared as part of the guided experience.

Fauna (Wildlife and Ecological Connections)

The landscape supports a range of wildlife, each playing a role in the broader ecosystem.

• Burrowing Bees (Amegilla dawsoni), among the largest bees in the world, emerge between July and September and form ground-nesting colonies. They are closely linked to flowering plants such as the bluebell, highlighting the connection between plant and animal life.
• Brahminy Eagle (Waladu) can often be seen soaring overhead, with nests located nearby.

The Yinggarda people read the landscape through these seasonal signals — observing plant cycles, animal behaviour and environmental change. This deep knowledge reflects a strong and ongoing connection between Country, culture and sustainable living.

Visitors are encouraged to join a guided cultural tour to experience this knowledge firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of Yinggarda Country by walking alongside a custodian.

Aboriginal cultural content on this page has been developed with the guidance of local Traditional Owners and custodians. It is shared to provide insight into Country and culture, but does not represent all knowledge or perspectives of Aboriginal people. Trails WA would like to thank Wooramulla Eco Cultural Journeys for their input in creating this content.