Moordiboordip (Rockingham) and the surrounding coastline hold deep cultural significance for Whadjuk Noongar people, with stories, songlines and connections to Country stretching back more than 50,000 years.
Throughout the tour, guests are introduced to Noongar culture through storytelling, ceremony and lived experience. Dreaming stories shared along the foreshore explore the connection between the Wagyl; guardian of fresh water, and ancestral crocodile Yondock, and the creation of the landscape, including Meeandip (Garden Island), Moorli Borlup (Point Peron), Ngoorloomayup (Carnac Island) and Walyalup (Fremantle).
The nearby freshwater lakes and wetlands, including Lake Richmond and Walyungup, were important gathering and ceremonial places due to their abundant food and water sources. Ancient thrombolites found within these lakes are recognised scientifically as some of the world’s oldest living organisms, while Noongar people also view them as spiritually significant, connected to the Wagyl and used as markers within songlines and navigation.
Guests will gain insights into traditional Noongar practices including bush foods, medicinal plants, totems, skin groups and cultural responsibilities to care for Country. Along the walk, Steven Jacobs shares personal stories, humour and cultural knowledge in an approachable and deeply moving way, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and reflection.
Flora & Fauna
The Rockingham Foreshore and surrounding wetlands are home to a rich variety of coastal flora, birdlife and marine ecosystems that have supported Noongar people for thousands of years.
Guests may encounter native coastal vegetation including peppermint trees, traditionally valued for their medicinal properties, along with bullrushes found around freshwater lakes and wetlands. Bullrushes were an important traditional food source and were also used in practical applications such as weaving and crafting.
The coastline and nearby estuarine environments are known for yellowfin whiting, a culturally significant species connected to local Dreaming stories shared throughout the tour. Traditionally, fish and other coastal resources were sustainably gathered and cooked over open fires using native herbs and seasonal knowledge passed through generations.
The area’s wetlands also support a diversity of birdlife and aquatic species, while the ancient thrombolites at nearby Lake Richmond represent one of the oldest living life forms on Earth. These rare microbial structures continue to grow slowly over thousands of years and remain both ecologically and culturally significant.
As guests walk the foreshore, the experience encourages a deeper appreciation for the interconnected relationship between culture, landscape, waterways and wildlife on Whadjuk Noongar Country.
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 In Culture Tours and Hidden deTours for their input in creating this content.
Less than 1 hour
0.2km
Family Friendly
