YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCES AND LANDMARKS ON THE FAR WEST COAST OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
Home to some of the remote and rugged landscapes in South Australia — the Wirangu, Kokatha, and Mirning peoples are the custodians and traditional owners of the Far West Coast. From sacred sites and ancient landmarks to art and cultural experiences, immerse yourself in the stories and traditions that have shaped this remarkable land. Start exploring the history and culture of Aboriginal Far West Coast with our guide to the best Aboriginal experiences, tours and attractions.
PLACES TO VISIT:
HEAD OF BIGHT, FAR WEST COAST
Head of Bight is one of the most breathtaking natural landmarks on the Far West Coast, where the rugged Bunda Cliffs plunge into the Southern Ocean. This awe-inspiring location is deeply significant to the Mirning people, the traditional custodians of the land, whose Dreaming stories are interwoven with the landscape. From May to October, it’s one of Australia’s best whale-watching spots, with Southern Right Whales migrating along the coastline. Visit the Head of Bight Visitor Centre to learn about the environmental and cultural importance of the area and the Mirning people’s connection to land and sea.
ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES, FAR WEST COAST:
SCOTDESCO
In the heart of wombat country, Scotdesco is an Aboriginal community located along the Eyre Highway, 100 km west of Ceduna. Home to the iconic Big Wombat and Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats, Scotdesco is a family community where visitors can explore the Wirangu people’s cultural heritage and deep connection to the land. Speak with community members, visit nearby rock holes, wander the art gallery, meet local artists, and take home authentic Aboriginal art and ceramics, while gaining a deeper appreciation of Wirangu traditions and stories.
YALATA
Yalata is a remote Aboriginal community located on the eastern end of the Nullarbor Plain alongside the Head of Bight. While the community itself is not open to the public, visitors can stop at the Yalata Roadhouse and Caravan Park along the Eyre Highway, where you’ll find a gallery showcasing original Aboriginal art by local artists from the region, along with food, drinks, and other essentials. Spanning over 450,000 hectares, the Yalata Lands boasts breathtakingly desolate coastal scenery, towering dunes, fringing reefs and little to no trace of the human race. Renowned for surf fishing and dune camping, the Yalata Campground features just 15 campsites along a secluded 55-kilometre private coastline. As part of an Indigenous Protected Area, access is an exclusive privilege—bookings must be made in advance via their website
KOONIBBA
In 1901, the Koonibba Aboriginal Mission was established, although the Wirangu, Kokatha, and Mirning peoples had travelled through the area for thousands of years to visit nearby ceremonial grounds and meeting places. Visit the community to explore the heritage-listed Church of Our Redeemer and the mission history display. Hear Dreaming stories at the Koonibba Rockhole that have been passed down from generation to generation. This is a truly unique way to connect with one of South Australia’s oldest Aboriginal communities and gain a deeper understanding of Koonibba’s history, its ongoing connection to the land, and the culture that continues today.
THINGS TO DO:
EXPLORE AUSTRALIA’S NUCLEAR HISTORY WITH MARALINGA TOURS, MARALINGA VILLAGE
Maralinga, located in the far northwest of Ceduna, is a site of profound historical and cultural significance. Once a location for British nuclear testing between 1956 and 1963, the land carries a complex legacy that is both haunting and educational. It remains deeply important to the Maralinga Tjarutja, the traditional custodians, who have maintained a spiritual connection to the land for tens of thousands of years. Today, Maralinga is a place of reflection, education, and cultural preservation. Join a guided tour with Maralinga Tours to learn about its history, the impact of nuclear testing, and its ongoing significance to the Maralinga Tjarutja people.
MARVEL AT ABORIGINAL ART AND ARTEFACTS AT ARTS CEDUNA, CEDUNA
Explore and experience traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art at Arts Ceduna. Established in 2001, Arts Ceduna supports over 140 artists from Oak Valley, Yalata, Koonibba, and Scotdesco, drawing inspiration from a diverse natural and cultural environment of land, sea, desert, and ancestral stories. Watch artists at work, participate in a lino print, pottery, or painting workshop, and browse the gallery to find a unique piece to take home.
CONNECT WITH ENDANGERED ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES AT THE FAR WEST LANGUAGE CENTRE, CEDUNA
The Far West Languages Centre is one of only two Aboriginal language hubs in South Australia. This vital centre works to revive and preserve the endangered languages of the Wirangu, Gugada (Kokatha), and Mirning peoples. Hear the spoken languages through recordings, try phrases with educational tools, and uncover the cultural stories shaped by these ancient tongues. Through its work, the centre strengthens communities’ connection to their cultural identity, ensuring these languages endure for future generations.
DISCOVER ANCIENT ROCK ART AT MURRAWIJINIE CAVES, NULLARBOR
The Murrawijinie Caves are rich in Aboriginal rock art and natural features. Located on the Nullarbor Plain, just over 10 km north of the Nullarbor Roadhouse, they comprise a series of limestone caves. The name “Murrawijinie” comes from the Kaurna language, meaning “bloody hands,” a reflection of the ochre hand stencils found in the caves. These stencils depict the cultural practices of the First Nations people who once lived in the area and are best seen with a torch. The caves are also known for their limestone formations, hawk and swallow nesting sites, and crystal-clear pools. The First Nations people of the area ask that you respect and enjoy their cultural heritage. You’ll find a signposted dirt track leading to the caves, but it’s best to ask roadhouse staff for specific directions.
KEEP EXPLORING…
Whether you’re looking to taste fresh oysters, explore natural wonders, or experience unforgettable aquatic encounters, escape the crowds and discover the beauty of the Far West Coast with our guide to the best things to do.
