The first people of Perth, the Whadjuk People of the Nyoongar Nation, were our original artists, creators and innovators. The Whadjuk People lived in harmony with the natural environment around them for thousands of years; painting, drawing, sculpture and storytelling was a way of life and often a means of communication.

Today as you walk through the modern precincts of Perth City, take a closer look and discover galleries, architecture, public art installations, walking trails and retail outlets where you can learn, acknowledge and even buy some authentic Aboriginal art, craft or souvenirs for your own collection.

Yagan Square Precinct

Yagan Square

Creative Native

Aboriginal Art, Gifts and Souvenirs | Forrest Chase, Murray Street Mall

Creative Native is host to hundreds of unique authentic Aboriginal artworks, artefacts, gifts, jewellery, homewares and souvenirs big and small in their Murray Street Mall showroom.

Aboriginal culture is celebrated here with regular Dreamtime storytelling; artist-in-house events; Welcome to Country ceremonies; and art workshops by local Aboriginal artists. You can even try your hand at playing a didgeridoo at scheduled times which brings a heart-warming melody to the city (when played by a professional of course!).

Creative Native is a member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia and Indigenous Art Code.

Elizabeth Quay Precinct

Elizabeth Quay | Perth CBD

Elizabeth Quay is Perth’s picturesque waterfront precinct with sensational views to be admired and photographed (day or night) in every direction. Overlooking the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan in Nyoongar language), Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba), and the Perth City skyline, it is an absolute joy to take a leisurely stroll throughout the Quay and discover a variety of Aboriginal art installations, mosaics, statues, lighting displays and cultural themes throughout its modern design, architecture and Public Art Walk.

‘First Contact’, a five-metre tall, cast aluminium artwork by renowned indigenous artist, Laurel Nannup, is a key highlight (beautifully lit at night); it is inspired by the story of European boats arriving on the Swan River as depicted by the Nyoongar People. ‘Blade Walls’ across the precinct offer a funky way to exhibit art works by local emerging Aboriginal artists.

With so much to soak in, and the variety of new hotels, food and beverage offerings, regular events, cruises, Aboriginal guided tours and cool vibes at Elizabeth Quay, there is no better time to check out the Quay’s Public Art Walk Map and take a self-guided tour!

Optus Stadium Park Art

Optus Stadium and Stadium Park

Optus Stadium and the surrounding Stadium Park is located on the eastern shores of the Swan River with scenic views over Matagarup Bridge and the Perth City skyline beyond. Perth’s newest precinct acknowledges the site’s Aboriginal heritage and with guidance from the Whadjuk Working Party, it offers a celebration of Western Australia’s Aboriginal culture within the design, architecture and permanent artworks.

Stadium Park is a beautiful riverside location to walk, run or play in with, indigenous drought-resistant plants incorporated into the landscaping design. The Optus Stadium facade is the canvas for Nyoongar prose and two 4.2-metre cast bronze Message Sticks by Barry McGuire, a well-known Western Australian Aboriginal artist, are situated north-west and south-west of Stadium Park along the Boardwalk.

Learn about Aboriginal history in the area with an upcoming tour by Warrang-Bridil or explore on your own time using the Stadium Park map.

Kings Park

Aboriginal Art, Gifts and Experiences | Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Works by Aboriginal artists from the Aboriginal Art Gallery at Kings Park and Botanic Garden will soon be relocated to the Aspects of Kings Park gallery shop. A great opportunity to rediscover Kings Park – Western Australia’s most visited destination.

While you are there, check out the ‘Boodja Gnarning Walk’ (living off the land) featuring self-guided or Aboriginal guided walks amongst spectacular gardens discovering traditional foods, tools, medicines and shelter of the Nyoongar People from the south-west of Western Australia.

We acknowledge the Whadjuk Nyoongar people, Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where the City of Perth is today and pay our respects to Elders past and present.