The Nyoongar people, traditional owners of the southwest of WA, recognise six seasons. Djilba typically spans August and September. It’s when the weather transitions from the coldest and wettest season, Makuru (in June and July), to the return of hot weather during Kambarang (in October and November). In Djilba we experience a mix of clear skies, rain and winds, with both cool and warmer days. Wildflowers start blooming and you may spot baby animals emerging around parks and waterways.

This season is a lovely time to get outdoors and enjoy Perth’s natural beauty - though you might still be looking for indoor activities on wet and cold weekends!

So, here are some ways to connect with nature and Nyoongar culture during Djilba this year.

Learn more about the six Nyoongar seasons by visiting the Meeyakba Shane Pickett: Six Seasons exhibition at WA Museum Boola Bardip. It’s a chance to see acclaimed works interpreting the six seasons by a pre-eminent Nyoongar landscape artist. Be quick: the exhibition closes on Sunday 25 August.

Time your visit to the museum to coincide with the Boola Bardip Aboriginal tour, available three days a week, to explore the knowledge, history and achievements of Aboriginal peoples in WA.

You can also make the most of a sunny day to learn more about Indigenous culture in Perth. You could find Aboriginal artworks around the city or follow one of the Karla Yarning Aboriginal heritage walking trails: 

  • This City is Whadjuk Country map explores Whadjuk Nyoongar history before the arrival of white settlers in 1829. You’ll get a feel for the way Whadjuk people lived, traded, hunted, harvested and conducted ceremonies. 

Or take a guided walking tour such as Dreaming in the Quay.

When walking around Elizabeth Quay, the Swan River and Perth’s parks this season, keep a lookout for families of black swans with their fluffy cygnets. 

And why not pack lunch and enjoy one of Perth’s best picnic spots?

Kings Park is not only a great place to spread your picnic rug, but to see West Australian native plants blooming this season. As well as their Discover Kings Park guided tours, which run daily year-round, they have Heart of the Park tours this season, which will take you on lesser known tracks among the banksia woodlands. And you can even pick up a plant for your own garden at the Friends of Kings Park plant sale on Saturday 14 September. 

Finally, book in for a meal at Wildflower. Their menus - ranging from a two-course weekday lunch to an eight-course degustation - change with the Nyoongar seasons, showcasing native ingredients. Through contemporary cuisine, you’ll sample foods and flavours that have sustained people on Nyoongar boodja (Country) for millennia.