Koomal Dreaming

Margaret River WA

For over 50,000 years, the Wadandi and Bibbulman people of the Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River areas of Australia’s south-west have walked this ancient land. Together with other Aboriginal groups from an area that stretches from Kalbarri to Esperance, they are also known as Noongar. The Noongar culture is as rich and varied as the countryside itself, and their knowledge of the environment is truly incredible.

Koomal Dreaming provides an opportunity for visitors to experience Wadandi and Bibbulman country through the eyes of the traditional owners. Wadandi custodian Josh “Koomal” Whiteland will introduce you to the world’s oldest living culture with his authentic, personal interpretation.

From his home base of Dunsborough, Josh Whiteland provides guests with the opportunity to taste native foods, discover bush medicine, and experience traditional fire lighting. Josh recounts stories of the Dreaming spirits that relate to his traditional area, and takes visitors deep into Ngilgi Cave for a uniquely memorable didgeridoo cave experience. Providing a deep connection and lasting memories, Josh will also provide a deeper appreciation of the beautiful and inspiring Cape to Cape region. A limited number of tours are available at the stunning Cape Naturaliste location in Margaret River.

About Josh Whiteland

“Koomal” is the traditional name of Wadandi man Josh Whiteland. Koomal is the Wadandi word for brushtail possum and the totem chosen for him by his Wadandi Elders. Josh was born in Busselton, WA and grew up surrounded by family, culture and a deep understanding of connection to country.

Passionate, learned and spiritually aware, Josh has a personal commitment to sharing his knowledge of his culture and lore with visitors. It is for this reason he created ‘Koomal Dreaming’ so that he could communicate at least part of his connection with his land and his people with guests from around Australia and the world.

Book your Koomal Dreaming experience HERE.

009_20171123_Leeuwin Estate_Drone Vineyards At Dawn

The land of the Wadandi People, Traditional Owners of the Margaret River region.

Geographically isolated and spectacular, Margaret River specialises in memorable regional cuisine and spectacular scenery, where rolling vineyards sit against a backdrop of ocean and forest.

Highly regarded as a producer of powerful yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River is also famous for its white wines, especially its Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends. Margaret River’s ideal climate, good soil and maritime environment produce consistently superior vintages that confirm its reputation as one of the premium wine producing regions of the world.

Located in the far south-west corner of Western Australia, the region is a popular wine destination in a rugged natural setting. As well as its 155 wineries, Margaret River has a vibrant food scene with fine restaurants, boutique breweries, art galleries and fresh produce.

Visit Margaret River and discover an exciting combination of great food and wine, stunning beaches and world-class surf breaks, tall forests, undulating farmland and ancient caves.

HISTORY

The region was ‘discovered’ in the mid 1960s by scientists Professor Harold Olmo and Dr John Gladstones who identified it as a potentially great grape growing region. The region’s first commercial vines were planted in 1967 by regional pioneer Dr Tom Cullity. Viticulture is now firmly established in this relatively young wine region, which celebrated 50 years in 2017.