Boodja Gnarning Walk (1.8km)

The Boodja Gnarning Walk offers a unique opportunity to connect with the oldest continuous living culture in the world—the Noongar people of south-west Western Australia. This self-guided walk, set within the tranquil surroundings of Kings Park and Botanic Garden, invites you to discover the traditional foods, tools, medicines, and shelters of the Noongar people. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the cultural history of the land and experience the significance of the area to its traditional custodians. The walk spans 1.8 kilometres, rated as a grade 2, and typically takes about an hour to complete.

As you step onto the path, you are welcomed into Noongar country, a region that extends from south of Geraldton to Esperance along the south-west coast. The walk leads you through Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park), an area historically visited by several Noongar tribes for ceremony, celebration, and hunting. Today, it remains a gathering place, celebrated for its rare natural beauty and spiritual significance. The walk is divided into two main tracks—the women’s and men’s tracks—both of which guide you through the Western Australian Botanic Garden, offering insight into the plants and places that were vital to the Noongar way of life.

The first section of the walk, before it splits into separate tracks, covers 1 kilometre on hard ground with slight inclines, and takes about 30 minutes to walk. As you continue, the men’s track, or Maarm Track, stretches 1.4 kilometres and leads you to the Place of Reflection at Roe Gardens, providing a deeper connection with the land. This track is on a mix of soft and hard ground with medium inclines and usually takes about 60 minutes to complete.

The women’s track, known as Yorgra Track, is shorter at 800 metres and offers a more intimate walk near the Water Garden, looping back via the Banksia Garden and Pioneer Women’s Memorial. This area, once a women-only precinct where births took place, carries a special significance and adds a layer of depth to the walk. The women’s track is on hard ground with slight to moderate inclines and takes around 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

The Boodja Gnarning Walk is a reflective journey, guiding you through a landscape rich with cultural meaning. The signs along the route provide insight into the Noongar people’s connection to the land, offering a greater understanding of how plants were used for food, medicine, and shelter. This walk is more than just a stroll—it’s an invitation to learn about and appreciate the deep history of the land you’re walking on.