Everyone is welcome to join this unique and enriching experience with respected Aboriginal Elders and emerging cultural leaders. Stories, experiences, and knowledge will be shared across generations, honouring the strength, vision, and legacy of Aboriginal people and culture.

The Cultural Yarn will include separate men’s and women’s yarning circles, a traditional Noongar dance performance, and a shared meal featuring native ingredients.

The yarning circles will explore deep connections to Whadjuk Boodja (Country) as well as the rich history and significance of Wadjemup.

Drawing on artefacts from the Wadjemup Museum – including one of the largest collections of Aboriginal glass artefacts in Australia – the yarning will weave together stories of community and culture, from traditional lore and personal narratives to contemporary practices and aspirations for the future.

Honouring Past and Future Generations

In Noongar language, djoowak means future and previous generations. The Djoowak Yarn honours the 2025 NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, and represents the responsibility to honour those who came before us, while guiding those yet to come.

Important notes:

• This family-friendly event is free to attend but registration is required due to limited capacity.
• Please ensure you register all members of your group, including children.
• We invite people of all genders to join. Children are also welcome; however, they must always be accompanied by an adult and supervised throughout the event.

Event subject to change.

Program & Schedule

The event will begin at 11:30 am with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Elders, followed by an Aboriginal dance performance. Guests will then break into male and female yarning circles to engage in reflection and conversations about traditional lore including art, culture, and contemporary practices of today.

The yarning will include the sharing of food featuring native flavours and ingredients from Aboriginal cater Gather Foods which is complimentary for those who attend.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available.

Where to Find the Event

This event takes place in the Wadjemup Museum Yarning Circle area within Wadjemup Museum Sculpture Garden adjacent to the museum. 

You will find Wadjemup Museum behind the settlement mall on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, an easy walk from the main jetty in Thomson Bay. 

Ferry Travel

Ferry tickets to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island are not included in your event registration, so don’t forget to book your tickets now with:

SeaLink Rottnest

Rottnest Express

Rottnest Fast Ferries

About the Event

This event is presented by the Rottnest Island Authority which aims to bring a series of Aboriginal cultural experiences to and around the Wadjemup Museum on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.

Cultural Yarns offers all people, including visitors, the opportunity to connect with and learn about Aboriginal culture. The initiative also aims to build capacity for emerging Aboriginal presenters and leaders to enter cultural heritage and the tourism sector.

Emerging leaders for Cultural Yarns will be mentored and guided by Elders.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people as the Traditional Owners of Wadjemup, their continued connection to the island and its waters, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. 

We pay respect to all Aboriginal people affected by the historical use of Wadjemup as a place of unjust incarceration, especially the men and boys whose bodies remain at Wadjemup, and to the families and descendants who lost them.