Perth / Boorloo seasons follow the natural rhythms and cycles of land, river and sky that have shaped the lives of the Wadjuk Nyoongar people for millennia. Every seasonal shift brings a new way to see and experience the city and profoundly meaningful ways to connect to Country.
Birak: First Summer
December - January
Blissfully warm, dry days and cooling afternoon sea breezes, Birak has always drawn people down to the Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan and the ocean beyond. This is a time of plentiful feasts of fish, prawns and crabs seasoned with beach and bush herbs.
Take a walk on Country with a Nyoongar guide and learn how their traditional use of fire brought new life to Country. Watch for fledglings taking their first flight, baby frogs leaping into adulthood and daring big-show acts as Fringe Festival hits town.
Bunuru: Second Summer
February - March
The hottest days and longest balmy evenings are, and always have been, a time for enjoying cooling dips and sharing the abundance of freshwater and seafood with family and friends.
It’s when the air is filled with the sweet scent of creamy white gum blossoms and the buzz of Australia’s longest-running arts festival – Perth Festival. And while reptiles quietly bask on the rocks, sundowners fill every rooftop and waterfront bar with chatter and beats.
Djeran: Autumn
April - May
Cooler days and lighter breezes return, filled with the heady scent of morning dew and quenching rains. A morning in Kings Park / Kaarta Koomba awakens all the senses as the bush re-generates with fresh green shoots, red flowering gums and golden Banksias. Nyoongar guides share the traditional tools of the hunting season and the city shares big laughs as Perth Comedy Festival takes over every precinct.
Makuru: Winter
June - July
The season of verdant growth and vibrant rainbows. This is the coolest and wettest time of the year, when the waters and wetlands of the Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan are brimming. Elegant black swans / Mali are gathering to nest and breed, and foodies are foraging the finest tastemakers at the Good Food and Wine Show.
All around, the coolness is reflected in blue and purple blooms and a beautiful quiet stillness on Perth / Boorloo’s beaches and its island playground of Rottnest.
Djilba: First Spring
August - September
The first bursts of white peppermint tree blossom signal the return of warmer, sunnier days and the arrival of the largest and longest wildflower season on Earth.
Newborn birds are emerging and learning to forage for food under the watchful eye of chattering parents . And just above the city, on the crest and slopes of Mount Eliza / Kata Moor, over 3,000 species of native flora fill botanical gardens with a riot of colour, heralding the opening of Everlasting Kings Park Festival.
Kambarang: Second Spring
October - November
Spring’s colours continue to delight, with delicate orchids playing peekaboo in the undergrowth and blooms turning golden as the days grow warmer – from the buttery pom-poms of acacias to the vivid orange flame of the moojar (Australian Christmas Tree).
On Whadjuk Nyoongar Boodjar Country, this is the season for harvesting yams, tree nuts, quandongs and sweet bush tomatoes. No better time to cruise the Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan to Perth / Boorloo’s wine region for wine and bush tucker tastings.
