Halls Creek, located in the heart of Western Australia’s Kimberley region, is not only known for its gold rush history but also for its deep cultural connection to the land. The town is situated on the traditional lands of the Jaru and Kija people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. This part of the Kimberley is rich with Indigenous stories, art, and cultural sites that reflect the ancient traditions and deep spiritual significance of the land. For visitors looking to connect with the region’s Indigenous culture, Halls Creek offers a range of must-visit sites and immersive tours that provide an authentic and respectful experience. Here’s your guide to discovering the Indigenous heritage of Halls Creek.
1. Yarliyil Art Centre: Celebrating Local Artists
One of the best places to experience the creativity and cultural expression of the local Indigenous community is the Yarliyil Art Centre. Located in the heart of Halls Creek, this community-run centre showcases the work of talented local artists, many of whom are Jaru and Kija people. The artworks at Yarliyil are a reflection of the deep connection the artists have with the land, featuring vibrant paintings that depict traditional Dreamtime stories, landscapes, and native animals.
Visitors to the art centre can meet the artists, learn about the cultural significance of the pieces, and even purchase original artworks directly from the creators. Supporting the Yarliyil Art Centre is a meaningful way to contribute to the local community while taking home a unique piece of Indigenous art.
What we love: The chance to meet local artists and learn about the stories behind their work while supporting Indigenous culture.
Good to know: The art centre also offers workshops where visitors can try their hand at traditional painting techniques under the guidance of experienced artists.
Location: 300 Great Northern Hwy, Halls Creek WA 6770
2. Wolfe Creek Crater: Indigenous Stories and Significance
Wolfe Creek Crater, known as Kandimalal to the local Indigenous people, is not only a natural wonder but also a site of deep spiritual significance. According to Indigenous Dreamtime stories, the crater was formed by the Rainbow Serpent, a powerful ancestral being who shaped the landscape. The site holds a special place in the cultural traditions of the Jaru people, who continue to pass down stories about its creation.
Visitors to Wolfe Creek Crater can learn about the spiritual importance of the site through guided tours led by Traditional Owners. These tours offer a unique opportunity to hear ancient stories and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of this remarkable geological feature.
What we love: The opportunity to connect with ancient Dreamtime stories and learn about the cultural significance of Wolfe Creek Crater from Traditional Owners.
Good to know: Wolfe Creek Crater is located about 150 kilometres south of Halls Creek, and a 4WD vehicle is recommended for the journey.
Location: Wolfe Creek Crater, Tanami Road, WA 6770
Image © Tourism Western Australia and credit @aeroture_au on social media
3. Moola Bulla Station: A Site of Cultural History
Moola Bulla Station is an important cultural and historical site in the Kimberley, once serving as a government-run Aboriginal station where Indigenous people were forcibly relocated during the early 20th century. The station played a significant role in the displacement and mistreatment of Indigenous communities in the region. Today, Moola Bulla is a place of reflection, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the dark history of colonisation and its lasting impact on the local Indigenous population.
Visiting Moola Bulla allows you to hear stories from the elders who lived through this era and gain an understanding of the resilience and strength of the Indigenous people who survived these hardships.
What we love: The chance to learn about a lesser-known chapter of Australian history and reflect on the strength of the local Indigenous communities.
Good to know: Guided tours of Moola Bulla Station are available, offering deeper insight into the station’s history and significance.
Location: Moola Bulla Station, Halls Creek, WA 6770
4. Guided Bush Tours: Connecting with Country
One of the best ways to experience the Indigenous culture of Halls Creek is by joining a guided bush tour led by local Traditional Owners. These tours offer a hands-on experience of the land, where visitors can learn about traditional bush foods, medicinal plants, and survival techniques that have been passed down through generations. The tours also include storytelling, with guides sharing Dreamtime stories and personal experiences that connect the land with their cultural heritage.
These immersive tours allow visitors to see the Kimberley landscape through the eyes of its traditional custodians, offering a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and cultural significance.
What we love: The opportunity to learn directly from Indigenous guides, gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural practices that have been sustained for thousands of years.
Good to know: Tours vary in length and difficulty, so be sure to choose one that suits your fitness level and interests.
Location: Various locations around Halls Creek
5. Bungle Bungle Range: A Sacred Landscape
The Bungle Bungle Range, located in Purnululu National Park, is not only a natural wonder but also a sacred site for the Kija people. The striking, beehive-shaped domes have been a place of cultural significance for thousands of years, and the range is filled with ancient rock art, ceremonial sites, and Dreamtime stories that explain the creation of the landscape.
Visitors to the Bungle Bungle Range can take guided cultural tours led by Indigenous custodians, who share their deep knowledge of the area’s spiritual significance. These tours offer a chance to explore the range while learning about the sacred relationship the Kija people have with the land.
What we love: The combination of breathtaking natural beauty and deep cultural significance that makes the Bungle Bungle Range a truly special destination.
Good to know: Purnululu National Park is best visited during the dry season (April to November), and guided tours are available from both Halls Creek and Kununurra.
Location: Purnululu National Park, WA 6770
Image © Tourism Western Australia
6. Indigenous Rock Art Sites: Ancient Stories on Stone
The Kimberley region is home to some of the most significant Indigenous rock art in Australia, and Halls Creek is no exception. Several rock art sites in the area feature ancient paintings and carvings that tell stories of the Dreamtime, offering a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual life of the region’s Indigenous people.
Visitors can explore these sites on guided tours, where local guides provide interpretation of the artworks and share the stories behind them. The rock art is not only a visual testament to the long history of the Jaru and Kija people but also a reminder of the enduring connection between the land and its Traditional Owners.
What we love: The chance to see ancient rock art in its natural setting and learn about the stories and symbols behind these remarkable works.
Good to know: Rock art sites are often located in remote areas, so guided tours are recommended to ensure respectful access to these culturally sensitive locations.
Location: Various locations around Halls Creek
7. Indigenous Cultural Festivals and Events
Throughout the year, Halls Creek and the surrounding region host a variety of Indigenous cultural festivals and events that celebrate the traditions, stories, and art of the local communities. These events provide visitors with an opportunity to experience Indigenous culture firsthand, with performances, art exhibitions, and workshops that showcase traditional music, dance, and storytelling.
Participating in these events offers a unique way to engage with the local community and learn more about the cultural practices that continue to thrive in the region today.
What we love: The vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture through music, dance, and art, offering a lively and engaging experience for visitors.
Good to know: Check the local event calendar for upcoming festivals and events during your visit to Halls Creek.
Location: Various locations around Halls Creek
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Final Thoughts
Halls Creek is a gateway to the rich cultural heritage of the Jaru and Kija people, offering visitors the chance to explore sacred landscapes, discover ancient rock art, and connect with the land through the eyes of its Traditional Owners. Whether you’re visiting art centres, taking guided bush tours, or learning about the spiritual significance of natural landmarks, Halls Creek provides an immersive and respectful experience of Indigenous culture that is both educational and deeply moving.