Stories of Wadjemup
Imagine a place where the whispers of ancient spirits dance on the sea, where time seems to stand still, and where the land itself holds the memories of thousands of years. This is Wadjemup, known to many as Rottnest Island, a jewel in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. But Wadjemup is far more than just a picturesque holiday destination; it’s a sacred site steeped in rich Aboriginal cultural heritage and profound spiritual significance.
As someone who has lived and worked alongside Aboriginal people in the deserts of Australia, I have been deeply moved by their history, culture, and connection to the land. My time with the Aboriginal people, where I had the privilege of learning and listening to their stories, ignited a passion in me to help protect and share these incredible traditions. This passion is reflected in the work I do today, and I believe it is so important to honor and share the stories of Australia’s Aboriginal people. Sharing their stories allows me to feel a sense of responsibility and a deep protection for our land. I am driven by a commitment to educate others, and I want everyone to hear the powerful, enduring stories that Aboriginal people have to share.
As I share these stories with you today, I want to invite you to understand the spiritual significance of this land, not just as a Rotto day trip, but as a place that has shaped the lives of the Noongar people for over 50,000 years. Rottnest Island’s traditional Noongar name, Wadjemup, basically means ‘the place across the water where the spirits lie.’ The name itself speaks to its deep spiritual importance.
The Noongar People: Guardians of the Land
The Noongar people have lived in the southwest of Australia for over 70,000 years, their connection to this land stretching back to ancient times. Across Australia, there are more than 250 recognised Aboriginal countries, each with their own language and customs. At one time, these nations spoke up to 700 different dialects, sadly, only around 50 are still actively spoken today. The Noongar language is one of those that endures, keeping the stories, songs, and traditions of the past alive.
Wadjemup Island: A Site for Ceremony
Before the Ice Age, around 7,000 to 8,000 years ago, Rottnest was connected to the Australian mainland, allowing free passage for Aboriginal people. They viewed the island as a sacred place, where spiritual ceremonies were held and the spirits of their ancestors rested. The island’s isolation after the Ice Age only heightened its spiritual significance, turning it into a place for reflection and connection to the Dreamtime.
For the Noongar people, the Dreamtime (Nyitting) describes a time when ancestral beings shaped the land, creating natural features such as rivers and lakes, as well as the flora and fauna as they moved across the earth. Their stories, songs, and dances tell of survival, respect for nature, and the importance of maintaining balance with the land.
One of the key beliefs is that if you respect the land, the land will take care of you. This is why protecting places like Wadjemup Island is so important. It’s not just about preserving a beautiful place, but also about honoring the wisdom and connection that the Noongar people have maintained for tens of thousands of years.
Archaeological evidence on Rottnest includes Aboriginal stone tools and other artifacts, telling the story of their ancient connection to this place. This highlights that the Noongar people have long maintained a presence here, long before the island became isolated. They lived in harmony with the land, following the rhythms of six seasons, and passing down their knowledge (kaatidjin) through generations. The island became even more important as a sacred site after its separation.
Rottnest Island’s Dark History
Sadly, between 1838 and 1931, Rottnest Island became a prison for Aboriginal men and boys. Many of these men were sent to the island for minor offences, such as stealing food or livestock. Over the course of 100 years, it’s estimated that around 4,000 Aboriginal men and boys were imprisoned here. Tragically, about 10% of them did not survive, dying from malnutrition, disease, exhaustion, or abuse. The survivors were often never allowed to return to their families. They were torn from their homes and families, leaving many to wonder if their loved ones ever knew what happened to them. Today, it is believed that every Aboriginal family in Western Australia has ancestors who were imprisoned here.
The buildings you see on the island today, like the historical structures, the lighthouse, and the seaward buildings, were constructed by the very people who were imprisoned here. These structures are now listed under the Aboriginal Heritage Act, ensuring that the painful history of the island is not forgotten.
Honoring the Island’s True Heritage
What happened on Wadjemup Island was cruel, especially considering its sacred status. The island was a place for spirits, not for human suffering. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the island’s true heritage. The island now acknowledges the cultural significance of the Wadjuk Noongar people, and discussions are underway to transform the former prison into an Aboriginal Cultural Centre. This will serve as a space for reflection, education, and healing. Join me cycling around rottnest as I help recount the stories of this magnificent Island
The Dreamtime Story of Wadjemup Island
The Noongar people believe that when a person passes, the wardong (crow) carries their spirit to Kooranup, a place beyond the western end of the island. Here, the Mamong (whale) carries the spirit to its final resting place deep in the ocean. This shows the connection between land, sea, and the Aboriginal spirit world.
Wadjemup reminds us of the story the island has to tell. We only need to take time to listen. It teaches us that true beauty lies not just in what we can see, but in the ancient history, culture, and spirituality that shapes a place.
As the sun sets every day, I’m reminded of the enduring power of connection – to the land, its ancestors, and to each other. In understanding and respecting this connection, we take a step toward healing, reconciliation, and a future where the profound significance of places like Wadjemup is honoured and celebrated by all.
Respectfully Engaging with the Island’s Aboriginal Culture
For those who wish to connect with and learn more about the island’s Aboriginal heritage, I highly recommend booking a “Go Culture” Aboriginal Tour and Experience on Wadjemup. This experience offers an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Noongar people, guided by knowledgeable Aboriginal tour guides who share the rich history, stories, and culture of the island.
The ‘Go Culture’ tours provide a respectful and immersive way to engage with Wadjemup’s cultural significance, teaching visitors how to honor and appreciate the stories of the land. From ancient dreamtime stories to historical accounts, this tour helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual and cultural heritage that has shaped Wadjemup Island for thousands of years.
By participating in these tours, visitors can learn how to respect the island’s sacred sites, connect to the natural environment, and gain a more profound understanding of the ongoing cultural connection that the Noongar people have with this remarkable island.
Free Ways to Learn About Aboriginal History on Rottnest Island
There are several free ways for visitors to engage with and learn about the Aboriginal history of Rottnest Island:
- Wadjemup Museum: Located in the Old Mill and Hay Store, this museum features artifacts, sculptures, and art that showcase the island’s history, including the significant Aboriginal cultural heritage of Wadjemup.
- Free Walking Tours: The Rottnest Volunteer Guides offer free daily walking tours that cover the island’s heritage, wildlife, sustainability, and cultural significance, including the island’s Aboriginal history.
- Online Exhibitions: The Always Wadjemup online exhibition provides a valuable insight into the Aboriginal culture and history of Wadjemup Island, and it’s a great resource for learning from home.
- Visit the Koora-Yeye-Boordawan-Kalyakoorl (Past-Present-Future-Forever) sculpture at the end of the main jetty to learn more about the island’s cultural heritage.
- Explore the island’s hiking routes, including the Ngank Wen Bidi (Sunset Trail) and the Gabbi Karniny Bidi trail, which connect visitors to the land and its history.
