The garden celebrates the diversity of local flora and the traditional knowledge of the Noongar people. Through community workshops, educational programs and self-guided walks, the goal is to give visitors a deeper appreciation of the rich history of our community and the many uses of endemic species. The garden contains almost 60 species of local plants that have traditional significance to the Noongar people and that can be used today for contemporary bush cuisine, eco-dyeing and textile arts.
The space also features artwork by local artists and community members, and a Noongar-English word wall, offering visitors a chance to learn more about the local Noongar language.
The brochure describes 12 of these plants, selected not only because of their fascinating stories, but because they are now available in nurseries for the home garden. We encourage you to plant local native species to support our wildlife and create a sustainable resource for further exploration of these wonderful plants.
For more information relating to the Koolbardi Bidi cultural garden, please contact the Garden Manager, Helen Coleman, at helen.coleman@mandurah.wa.gov.au.
Please note: As with all bush food experimentation, it is vital to correctly identify plants before tasting, and start with a small sample to check for any adverse effects.
The garden is maintained by volunteers. For information on volunteering opportunities with the City of Mandurah, please visit our volunteering page for current openings.
UPDATE (21 July 2020):
In accordance with WA Government’s Phase 4 easing of restrictions and guidelines, the following changes are occurring in the delivery of City facilities and services:
CASM gallery administration along with access to the Koolbardi Bidi cultural garden opened on 8 June at restricted hours Wed - Fri, 10am - 2pm or by appointment.
