Noongar Mythology
Noongar mythology represents the ancient spiritual traditions of the Noongar people, the First Nations custodians of Southwest Australia. Their stories form part of the wider Dreaming — or Nyitting — but have distinct regional features shaped by the forests, rivers, coastlines, and plains of their homeland. Noongar cosmology reflects a profound connection between people, land, and ancestral presence, emphasizing respect, balance, and the sacred duties of caring for Country.
A central figure in Noongar mythology is the Waugal (or Wagyl), the great rainbow serpent responsible for creating rivers, lakes, and water sources across the southwest. As the Waugal travelled through the land during the Nyitting, its movements carved out the Swan River, waterways, and wetlands that remain vital to Noongar culture today. The serpent is both a creator and protector of water, and many sites associated with its journey are sacred and continue to be respected.
Noongar mythology is deeply connected to seasonal knowledge. The Noongar people recognize six distinct seasons, each associated with specific changes in nature, animal behavior, and cultural practices. These seasons are understood through ancestral teachings that guide hunting, gathering, and caretaking of the environment. Such knowledge is woven into Dreaming stories that teach how to live sustainably with the land.
Ancestral spirits and cultural heroes also play significant roles in Noongar traditions. Stories of the Dwert (spirit dogs), sky beings, cultural law-givers, and trickster figures convey moral lessons about responsibility, kinship, and respect for sacred laws. These stories are shared through oral history, song, dance, and art, preserving cultural memory across generations.
Noongar mythology emphasizes the importance of Country as a living entity. Every feature of the landscape — hills, rocks, trees, and coastline — carries spiritual significance. Certain places are restricted to specific families or gender groups, while others serve as ceremonial grounds, teaching sites, or gathering places. Maintaining these connections is central to identity and community well-being.
Despite colonization and cultural disruption, Noongar mythology remains strong and continues to thrive through storytelling, cultural revival programs, language preservation, and performance. Contemporary Noongar artists and knowledge holders play a vital role in keeping Dreaming stories alive while ensuring that sacred knowledge is respected and protected.
Noongar mythology stands as a powerful expression of resilience, ancestral wisdom, and cultural belonging — a living Dreaming that continues to shape and guide Noongar people across Southwest Australia.