Dwaarlindjirraap Art on Country
Learn to paint Nyoongar style. Join Maitland Hill, a proud Aboriginal Nyoongar Balardong marman (man), for an art class on Country and learn the techniques of painting in traditional Nyoongar style.
Maitland's artwork showcases Aboriginal knowledge about Boodja (country) and gives respect to his Ancestors and the Dreamtime. He paints a depiction of Nyoongar landscapes in acrylic/watercolour on canvas, traditional paperbark, and pyrography on plywood, using natural materials including traditional ochre (used for ceremonial body paint) and bush gum resins. A distinctive feature of Nyoongar artwork is the use of light and colour in the brilliant portrayal of the rich sunsets – red, yellow, gold and black trees.
Location
Dwaarlindjirraap, Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup
What to expect
With excellent visitor facilities and great river access, Dwaarlindjirraap is one of the most popular sites in Lane Poole Reserve.
Located on the site of the old Baden Powell Campground, which was relocated in 2012, Dwaarlindjirraap has a large car park with sealed road access and excellent facilities right by the river. It is also a popular swimming spot.
Experience HIghlights:
- An art class on country painting in traditional Nyoongar style.
- Welcome to Country in Nyoongar language by maitland.
- Billy tea & damper.
- Wattleseed muffins with Quandong jam.
This tour is suitable for beginners to professionals. All art materials are supplied and Maitland includes a delicious morning tea including Damper, Wattle seed muffins and Quandong jam, washed down with a fresh billy tea.
What is included
Tour operates one Sunday per month from 10:00am - 1:00pm.
Bookings essential. This experience is approximately 3 hours plus travel time from Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre. (Approximately 20-30 minutes each way).
Tour includes:
- Aboriginal guide
- Billy tea, damper and Wattleseed muffins with Quandong jam.
- All art materials – acrylic paints, brushes and canvas.
Very Important:
- Drinking water is not available - Please bring water with you.
- Bring your own chair to sit on
Meeting point
Dwaarlindjirraap, Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup, approximately 20 minute drive from Dwellingup town centre. GPS: -32.7716, 116.085
What to bring
- Hat
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Sunglasses
- Sturdy Footwear
- Chair
YOUR EXPERIENCE PROVIDER
Kaarak Dreaming
Kaarak Dreaming is owned and operated by Maitland Hill, a proud Aboriginal Nyoongar Balardong marman (man), with strong traditional connections to the Aboriginal peoples from the South West of Western Australia. His traditional cultural bloodlines are connected to the tribal regions of Balardong, Wilman and Kaniyan in the South West of Western Australia.
Maintland’s connection to Boodja (country) runs along an Ancient Dreaming Trail known as a Songline to Aboriginal people. He lives on that Songline in a small town called Dwellingup which is in the tribal region of Wilman, which was his grandfathers’ country before him. Dwellingup is the perfect country escape just 1.5 hours drive south from Perth.
Dwellingup is a sacred spiritual dreaming place for Maitland and his ancestors and is how Karaak Dreaming Maitland’s Cultural Tours was created, to share his cultural katadjin (knowledge). Maitland is passionate about his culture and enjoys taking people on a journey back back in time to explore the ancient ways of his ancestors.
Maitland’s tours are richly steeped in cultural authenticity and include Nyoongar dreaming stories about spiritual beliefs, including animal totems. Maitland’s spiritual totem is the red-tailed black cockatoo, the Kaarak, in Nyoongar language. Kaarak Dreaming Maitland’s Cultural Tours business name is respect for his totem, and for his country. Maitland wears the red-tailed feathers in his hair or hat as respect for his totem, the Kaarak. Dwellingup is also home to the red-tailed black cockatoo.
Key Experiences:
Step into the dreamtime and learn about ancient dreaming stories and join in a yarning circle.
Experience Nyoongar culture and history.
Discover traditional ways of reading the land and join in sand-mapping.
Learn about Nyoongar bush medicinal plants and native foods.
See traditional fire making and join in a smoking ceremony.
Listen to the didgeridoo being played while enjoying billy tea and damper.
Join Maitland in painting on Country and learn to paint artworks Nyoongar style.
Be guided on an ancient dreaming trail bush walk while learning about traditional hunting.
Dwaarlindjirraap Art on Country
