Food from the land

For thousands of years, Aboriginal people have lived in harmony with Country, gathering food from the land and sea using knowledge passed down through generations. Every season brings different plants, animals and seafood, and knowing when and where to find them is an important part of caring for Country.

One well-known bush food of the Gascoyne is the Yunggurrji, known as Jurrugu by Bayungu speakers and more widely as the Perentie. As Australia’s largest lizard, the perentie has long been an important traditional food.

Traditional Law guides when and how food is gathered. These customs show respect for both the animals and the people, helping ensure that resources are shared responsibly and remain available for future generations.

The Gascoyne landscape also provides many other bush foods, including edible fruits, seeds, roots, honey, fish and shellfish. Each food has its own season and story, with Elders teaching younger generations how to identify, harvest and prepare them safely.

Today, this knowledge continues to connect people with Country. It reminds us that the land is more than a place to live, it is a source of nourishment, culture and identity.

Did You Know?

• 🦎 The Perentie (Yunggurrji) is Australia’s largest lizard and can grow to more than 2.5 metres long.
• 🌿 Aboriginal people have developed detailed knowledge of seasonal bush foods over tens of thousands of years.
• 🐟 The Gascoyne’s rivers, coastline and bush provide a rich variety of traditional foods throughout the year.
• 🤝 Traditional harvesting follows cultural laws that help care for Country and ensure food remains plentiful for future generations.