Sprit of the town

Gwoonwardu embodies both a place and a spirit, representing the waters beneath and around Carnarvon. This area is steeped in cultural significance and rich in storytelling.

According to local legend, the sacred saltwater snake, Bibbawarra, and the freshwater snake, Jiggabirri, once inhabited Chinaman's Pool. Their epic battle created a massive whirlpool, leading to tidal surges and storms that caused the Gascoyne River to overflow, flooding the land.

Bibbawarra eventually moved, carving a new creek and leaving a salty trace, reflective of his saltwater origins. Today, these areas are still known as Bibbawarra and Jiggabirri, believed to hold the spirit of the snakes. The land promises fresh water, thanks to the enduring presence of the creek's spirit.

Occasionally, the snakes' mythical battles continue, bringing high tides and torrential rains that can flood the region. Their legacy lives on, woven into the natural and cultural fabric of the area.