The Bobtail Trail Noongar Advisory Group recently met in Tambellup to discuss this project which links 25 sites across the Great Southern region, encouraging travelers to stop to enjoy an outdoor activity at sites marked with special interpretive signage.

The route, which has so far been known informally as the Bobtail Trail, incorporates the Great Southern Treasures Drive Trail and features locations suitable for activities such as a short hike, a bike ride, canoeing or simply enjoying a stunning view.

At the meeting, seven Elders representing Aboriginal organisations from across the Great Southern region, recommended the use of the Noongar name for bobtail – Yoorn. The trail now be officially known as the Yoorn (Bobtail) Trail.

Robbie Miniter OAM, Cultural Heritage Engagement Officer, has been pivotal in engaging the Noongar community.

“It’s been great to get out into the smaller communities of the Great Southern region to engage with people in the Noongar community. Many of them have a wealth of knowledge and history to share about Country and we’re really keen to see that this information is incorporated into the trail signage plan,” Mr Miniter said.

Trails Program Manager Simon Barras said the information from Noongar Elders is part of a larger interpretive signage project incorporating content related to biodiversity, and culture and history.

“We’re collecting these stories and other information to be displayed along the Great Southern Treasures Yoorn (Bobtail) Trail. The people we have spoken to from across the Great Southern community have been very generous in sharing their special memories, photos, artefacts and memorabilia that gives context to why these places are so important to them.”

For more information about how you can contribute to the project or find out more about the trail, email bobtail@outdoorsgreatsouthern.org.au