The 6 Seasons of the Wadandi Boodja (Saltwater people).
source: artsmargaretriver.com
We're so accustomed to following the calendar seasons with their fixed astronomical dates. Summer beginning on December 21st in the Southern Hemisphere, winter on June 21st. As if nature operates like clockwork. But what if the natural world is far more nuanced than our neat quarterly divisions suggest?
When I first arrived in Margaret River, I quickly discovered how deeply the local community is connected to the land and its rhythms. It was here that I encountered a different way of understanding the seasons, one the Wadandi (Saltwater) people have refined over thousands of years through careful observation of weather patterns, plant cycles, and animal behavior as the environment transitions from one season to the next.
Birak season: The perfect time for private wine tours in Margaret River and Dunsborough
We're currently entering Birak, the first summer season, traditionally marked by the easing of rains, longer and drier days, gentle offshore winds in the mornings, and the arrival of the afternoon sea breeze. For those booking a private driver for wine tours in the Margaret River region, this is when the magic truly happens.
The ocean warms, winemakers ready themselves for the approaching vintage, and the region comes alive with activity. Rather than following a calendar, Birak arrives when nature says it does. A reminder that the land has its own language, if only we take the time to listen.
Images and colors from Margaret River as I see them through my lens.
Why choose a Private Wine Tour during Birak Season?
As your private driver in Margaret River, I’ve learned that experiencing the region through the rhythm of the Wadandi seasons adds depth and meaning to every winery visit. During Birak:
Perfect weather conditions make outdoor tastings and vineyard walks particularly enjoyable
Pre-vintage energy fills the wineries as winemakers prepare for harvest and summer casual workers arrive in the region
Clear, warm days are ideal for touring multiple wineries without the spring rains and enjoying the scenic views
The afternoon sea breeze provides natural cooling as you travel between venues
The Bonjour Margaret River Difference
When you book a private wine tour with us, you're not just getting transportation between cellar doors. You're gaining a guide who understands the rhythms of this land, who can explain why the vines look different this week compared to last.
Whether you're exploring Margaret River or Dunsborough, our private driver service ensures you experience the region authentically, connected to the land, the seasons, and the stories that make this place truly special.
Ready to experience Margaret River's wine region through the seasons? Book your private wine tour with Bonjour Margaret River and discover why understanding Birak makes all the difference.