East Fremantle's popular Niergarup Bidi track, offering views of the Swan River, has been revamped with new interpretive signage featuring Nyoongar language translations as part of reconciliation efforts.
New signs unveiled
The five new signs were unveiled on June 15 in front of local primary school students, Town of East Fremantle council representatives, and members of the town's reconciliation action group. The interpretive signage, which has been on the track since 2001 and was last replaced in 2012, now includes additional Nyoongar language translations.
East Fremantle mayor Tony Natale said the new signs were steps in recognising both the Bidi's cultural heritage and the town's reconciliation journey. “We were particularly committed to adding more Nyoongar language translations,” he said. “Through projects like this, the town is working to ensure stories are not only preserved but made visible, valued and shared with future generations.”
Cultural significance
Known as 'the place where the pelicans meet', Niergarup Bidi has been used for ceremonies and as a hunting ground by the Beeliar people for centuries. The town worked closely with its reconciliation action group and Elder Neville Collard to update the information on the signs.
The track begins on Merv Cowan Reserve's clifftop before snaking its way along the foreshore. The five updated signs can be found along the 1.2km track, featuring insights from early settler and Nyoongar histories.
Community concerns addressed
Community concerns had recently been raised over the Niergarup track being too slippery and causing accidents for walkers. Locals requested more signage be installed to warn people at the February council meeting. The town confirmed with PerthNow that following this, a track review was undertaken and advice sought from the town's risk specialists.
The track was confirmed to be functioning as intended as a “natural bush walking trail”, meaning its uneven surfaces and occasional loose limestone material are to be expected in the natural environment. The town advises trail users to wear appropriate footwear and take care when walking on the track.
