Western Sydney Parklands | About the Six Dharug Seasons

Gabrugal Yana is an 11km bush walk that connects you with Dharug Country and culture, and the story of six Dharug seasons, told through artwork created by First Nations artists.  

Dharug seasons relate to events such as the flowering of plants, changes in weather patterns and the lifecycles of birds and animals. These six seasons are not based on western calendar dates (eg. summer, autumn, winter and spring) and have been developed from contemporary observations. 

“Our Dharug Ancestors observed subtle indicators of seasonal change such as in temperature, clouds, wind, flora and fauna which assisted in knowing when to burn Country, hunt certain foods and to live in harmony with the Land.” — Naa Nora (to see Country) Dharug exhibition book 2012 

Today Dharug people are in the sensitive process of reclaiming knowledge, revitalising language and reawakening stories. Gabrugal Yana is part of that journey. 

Bunul Marray - warm and wet

Around January – February

Bunnul (sunshine) 

Marray (wet) 

Warmer days bring the mugadung (blue tongue or “sleepy” lizard) who carry energy and new life. 

At the hottest time of year, mugadung gives birth to new lizard life. 

They are passive creatures but when threatened, open their mouths wide and stick out their broad blue tongues. They have strong jaws that crush slow moving prey such as beetles and snails. 

Artwork by Shay Tobin, Djon Mundine, Jamie Eastwood and Balarinji 

Yuruga Burra - hot and thirsty

Around March – April 

Yuruga (hot)  

Burra (sky) 

The annual migration of barra (eel) from the rivers to the ocean indicates the beginning of this season.

This is a signal for people from all over to gather. Barra mimic colours of their environment, such as browns, greens and yellows.  

Artwork by Shay Tobin, Djon Mundine, Jamie Eastwood and Balarinji 

Bayin Dyarra - wet and cooler

Around May – June 

Bayin (cool) 

Dyarra (red)  

During this time, dyarraba (firestick) cultural burning is the sustainable fire practice used to manage and heal ngurra (Country).  

During dyarraba, buru (kangaroo) run from the burning grass. 

Artwork by Shay Tobin, Djon Mundine, Jamie Eastwood and Balarinji 

Dagara - cold and frosty

Around July – August 

Dagara (cold)  

The distinctive call of garad (black cockatoo) signals the coming of rain. 

The presence of garad reminds us our Ancestors are part of Country and still with us. The decisions we make today need to align with the values of our Ancestors. 

Artwork by Shay Tobin, Djon Mundine, Jamie Eastwood and Balarinji 

Dugara Guwara - cold and windy

Around September – October

Dugara (very cold) 

Guwara (windy) 

During this season, maliya (the diamond python) wakes from its hibernation and seek its mate.

Maliya is a common species in the Western Sydney plains and Blue Mountains. They are a known food source for Dharug, but mainly when other foods are unavailable.  

Artwork by Shay Tobin, Djon Mundine, Jamie Eastwood and Balarinji 

Bayin Gura - cool getting warmer

Around November – December

Bayin (cool) 

Gura (warm) 

The dianella plant blooms at the beginning of the warmer summer months. Its flower has a blue/purple and yellow pattern. 

Dianella leaves can be dried and wet again to make them easier to bend and weave into string, nets, bags, baskets and traps. The berries are a popular bush tucker food (do not eat too many though). They are also used to make purple colour dye. 

Artwork by Shay Tobin, Djon Mundine, Jamie Eastwood, Balarinji, Corina Wayali Gili Norman and Venessa Dyubi Gili Possum 