Karla Bidi

A Lotterywest community experience

First Nations / Free

A Perth Festival commission 
 
This is Karla Bidi (meaning Fire Trail), a beacon of light, a campfire, an invitation. Karla Bidi is our way of letting you know that we are here, that you are welcome and that this festival is for you. We invite you to explore the trail of beacons lining the Derbarl Yerrigan – from the hills in Guildford all the way to the sea in Walyalup. 

Dates & Times

Mon 17 – Sun 23 Feb 7.35pm John Tonkin closed Thu 20 Feb
Mon 24 Feb – Sun 2 Mar 7.30pm 

Access

Tickets

Free event

Notes

  • This is a sound, music and light installation.

  • The soundscape will run for 15 minutes and after a brief pause will start again. 

  • Karla Bidi takes place in beautiful outdoor locations along the Derbarl Yerrigan. As you move through these natural spaces, please be mindful of your surroundings, watch your step, and take care to ensure your safety while respecting the environment. 

A Perth Festival commission 
 
This is Karla Bidi (meaning Fire Trail), a beacon of light, a campfire, an invitation. Karla Bidi is our way of letting you know that we are here, that you are welcome and that this festival is for you. We invite you to explore the trail of beacons lining the Derbarl Yerrigan – from the hills in Guildford all the way to the sea in Walyalup. 

More info

Click the link to view the precise map location for each beacon.

dabakarn kaaditj, dabakarn koort | calm mind, calm heart,

We invite you to walk into the space, to open your senses, to find a spot to sit down and experience Karla Bidi. Look up to the burning fire, imagine the old people sitting around, the karla/fire that burns so bright and so tall into the sky, seen from far away. Listen carefully to the sound, to the tide as it rises and falls, to the heart of the river as it beats. Let it wash over you. 

Stay for as long as you’d like, come back again. Follow Karla Bidi from Walyalup to Mandoon, from Fremantle to Guildford. 

You can BYO chair or some seating will be available.

Sun 23 Feb 6.45 – 7.45pm
Beacon on at 7.35pm
Mandoon, Lilac Hill Park | Caversham

Join Noongar maaman and legend, Derek Nannup and environmental consultant Mandy Bamford as they take you on a deep dive on the themes of Karla Bidi, the importance of fire to Noongar culture, to river health and to caring for country. Hosted by Karla Bidi Creative Collaborator Chloe Ogilvie.

Sun 2 Mar 6.30 –  7.30pm 
Beacon on at 7.30pm
Whadjuk Boodjar, Riverside Gardens | Bayswater

Join Noongar Elder Nigel Wilkes and his nephew and Karla Bidi Creative Collaborator Ian Wilkes as they respond to Karla Bidi, as they talk about fire, fishing and caring for the river and staying strong in Noongar culture.

Check out our videos to get more insight into Karla Bidi.

Commissioned and Produced by Perth Festival

Creative Collaborators Ilona McGuire, Jacob Nash, Chloe Ogilvie, Ian Wilkes

With guidance from Vivienne Hansen (Cultural Advisor), Perth Festival Noongar Advisory Circle, Nigel Wilkes & Alta Winmar

Music & Sound Design Collaborators Ned Beckley & Josh Hogan (Envelope Audio)

Environmental Consultant Mandy Bamford

Sculptures built by Plumb Arts Workshop

Cultural Heritage Guidance Karrda

Images Cole Baxter

Capturing your feedback is incredibly important to us so that we can improve your time at our Festival. 

Complete the online survey through the link here for your chance to win a $100 EFTPOS gift card which will be drawn at the end of the Perth Festival season, in March 2025.

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