A vast trail of dance and sound performances about climate action and hope will open up for visitors to southern WA in coming months.
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The Stars Descend is a self-drive itinerary unfolding over five locations along the 1000-kilometre Gondwana Link environmental pathway.
Along the way travellers will learn about the environmental and cultural significance of the region and enjoy performances by Indigenous artists.
Each performance is unique and happens only once. Performances take place in spectacular outdoor settings and celebrate the rich biodiversity and ongoing restoration of the wildlife pathway, supported by Gondwana Link.
The story begins in Margaret River on March 17 and ends in Kalgoorlie on April 1.
Along the way, artists will perform at Northcliffe on March 19, Porongurup on March 24 and Fitzgerald Biosphere (near Ravensthorpe) on March 26.
As travellers follow the dance performances, they can also explore the array of community organisations and Indigenous tour businesses engaged in environmental restoration and cultural experiences.
Dance producer and project Annette Carmichael says the project is inspired and informed by consultation with Indigenous elders, scientists and ecological groups.
"It is co-created by some of the state's most talented choreographers, sound designers and visual artists, and performed by local people who care about the incredible ecology of their community," she said.
Highlighting the importance of the region, she added: "The south-western corner of Australia is internationally recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, partly because of its richness of species, but also because its species and communities are being lost to a host of environmental impacts.
Scientists and conservationists say two-thirds of the vegetation in south-western Australia has been cleared.
According to experts, over much of the agricultural region, many local government areas have less than 5-10 per cent of their original bushland, much of it fragmented.
It is feared that unless these bushland areas are reconnected and managed carefully, they will continue to degrade and lose even more "common" species, as well as those that are already threatened.
"By travelling with us through the 1000km-plus of Gondwana Link, audience members will experience forests, mallee and heathlands, and the world's largest temperate woodland," Carmichael said,
Gondwana Link chief executive Keith Bradby said: "They will see first-hand the importance of achieving a reconnected country in which ecosystem function and biodiversity are restored and maintaine.d"
The audience can choose to experience The Stars Descend as a 16-day odyssey or as stand-alone chapters in single locations.
For tickets, book HERE.
If accommodation is needed, tourism is booming in the southern part of WA during March and April, so it is wise to book early.
For more information on each performance and things to see and do at each segment of the Gondwana Link, click on the following:
