Fern Pool - WA

Great swimming hole with timber board walk and small jetty all covered by magnificent fig tree. Short walk west from Fortescue Falls. Not well sign posted. Jubura Fern Pool - A special place Fern Pool' is an important cultural site for Banyjima Aboriginal people. The 'yinda' or permanent pool was created by the Thurru the 'spiritual snake' as he made his way through the country. Thurru is dangerous. It can bring a big wind if you don't greet him in the proper way. When we visit, we show our respect to Thurru and Kajarling the water snake, by letting them know we belong to this place. This is called the Ullururujgarlu ritual, where we take a mouthful of pool water and spray it back into the pool then say Ngurrara yurlu baja, 'This is my country'. Banyjima elders identify yinda water and gorge springs as culturally significant places of the highest order and knowledge is taught by the old people to know where yinda exists, their language place names and how to look after them. There are special protocols for Banyjima people when visiting a yinda. It is ok for most people if they perform the Ullururujgarlu ritual. We can't eat bajarri the "hill kangaroo' or gurrumanthu 'goanna' before coming to the pool, or the thurru will become very angry. Boys that have just been through law are not allowed to go to any yinda. Banyjima people invite visitors to enjoy this place but do so respectfully. Please don't yell or make loud noises. Keep access to the pool ladders clear so people don't jump or dive into the pool, and don't climb on the waterfall.