Western Australia has been continuously evolving for millennia, shaped by geological forces, changing climates, and the deep, enduring presence of human life. But how exactly has human activity—past and present—left its mark on this vast and diverse environment?

This thought-provoking exhibition invites you to explore the cultural, economic, and social impacts of human engagement with the land, tracing a complex and layered history of interaction, adaptation, and transformation. From the time of the first peoples, who have lived on and cared for this country for tens of thousands of years, to the arrival of European settlers and the waves of industrial and technological change that followed, every phase of history has brought new ways of understanding and relating to the environment.

Gain insight into the sophisticated knowledge systems of Australia’s First Nations peoples, whose deep relationship with the land is grounded in observation, sustainability, and respect. Learn how fire, seasons, and careful land management have long been used not only to protect ecosystems but to enhance their abundance and productivity.

Delve into the impacts of colonisation, agriculture, mining, and urban development—industries that have both supported communities and left lasting ecological footprints. Reflect on how the availability, scarcity, or exploitation of natural resources has shaped settlement patterns, economic priorities, and social structures across the region.

Consider how today’s choices—about energy, water, biodiversity, and climate—will affect the Western Australia of tomorrow. Through interactive displays, personal stories, and historical and scientific perspectives, the exhibition encourages you to debate, discuss, and critically engage with the question: how have we adapted to our landscape, and how have we transformed it—sometimes at great cost—to suit our needs?

By examining the past and confronting the present, this exhibition challenges us all to imagine and work toward a more balanced, informed, and sustainable future.