Cold days and even colder nights set in as the winter months cover the region and gumanyba (the Seven Sisters constellation) shines. Fog tends to occur in the beginning and end of this season as the warmer air interacts with the cold. Dry south-easterly winds continue to strengthen, forcing cooler weather in from across the desert. Although dry, there is also a chance of winter rainfall.
It’s this time of year when the whales migrate north along the coast. One of the great spectacles and an absolute must see. During Barrgana, people move toward the coast, especially to the tidal creeks where the walga-walga (blue threadfin), gurlban (mullet), murruwaran (queenfish), grunter and mulloway are plentiful. Water is available in tidal springs and soaks, and nganarr (dugong) are in great supply.
Bunung and conkerberries are ripening, while bush onions are abundant. The kangaroo, wallaby, and possum are common land animals at this time of year. The jigily tree (Lysiphyllum cunninghamii) is blooming, lizards are in their burrows, and cockatoos are raising their young.