UNRIVALLED ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCES // ISSUE 5
Welcome
Yangnarrûn, or welcome in the language of the Dalabon people from East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
In this fifth edition of Connect to Country, a digital publication presented by Tourism Australia and Discover Aboriginal Experiences, we provide you with a bucket list of experiences in areas so incredible that they have been recognised by UNESCO for their Outstanding Universal Value to Humanity.
We highlight Indigenous food experiences that combine a love of fine dining with an interest in Aboriginal cultures. Our featured outdoor venues, set in the most iconic of landscapes, will tease your tastebuds with delicious native foods. Choose between dining in the world’s oldest rainforest or watching the sun set on Uluru, or you could taste bush tucker delicacies as you cruise the clear waters of Queensland’s Kabi Kabi people on a century-old wooden sailing ketch.
Why buy souvenirs when you can make your own as part of a cultural exploration of the diverse artistic expression of Australia’s Indigenous peoples? In this edition, you’ll discover where you can recreate the distinctive X-ray painting style found in rock art galleries throughout the Top End, or the more contemporary dot painting techniques that began in the Central Desert in the 1970s. On Bathurst Island, Tiwi Islanders famed for their colourful and intricate textiles will help you try your hand at creating unique screen-printed designs.
We also feature Shona Davidson, one of the First Nation storytellers who lead guests on the Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience at Sydney Harbour. A born storyteller, Shona guides guests to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge whilst providing insights into the Aboriginal history of the area, the impact of colonisation, and the earliest attempts at reconciliation.
Finally, we take a look at some of the survival skills developed by Aboriginal peoples over thousands of years – from lighting fires to crafting tools, hunting, making fish traps and using bush foods for their medicinal as well as nutritional properties.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this publication may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
