Plan
With more than 200 Aboriginal-led experiences on offer throughout Australia, from one-hour tours to multi-day odysseys, travellers are spoilt for opportunities to gain insights into the fascinating histories, cultures, and languages of Australia's First Peoples.
The Discover Aboriginal Experiences website is your gateway to the collection of authentic Indigenous experiences, and has been designed to simplify the process of searching the treasure trove of options by allowing you to filter your options by destination, interest and duration. Whether it's a smoking ceremony, a light show in the shadow of Uluru, or sampling of bush tucker in the heart of Melbourne, you'll be sure to discover experiences that will provide you with a deeply engaging and immersive journey into cultures that date back more than 65,000 years.
Tourism Australia DISCOVER ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCES
Explore
Be inspired by the stunning works of Aboriginal artists on show at Melbourne/Naarm’s newly-renovated Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT). The KHT, located in the heart of city at Federation Square, was established in 1985 to nurture, honour and celebrate the continuing cultures and Songlines of the First Peoples of South-Eastern Australia.
A major renovation in 2023 expanded KHT's footprint, so it now occupies three levels of the Birrarung Building (formerly Yarra Building) at Fed Square. The expansion has provided more exhibition spaces for both temporary exhibitions and its permanent collection of authentic Aboriginal artefacts, and a standalone retail store. KHT also offers guided Walking Tours along the Birrarung Marr/Yarra River, that explores the area's rich Aboriginal history, for AU$40 per person.
Koorie Heritage Trust KOORIE HERITAGE TRUST | FREE
Stay
Imagine sitting around a beach bonfire, indulging in canapés as you gaze over the crystal-clear waters of the Timor Sea in idle anticipation of the chef-prepared meal to come. That will be you, when you book SeaLink's two-day cultural adventure Luxury Tiwi Islands Escape, which includes an overnight stay at the exclusive Tiwi Island Retreat.
The experience begins with a ferry journey from Darwin to Bathurst Island /Wurrumiyanga before a sea transfer to the remote beachfront Tiwi Island Retreat. The second day includes an experience of Tiwi art and culture, including a smoking ceremony and the unique opportunity to create your own screen print souvenir.
SeaLink LUXURY TIWI ISLANDS ESCAPE | From AU$1,285
Embrace
The stunning coastal town of Broome/Rubibi is home to a large First Nation’s population, with numerous language groups, and an incredible range of authentic Aboriginal experiences. Mabu Buru Tours' three-day Broome Ultimate Aboriginal Culture Expedition provides an immersive experience of the ancient culture of the Yawuru and Karajarri people.
The expedition includes a luxury boat cruise led by Aboriginal guide Bart Pigram, who will regale you with stories of the salt-water lifestyle. You can spend more time with Bart via his own tour company, Narlijia Experiences Broome, where he offers 2km guided walks through Broome's mangroves and mudflats. Or head out on Kimberley Cultural Adventures Rubibi (Broome) Cultural Tour and let Robbie Dann give you an insight into local culture, including the abundant bush foods and medicine plants that have sustained the First People in the area for thousands of years.
VIsit
Set in the sprawling and culturally significant grounds of Warriparinga, the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre's art gallery, featuring works by Indigenous artists, is nestled in wetlands that teem with birdlife. The loop walk around the wetlands features numerous sculptures of native animals—some hidden, and some almost two metres tall.
Located about 12 kilometres from Adelaide City, the site has traditionally been a gathering place for Kaurna people who would camp by the river, where they would fish and hunt for food. Within the wetlands are three sacred sites with oven pits and a scar tree that was used to make a coolamon, a traditional wooden container. The centre offers paid guided tours of the wetlands, as well as Adelaide City and the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and has a gift shop.
Southern Cultural Immersion LIVING KAURNA CENTRE | FREE
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