CLIMB
The Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience, led by an Indigenous guide, offers a unique take on one of the world’s most Instagrammable vistas. You'll learn about the harbour's history both before and after white settlement through powerful storytelling. The journey across the top of the bridge involves 1,332 steps and a few bursts of adrenaline, but the breathtaking views and fresh perspective on Australia—both past and present—are unforgettable.
Groups of 20 or more can now also opt to take part in a traditional smoking ceremony under Sydney Harbour Bridge as a prelude to the climb. Conducted by a local Aboriginal Elder from Dreamtime Southern X, this immersive ceremony will deepen your appreciation of the cultural significance of the smoking ceremony, and teach you how to walk respectfully on Country.
BridgeClimb Sydney
BURRAWA ABORIGINAL CLIMB EXPERIENCE | Adult from AU$364
INDIGENOUS CEREMONY UNDER THE BRIDGE | Adult from AU$75
waLK
There is nowhere better to learn about local Aboriginal culture and history than whilst surrounded by the stunning and diverse landscape of two World Heritage National Parks, Wilybidi (Francois Peron National Park) and Wirruwanna (Dirk Hartog Island National Park).
Over the course of three days and two nights, you will forage for bushfoods, and toast Australia’s last sunset with sundowner drinks and nibbles.
When it’s dark, it’s really dark. Soak in the spectacular night sky whilst sitting by a campfire, listening to the sound of the didgeridoo. Visit spectacular blowholes and spot a diverse range of Australian wildlife, including whales and dugongs, during a marine safari.
Image credit: Will Wardle Media.
Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures
WORLD HERITAGE WALKING TOUR | Adult from AU$1,500
PLAN
Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture Day on January 26 at the Yabun Festival on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people at Camperdown, Sydney/Warrane. Yabun has been running since 2003, when it was launched to honour the survival of the world’s oldest living cultures.
The free festival showcases Aboriginal culture through live music, cultural performances and panel discussions. At the 2024 festival, the Ngaran Ngaran Dancers marked 10 years of dancing story from their homelands of Yuin and Ngarrigu Country, alongside 10 other dance groups from around Australia. In the Gadigal language, Yabun translates to ‘music to a beat’.
YABUN FESTIVAL | FREE ENTRY
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Meet
Learn about Indigenous art and see artists at work during a tour of Waringarri Arts. Local Miriwoong guides will give you a Mantha (a traditional welcome) and an inspiring insight into the history of the pioneering, Aboriginal-owned art centre.
You can meet the artists hard at work in their studios and learn about their creative process and its strong connection to their Country and culture. Take a walk through the cultural garden and top off your experience with a taste of some delicious, homemade damper.
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts
ART CENTRE TOUR | Adult from AU$65
TASTE
The Gunditjmara people in west Victoria pioneered aquaculture, having farmed eels for tens of thousands of years. At the World-Heritage-Listed Budj Bim Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, you can visit an example of the complex systems of channels and weirs they created. Then head to the cafe where eel (kooyang) stars on the menu in signature dishes that are prepared in the traditional way by a Gunditjmara chef.
Indulge in a tasting plate of smoked kooyang, kooyang arancini balls, kooyang pâté, water crackers, local goat’s cheese, olives, pickles and grilled macadamia nuts. The rich flavour of eel has been described as a cross between fish and chicken. You can chase your tasting plate with Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake served with Lemon Myrtle Whipped Cream. Yum.
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism
BUSH TUCKER CAFÉ | Smoked Kooyang (eel) Arancini Balls AU$28
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