There’s more to Australia than vineyards and kangaroo-spotting. Check out unique indigenous experiences you can’t miss.
If you gravitate towards fresh produce, wildlife and the great outdoors, you probably can’t get enough of the land down under. We love it for its sprawling vineyards, hatted restaurants, and adorable quokkas and kangaroos. But while these are fun activities, you shouldn’t miss adding some unique indigenous experiences in Australia to your travel bucket list. These tours and programmes dive deep into rich aboriginal history – and is one eye-opening experience you’re unlikely to forget.
Unique indigenous experiences in Australia
1. Darwin, Northern Territory: Darwin aboriginal art fair
Art and history collide at the Darwin aboriginal art fair. This annual showcase lets you experience the rich diversity of aboriginal and Torres Strait islander culture through stunning art from across Australia. You’ll have access to fun workshops and spectacular performances – plus it’s kid-friendly too with children’s activity stations to keep your little ones entertained. The next fair will be held on 11 to 13 August 2023, so plan ahead!
Darwin aboriginal art fair, book online
2. Bundaberg, Queensland: Taribelang Bunda cultural tours
Did you know that the Taribelang people of the Bundaberg region have been around for 60,000 years? On this half-day cultural tour, you’ll not only find out how traditional artefacts (like the boomerang) were used in daily life. You’ll also get the opportunity to taste local bush food for yourself, and discover sites of significance that play an integral role in Taribelang history.
Taribelang Bunda cultural tours, book online
3. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: The Aboriginal Memorial at the National Gallery of Australia
Down at the National Gallery of Australia, there exists a haunting installation of 200 meticulously painted hollow log coffins. Each one seeks to commemorate the indigenous people who lost their lives defending their land. What we love about it is the differing painting styles exhibited on each coffin from the various clans. These works of art are unified by an array of common themes: the celebration of life, respect for the dead and mortuary traditions, and connection with ancestral beings. Just beautiful.
The Aboriginal Memorial at the National Gallery of Australia, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country, Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT 2600
4. Margaret River, Western Australia: Guided bushwalk with Koomal Dreaming
If you know us, you know we can’t resist a trip to Margaret River when we’re in Western Australia. It’s the perfect location for sipping on the best wines, whale watching and hitting up top tier chocolateries. If you’ve got this destination on your list, sign up for a guided bushwalk by Koomal Dreaming.
This aboriginal food, culture, cave and didge tour gives you the opportunity to forage for Indigenous native bush foods, plants and medicines; learn about the six Noongar seasons; taste traditional foods and flavours (like kangaroo, emu and quandong); and journey into Ngilgi Cave for a unique didgeridoo experience. You’ll be seeing Margaret River in a whole new light.
Guided bushwalk with Koomal Dreaming, book online; 76 Yallingup Caves Road, Yallingup, Western Australia 6282
5. Burril Lake, New South Wales: Nura Gunyu cultural experience programme
What’s better than learning about aboriginal history? Hearing stories from the mouth of a real-life tribe member. Noel Butler is a member of the Budawang tribe in South Coast, NSW – and he’s here to immerse you in an indigenous adventure like no other. This two- to three- day programme will have you staying at campgrounds in Jamanee Gunya, where Noel will impart knowledge on the rich culture and the world’s oldest aboriginal people. You might canoe on the river, walk through bush, and explore the surrounding beautiful bush setting of the area.
Nura Gunyu cultural experience programme, book online; 501 Wheelbarrow Road, Morton NSW 2538
6. Gippsland, Victoria: Under The Surface public art project
If you’re in Melbourne and up for a road trip through Victoria, head up to Gippsland to admire the Under The Surface public art project. Inspired by the story of the Gunaikurnai community, this exhibition showcases works of art by local indigenous and internationally renowned artists. Start your adventure at the Orbost railway line and pass through a variety of forest and farmland landscapes, and by the picturesque Gippsland Lakes to find artwork inspired by local flora, fauna, and the natural environment.
Under The Surface public art project, multiple locations including Nicholson and Tostaree
Have any of these indigenous experiences in Australia caught your attention?
