Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural experiences
Qantas would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the local lands and waterways on which we live, work and fly. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Explore Australia and discover adventurous and creative experiences while learning about the world’s oldest living culture.
Discover the spirit of Australia with our state by state guide to cultural experiences for the entire family to enjoy, whether it's on your next holiday or close to home. Simply click on your preferred state in the menu above to get started.
Connect with respect
Our friends at Welcome to Country — a not for profit marketplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences and products — shared a few tips to help make your experience both respectful and enjoyable. Read them here
New South Wales
Whether you’re in the city, the country or holidaying along the coast, chances are you’re close to a fascinating Aboriginal experience or site. More than 80 unique Aboriginal groups are represented in New South Wales and some of the most accessible and remarkable cultural experiences in Australia.
Sydney and surrounds
The Gadigal people of the Eora Nation are the Traditional Owners of the land now known as Sydney CBD. However, the Greater Sydney area is home to many language groups and a wealth of diverse and accessible Aboriginal experiences.
- The Royal National ParkOpens in a new tab or window just south of the city is the world’s second oldest national park and home to many Aboriginal sites and rock art. See the marine life engravings at Jibbon Headland and visit rock art sites in Cabbage Tree, Wattamolla and Curracurrang.
- Learn about the saltwater heritage of the Aboriginal people around The Rocks by Sydney Harbour.
- Uncover the Royal Botanic Garden's rich Aboriginal heritage .
- Enjoy a sunset in the gardens with an Aboriginal guide while indulging in bush food-inspired canapes and cocktails.
- Discover world class rock art in magnificent Ku ring gai National Park.
Central Coast New South Wales
Tap into the world’s oldest living culture on the New South Wales Central Coast, home to the Darkinjung, Guringai and Awabakal people and the perfect day trip just an hour north of Sydney.
- Join the Worimi for a thrilling sand dune quad bike adventure complete with history and culture lesson.
- Discover the midden sites, rock engravings and axe grinding grooves of the Darkinjung, Guringai and Awabakal people.
- Hear stories and history on a walking tour in Bouddi National Park.
- Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture with three days of walking tours, traditional dance, craft workshops and campfire stories on Country in Yengo National Park.
South Coast New South Wales
The beaches of Merimbula, Bateman’s Bay and the Sapphire Coast are holiday favourites of the South Coast, also known as Yuin Country. Aboriginal people in this region come from a number of different groups including Brinja-Yuin, Budawang, Jerrinja, Murramarang, Walbunja, Wandandian, Wodi Wodi, Yuin and Yuin-Monaro and there are many experiences, sites and tours sure to take your holiday memories up a notch.
- Wander through Australia’s only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens and picnic among native plants in BoodereeOpens in a new tab or window near Jervis Bay.
- Explore Yuin landscapes and culture with dance, stories, cultural walks and cooking at a traditional immersive multi-day experience in Narooma.
- Learn to live in harmony with the environment with a Dharawal guide at a Wayapa Women's Full Moon Gathering in Kiama.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is bursting with First Nations history and home to numerous Aboriginal language groups each with their own culture, art and stories. The largest groups are the Pitjantjatjara near Uluru, the Arrernte near Alice Springs, the Luritja, the Warlpiri, and the Yolngu in East Arnhem Land.
Darwin and surrounds
Darwin is the homeland of the Larrakia People, but the surroundings of Darwin have many more Aboriginal nations with stories to be told and experiences to be shared. If you are heading to Kakadu, the Traditional Owners of the park are the Binini in the northern region and the Mungguy people in the south region of the park.
- Discover spiritually important waterfalls, ancient rainforest and woodland in Litchfield National ParkOpens in a new tab or window
- Visit the Tiwi Design Art Centre on the Tiwi Islands, the 'islands of smiles'.
- Explore Arnhem Land and hear the story of Yingana, creation mother to the Bininj people.
- Enjoy dinner overlooking a billabong and learn about traditional art and culture with an immersive on country experience in Kakadu National ParkOpens in a new tab or window
Katherine
The Katherine region is a truly special holiday destination. This is where the traditional lands of the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman peoples converge and has been a meeting place for Aboriginal people for many thousands of years.
- Explore hanging gardens of Nitmuluk GorgeOpens in a new tab or window on a self-guided canoe tour and learn about the Jawoyn culture.
- Browse culturally significant artwork at Djilpin Arts CentreOpens in a new tab or window
- Swim in the spectacular Beswick Falls, only accessible on a cultural tour with local guides.
Alice Springs
Known traditionally as Mparntwe, Alice Springs is the gateway to the stunning red centre of Australia, and the traditional land of the Arrernte people.
- Explore the geological formation and culturally significant women's dreaming site of Standley ChasmOpens in a new tab or window in West McDonnell National Park hosted by the Western Arrernte people .
- Visit Rainbow Valley and see ancient rock paintings, engravings and occupation sites.
- Drop in to Araluen Cultural Precinct in town and browse the gallery and museum or see a theatre performance.
Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
The iconic site of Uluru has for thousands of years been at the centre of life for the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara language groups of the Anangu people.
- Start your journey with a visit to the Cultural CentreOpens in a new tab or window where you can learn about the park’s natural environment and history through their information desk, workshops and free presentations. While you’re there, make use of the picnic area behind the building with uninterrupted views of Uluru.
- Create your own dot painting at an art workshop with Maruka Arts in Yulara.
- Spend a day with a traditional Uluru family and learn about the culture and history of the surrounding region.
- Explore the night sky with a family astronomy experienceOpens in a new tab or window
Queensland
Queensland is Australia’s sunshine state and today its reef, beaches and rainforests deliver memorable holiday experiences for countless visitors. If you dig a little deeper, there is also a rich and long Aboriginal history.
The Gold Coast
The land and picturesque coastline that we now call the Gold Coast is part of the traditional lands of the Yugambeh people.
- Experience a smoking ceremony and watch didgeridoo, dance and song performances at Spirits of the Red Sand .
- Explore Burleigh Heads National Park, or the “Dreaming Mountain” of Jellurgal in the popular beachside destination, drop into the Jellurgal Cultural CentreOpens in a new tab or window and learn about the history and culture of the region.
Brisbane and surrounds
Brisbane was founded upon the lands of the Yuggera, Ugarapul and Turrbal peoples and is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast on Kabi Kabi (or Gabi Gabi) and Jinibara land.
- Float away while you forge a deeper connection to the coast on the Saltwater Eco Tours cultural sailing adventure in Mooloolaba.
- Catch the ferry to the scenic North Stradbroke Island and follow the historical Goompi Walking Trail overlooking Moreton Island.
- Browse exhibitions and Aboriginal artefacts, take a class or dine from the First Nations-inspired menu at Birrunga Gallery and DiningOpens in a new tab or window in the heart of the Brisbane CBD.
Hervey Bay and The Fraser Coast
Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast are famous for secluded beaches, diving and humpback whales. With the right First Nations guide while you’re there, you can also discover the extraordinary culture of the Butchulla people. The Butchalla live in harmony with the seasons, and have a distinctive connection to the land, sea, straits and lakes of the area.
- Come face to face with sea turtles and discover traditional names and meanings of local landmarks on an ecotour from Hervey Bay.
- Hear legendary tales of the people of K’Gari (Fraser Island), enjoy fresh seafood and follow in the footsteps of the Butchalla people on Weenandan (Round Island) on the Milbi Sunset Cruise.
Far North Queensland
Tropical North Queensland is a destination rich in natural beauty, and the Traditional Owners have been living in harmony with the environment there for over 50,000 years. Cairns in the traditional lands of the Yirrganydji people and The Daintree Rainforest is the home of the Kuku Yulangi people.
- Explore the waters of the Outer Great Barrier Reef and hear the stories of First Nations sea rangers with a Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel experience.
- Visit UMI ArtsOpens in a new tab or window in Cairns, browse the collection of Aboriginal arts or join a workshop.
- Venture through the rainforest on a two-day Aboriginal cultural journey on the Cooktown Rainforest and Rock Art Tour.
- Have a go at traditional spear throwing and fishing at Cooya Beach with the Kuku Yulangi people.
South Australia
Spectacular scenery, top quality food and wine or big events may be what brings you to the festival state – but South Australia is also bursting with Aboriginal culture. We think you should dig a little deeper while you’re there.
Adelaide
Adelaide is the traditional land of the Kaurna people, and the perfect place to explore and experience contemporary and traditional Aboriginal culture and art.
- Browse established and visiting exhibitions and learn the history of the region at Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute – Australia’s oldest Aboriginal-owned and managed arts centre.
- Visit the birthplace of the Aboriginal flag an Tarntanyangga, or Victoria SquareOpens in a new tab or window and learn about the 1971 land rights rally at which it was raised at Reconciliation Plaza.
The Flinders Ranges
Driving through the Flinders Ranges is like driving through another world, with open space, gorges, red rock formations and Australia’s largest saltwater lake. The Traditional Owners of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park are the Adnyamathanha people who have walked these outback plains for time immemorial.
- Explore more than 100 million years of history and search for yellow-footed rock wallabies in the Corridor Through Time of Branchina and Bunyeroo Gorges.
- Visit the Old Wilpena Station and learn about the landscapes and biodiversity from the Adnyamathanha people.
- Explore ancient rock engravings and smooth sandstone walls at Sacred Canyon.
Kangaroo Island
One of the world’s most incredible nature-based destinations, Kangaroo Island was once home of the Kartan people who disappeared from the archaeological record when the land became an island following rising sea levels.
- Meet marine life and explore the waters of Kangaroo Island with a tour hosted by Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari.
Tasmania
palawa are the Traditional Owners of lutruwita, the land we know and love as Tasmania. Explore the southern state and dive into the history and vibrant contemporary culture of the nine Aboriginal nations of lutruwita.
Tasmania
- Hear stories while you walk through spectacular landscapes and learn about the culture of Tasmania’s First Nations peoples on the four day wukalina Walk – a walking journey from wukalina (Mount William National Park) to Larapuna (the Bay of Fires).
- Visit the impressive permanent Aboriginal exhibitions of ningina tunapriOpens in a new tab or window and parrawa, parrawa! Go away!Opens in a new tab or window at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG).
Victoria
Victoria has a rich Aboriginal history and culture, with evidence of occupation dating back 40,000 years. Today the state offers a multitude of Aboriginal experiences. Visit cultural centres, take a tour of national parks, wetlands and wildlife reserves with Traditional Owners or explore public and private Aboriginal art galleries.
Melbourne
The traditional Aboriginal name of Melbourne is Naarm, which is the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. The Kulin Nation is a collective of five Aboriginal nations, the Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung, Wathaurrung, Daungwurrung and Dja DjaWrung.
- Visit the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation. Experience the traditional culture and the First Nations connection to the natural world with an Aboriginal guide on a walking tour.
- Browse exhibitions and connect with Aboriginal Victoria at the Koorie Heritage TrustOpens in a new tab or window
Regional Victoria
Venture to regional Victoria and explore the traditional lands of the Wathaurung people in Geelong as well as ancient rock art sites like those along the Great Ocean Road.
- Browse Aboriginal artworks and cultural artefacts, taste bush tucker or see a didgeridoo performance at Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Geelong.
- If you're visiting the Great Ocean Road, take a tour of Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve close to Warnambool, explore the habitat of native animals and learn to identify native plants used for traditional food and medicine.
Western Australia
The western state is as spectacular as it is vast, and the Aboriginal history and culture of the land is just as diverse as the landscape. Aboriginal inhabitants of Western Australia date back between 50 to 70,000 years and represents the oldest continuous living culture in the world. Wherever your travels take you, why not make a First Nations experience part of your journey. Explore prehistoric rock art, visit the sites of Dreamtime stories or enjoy traditional arts.
Perth and surrounds
A city with natural beauty and urban charm, you’ll find an array of cultural experiences in and around Perth and an Aboriginal history that is as rich as it is long - First Nations people have inhabited the land here for almost 40,000 years.
- Marvel at the night sky and hear Dreamtime stories from an Aboriginal Elder at the Gravity Discovery Centre.
- Learn about medicinal bush foods with a guided walk in Kings Park, Whadjuk Country.
- Visit the Wayalup Aboriginal CulturalOpens in a new tab or window Centre in Fremantle.
- Be moved by a didgeridoo performance in the depths of a cave at Ngili Cave close to Margaret River.
Broome
A destination famed for colourful sunsets, camel rides and unique landscapes — but here you’ll also find unique experiences hosted by Traditional Owners of the land. Broome is Djugun and Yawuru Country and Aboriginal history of the region dates back at least 40,000 years.
- Witness a crocodile feeding at Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park and experience Yaruwa culture at Cable Beach and Roebuck Bay.
- Try hunting and gathering techniques passed down through generations with a walking tour on the Dampier Peninsula.
- Forage for oysters and experience the Bardi people's special relationship with the sea at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.
The Coral Coast
The magnificent World Heritage Area of Shark Bay on the Coral Coast is traditional Nhanda and Malgana Country.
- Spot turtles, rays and sharks and learn why local Aboriginal people refer to the area as "a strong spiritual place" on an all-ages kayaking and wildlife tour.
- Enjoy a didgeridoo experience under the stars and hear Dreamtime stories at Monkey Mia.
- Snorkel and search for native endangered wildlife with a 4WD tour of Francois Peron National Park.
The Kimberleys and Pilbara
The Murujuga National Park, has the highest concentration of rock art in the world. Created by the Yaburrara (Northern Ngarluma) people, the rock art here has been dated back to before the ice age ended. Today there are more than 30 Aboriginal tribes in the Kimberley region, each with their own language and unique cultural practices.
- Discover the petroglyphs of the Yaburrara people with a rock art tour in Murujuga National Park.
- Forage in traditional hunting grounds at Hearson's Cove, learn about bush tucker and maybe even catch a mud crab.
- Fly over the Bungle Bungle Range on a scenic flight, experience a welcome to country and explore Cathedral Gorge with a local Giga guide.
Connect with respect
- Choose First Nations owned companies wherever possible, and where not, choose an experience guided by First Nations people for the most authentic experience, and one that supports local communities.
- While every First Nations culture has different clothing etiquette, you can’t go wrong with modest, loose-fitting clothing.
- Follow your host’s lead if you are unsure of appropriate body language and greetings, especially when it comes to making eye contact and shaking hands.
- In some communities photography is not allowed, so always be courteous and ask your guide before photographing sacred sites or people.
- Some communities require a permit, so check with your host or national park guide beforehand.
- Never remove rocks or plants from national parks or traditional lands. The disturbance of cultural sites is disrespectful and prohibited by Australian law.
- Listen to your guide and embark on your experience with an open mind and a smile.
Learn more at Welcome to CountryOpens in a new tab or window
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Important information
Tours are provided by various local suppliers, sourced by Welcome Country. The tour operator terms and conditions will apply to bookings. Please read the tour operator terms carefully and consider your own circumstances before booking.