Aboriginal-led experiences to add to your road-trip itinerary

There are few better ways to experience Australia than through the eyes, and stories, of its Traditional Custodians – the world’s oldest living culture. And if you’re looking to make your next road trip even more memorable, we recommend checking out Welcome to Country, a not-for-profit marketplace highlighting bookable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences across Australia. You can find Aboriginal-led adventure tours, cooking classes and other cultural experiences, providing you with a new perspective while helping to increase the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economy and create jobs. We’ve pulled together some of the most popular experiences below.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences in New South Wales

Quad bike adventure tour (Port Stephens) Sand Dune Adventures is owned and operated by the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council. These quad bike tours will have you exploring the Southern Hemisphere’s highest sand dunes, taking in views of the coastline and learning about the history of the land from those who know it best.

Gumbaynggirr cultural stand up paddle tour (Coffs Harbour) Enjoy a relaxing 2.5-hour paddle led by local Gumbaynggirr guides. You’ll not only enjoy a day out in a beautiful, culturally significant marine park, but also sample bush tucker and learn about the local language and Dreaming stories.

Aboriginal tour Cape Byron (Byron Bay) Take a break from the beach and go for a walk around Cape Byron with Arakwal elder Delta Kay. The views are breathtaking, and as you walk you’ll hear how the Arakwal Bundjalung people cared for the land before colonisation as well as how settlement and displacement has impacted them. You’ll also learn about the Bundjalung language, local bush foods and medicines – be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins and wallabies along the way.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences in Western Australia

Aboriginal Astronomy (Gin Gin, north of Perth) Join Dr Noel Nannup, an Indigenous elder, for an astronomy session at the Gravity Discovery Centre. He’ll share how Aboriginal language groups have used the night’s sky for navigation, calendars, ceremony and more over tens of thousands of years, and you’ll also have an opportunity to look through the centre’s telescopes. This two-hour experience is sure to give you a newfound appreciation for the universe and the importance of astronomy for both Western and Aboriginal cultures.

Kayak and wildlife adventure (Shark Bay) If you’re yet to experience Shark Bay World Heritage Area, on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, now is the time to put it at the top of your list. It’s been on the World Heritage list since 1991 and is celebrated for its abundance of wildlife and exceptional natural beauty. Kayaking is the best way to explore, and with a local Aboriginal person as your guide, you’ll be left with no doubts as to why this is such a special place.

Beach to bay Broome tour (Broome) Take a journey across Broome’s coastal peninsula in an air-conditioned 12-seater bus. Your guide, Bart Pigram, will share Dreaming Stories as well as some of the region’s hidden spots. It’s an epic way to soak up an ecologically diverse landscape with plenty of entertainment along the way.

Dwaarlindjirraap art on Country (Jarrahdale) **** Join Maitland Hill, a proud Aboriginal Nyoongar Balardong man, to learn to paint Nyoongar style on Country. He’ll share traditional techniques and talk about his own art, which showcases Aboriginal knowledge while respecting Ancestors and the Dreamtime.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences in Queensland

Hands on Country eco tour (Cairns) Join the Mandingalbay Yidinji people, the Traditional Owners of Grey Peaks National Park and Malbon Thomson Forest Reserve, on a three-hour tour departing from Cairns Marina. After a ferry ride and traditional welcome smoking ceremony, you’ll visit a unique mangrove ecosystem, learn about the ancient land through language and stories, take a guided nature walk and enjoy a morning tea of coconut damper and fresh local fruit.

Dreamtime snorkel (Cairns) Jump aboard a boat in Cairns and head out to sea with knowledgeable Indigenous Sea Rangers for an unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll not only snorkel two outer-reef sites, but also hear stories about Gunggandji sea country, listen to songs and music and witness a traditional dance. It’s a fantastic way to experience the Great Barrier Reef.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences in Victoria

Discover Narana (Geelong) With a vision of promoting reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people by developing a better understanding of culture through connection, Narana is a beautiful place to experience Aboriginal culture and history. Drop in to take a guided walk in the native garden, feed the wildlife, throw a boomerang, visit the art gallery and learn about the local culture. You can also head to the cafe to enjoy a tasting plate of scones and coffee or bush tucker, with the scones being flavoured with lemon myrtle or wattle seed.

Birrarung Wilam walking tour If you’re travelling through the city, get down to the Koorie Heritage Trust, in the heart of Naarm (Melbourne), and take a guided walk through the exhibitions and art galleries at Federation Square before heading to the Birrarung Wilam Aboriginal art installation. Learn how the land has changed and the significance of the Birrarung (Yarra River) to the local Kulin peoples.

Tungatt Mirring Stone Country half day tour Join a Gunditjmara cultural guide and explore the World Heritage-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. You’ll take a guided bush walk and see lava tunnels, caves and forest as well as ancient eel traps and old stone house sites. This is a sacred place with huge cultural significance, and well worth taking the time to discover.

Found a tour (or two) to add to your itinerary? Next step is to lock in the van that will get you there. Find yours here.