Experience Aboriginal Australia
Australia is home to the world's oldest continual cultures – those of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples. No group of people on Earth can lay claim to a more intimate knowledge of their Country, and witnessing and learning these ancient cultures first hand is an enlightening and often moving experience.
First Nations people have lived on the land we now know as Australia for upwards of 60,000 years. Passed down verbally across generations, the diverse languages, histories and ways of life of First Nations peoples are closely intertwined with their Country, and hold a treasure trove of wisdom that runs far deeper than that of Australia's more recent arrivals.
These days, visitors and locals alike are lucky enough to have a plethora of opportunities to learn about the history and culture of Indigenous Australians, with many of these experiences representing some of the most authentic and memorable you'll find anywhere in Australia. Ready to learn something new? Check them out below!
Find First Nations Experiences
Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Day Tour
After a scenic ferry ride from Darwin, join a local guide and go on a journey through the fascinating lifestyle and rich culture of the Tiwi Island's people. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will provide the most incredible memories.
Great Barrier Reef Dreamtime Cruise With Indigenous Sea Rangers
Experience 5 hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef visiting 2 coral reef locations on the only Cairns' reef tour that includes a cultural experience, hosted by local indigenous sea rangers.
Kuranda Skyrail, Scenic Railway and Rainforestation Day Tour
Explore World Heritage Rainforest via the Kuranda Scenic Railway & epic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Experience award-winning Rainforestation nature park, including the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, & an Aussie BBQ lunch.
Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Melbourne Gardens
Experience the culture and customs of the Kulin Nation with an Aboriginal guide on a 90 minute walking tour. Gain an understanding of the rich history, thriving culture and connection to plants.
Dreamtime Gorge Walk
Don’t miss out on the Dreamtime Gorge Walk when you visit the Mossman Gorge! This must do activity takes visitors on a journey through the rainforest to gain access to sacred Indigenous land.
3 Day Kakadu Adventure
Travel by 4WD to explore and discover Kakadu National Park on this small group adventure tour. Experience all the main attractions such as Jim Jim falls and Ubirr Rock.
Aboriginal Heritage Sydney Walking Tour
The ideal introduction to the most ancient human culture on this 90 minute walkabout with a local aboriginal guide. We strongly recommend this tour for visitors and locals alike.
3 Day 2 Night K'gari Fraser Island 4WD Adventure Tour
See the magical Lake McKenzie, marvel at the towering rainforest and cruise along endless golden beaches as you learn how to 4WD and share the best of this world heritage wonder!
Welcome to Country Aboriginal Experience
Experience a traditional Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country. Book this 90 minute interactive theatrical tour for a first-hand experience of the world’s oldest living culture.
Explore First Nations Culture
Where to find amazing First Nations experiences in Australia
Imagine the tales you could tell if you had at least 65,000 years of ancestral knowledge to draw from. No matter how well you think you know Australia, you're guaranteed to learn something new with these First-Nations-led experiences.
First Nations food experiences in Queensland
Queensland is a hotspot of unique and fascinating bush foods that its Traditional Custodians have known about for tens of thousands of years. Here are our picks for the most unforgettable bush tucker experiences in the Sunshine State!
9 Aboriginal sacred places you should visit (and one you shouldn't!)
There are few peoples on Earth whose culture, psyche and way of life are more closely linked to the land than Aboriginal Australians. We've picked out nine of the most impressive and fascinating sacred places that you can visit.
First Nations food experiences in New South Wales
South-Eastern Australia is home to a wealth of different Indigenous nations and cultures, each with their own knowledge of native foods and medicines. With a fine-toothed comb, we've scoured the land to bring you some of the very best bush tucker experiences across NSW and the ACT – hungry yet?
Indigenous Art in Australia
The First Nations people of Australia have artistic processes that are central to their identity and culture which date back through an unimaginably long period. There are an increasing number of emerging Indigenous artists who continue to tell the rich stories of human migration, the oceans and archipelagos of this vast continent, through their artworks and storytelling today.
First Nations food experiences in Victoria
Indigenous Australians have thrived on bush tucker for more than 80,000 years and continue to share their knowledge and expertise with those wanting to know more. Victoria offers opportunities galore to get stuck into some incredible Aboriginal food experiences – here's some of the highlights!
How to visit Australia's Torres Strait Islands
Stretching from the tip of Queensland to the southern shores of Papua New Guinea, the remote Torres Strait Islands are Australia’s northern frontier – the gateway to a rich and diverse, yet little-known culture, dating back at least 2,500 years. Read on to learn how to experience Australia’s 'other' Indigenous culture in its birthplace.
First Nations festivals around Australia
Experiencing some of the ancient traditions of Australia's Indigenous peoples provides a rare and uniquely meaningful glimpse into some of the oldest practised cultures on Earth and is an absolute must for anyone exploring Australia. Read on...
A beginner's guide to buying Aboriginal art
Buying Aboriginal art when you travel to Australia can be a great way to support Indigenous artists and communities, helping to preserve their culture and heritage. Just make sure the art you purchase is authentic and ethically-sourced.
First Nations food experiences in Western Australia & the Northern Territory
Brimming with heritage and scenic vistas, Western Australia and the Northern Territory are richly entwined with Aboriginal culture and knowledge. These are two of the most immersive areas to learn about Indigenous Australians, and visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing adventures unique to the region.
First Nations food experiences in South Australia
South Australia is a wonder of meandering coastline, crimson desert, bountiful lakes and craggy ranges. Thanks to the diversity of the landscape, bush food is varied and plentiful, and if you’re travelling to South Australia, these are some indigenous food experiences you won’t want to miss!
Learn about Country
Gadigal Country
Sydney City & Basin
Bundjalung Country
Byron Bay & Cape Byron
Ngarigo Country
Thredbo
Dharug/Gundungurra Country
Katoomba
Awabakal Country
Newcastle
Turrbal/Jagera Country
Brisbane
Yidinji/Yirrganydji Country
Cairns
Eastern Kulin Country
Melbourne
Gadubanud Country
Great Ocean Road
Djab Wurrung/Jardwardjali Country
Hall Gap - Grampians
Kaurna Country
Adelaide
Ngarrindjeri Country
Fleurieu Peninsula
muwinina Country
Hobart & surrounds
Whadjuk Country
Perth & surrounds
Arrernte Country
Alice Springs
YHA Australia supports the Uluru Statement
We accept the invitation to walk with First Nations, to a better future for us all. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and believe it's time for a First Nations Voice to Parliament to be protected by the Constitution.
