Holidays aren’t just fun – they’re awesome opportunities to experience and appreciate other cultures. With over 260 First Nations language groups and more than 60,000 years of heritage and history, Australia is home to some of the world’s most unbelievable – and, for many people, life-changing – cultural experiences. Here are nine of our faves, brought to you by Welcome to Country.
1. Bungle Bungle Adventure Safari
The Kimberley, WA
Explore World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park, enjoying aerial views of Geikie Gorge and the Fitzroy River then join a Traditional Owner for a guided tour of the park. Sometimes forgotten, Australia holds some of the best natural wonders of the world. Experience one of our own World Heritage listed sites Purnululu National Park on this luxury two-day tour from Broome in the Kimberley region of Western Australian.
Enjoy aerial views of Geikie George, the Fitzroy River and the rugged scenery of the Kimberley from your scenic flights.
Discover Purnululu National Park with a local Traditional Owner guide to hear of the history behind the land while exploring the northern massif including Mini Palms and Echidna Chasm as well as Cathedral Gorge.
2. Ancient Garlarr River Safari
Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, NT
Multi-day tours are amazing – but there are some fantastic day trips and short excursions out there too. The Ancient Garlarr River Safari is a perfect example. Owned and operated by the Jawoyn people (Nitmiluk’s Traditional Owners), this 2.5hr tour unites traditional Jawoyn Culture with Western understandings. It’s a chance to learn about some of the stories, traditions and language of the Jawoyn people, as well as the unique geology and geography of the gorge. At the end of the cruise, you’ll visit a beautiful cliff-face rock art site. Depending on the river level, you might even be able to go for a swim as well!
3. Five-Day Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour
Kakadu and Arnhem Land, NT
No Aussie travel bucket list is complete without a trip to Kakadu – and if you can visit Arnhem Land at the same time, even better! The Five-Day Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour is a fantastic way to do both and leave the crowds behind. Highlights include visiting the Gunbalanya community, touring the stunning Injalak Hill rock art sites with a local Aboriginal guide, and spending three amazing nights at Cobourg Coastal Camp. There you’ll find gorgeous nature walks, fantastic fishing, brilliant birdwatching and more.
4. Half Day Kakadu Community Cultural Activities and Art Gallery Experience
Kakadu National Park, NT
Immerse yourself in the rich indigenous culture of the local Bininj/Mungguy people on this unique five-hour experience. Start off your experience with a guided walking tour of the billabong and community, and learn about the history of the Murumburr clan families and their country. Enjoy an immersive Welcome to Country ceremony and hear stories of the diverse clans travelling throughout the landscape.
Follow on by gathering around a fire for traditional Billy Tea and Damper like no other, engaging in conversations with fellow travellers and the local community.
Then you have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities, where the men are painting and craft making, while the women can learn the art of weaving using locally collected dried pandanas dyed with natural colours. Everyone has the opportunity to take home a beautiful unique gift as a reminder of their participation in the arts.
You will also get the opportunity to visit Old Patonga Community School Art Gallery to admire and purchase art pieces such as woven pandanas earrings and bangles, paintings by talented local artists and a collection of authentic and distinctive works.
5. Yuin Retreat
Yuin Country, South Coast of NSW
There’s something special about climbing a mountain – and it’s even more magical when it’s part of a cultural immersion experience. Just a five-hour drive from Sydney, the two-night Yuin Retreat is the perfect blend of tradition, nature and adventure, with some incredible food too (it’s fully catered by Mirritya Mundya, who make amazing Indigenous Twist cuisine). The retreat begins in the evening, with a Welcome Ceremony and a yarning circle, followed by a gourmet dinner. The next morning, it’s rise and shine at 6.30am for a guided walk up sacred Gulaga Mountain OR a relaxed Djirringanj dreaming drive-and-walk tour (your choice!), all while your Yuin guide teaches you about the Country’s history, culture and protocol. That night there are even more tasty treats to look forward to, as well as a First Peoples’ wellness evening. The retreat wraps up the next morning with a Farewell Ceremony on the beach – and, of course, a delicious breakfast 🤤
6. Cultural Beach, Mangroves and Mudflat Tour
Port Douglas, QLD
How do you make a Port Douglas getaway even more amazing? Add a cultural experience, of course 😉 The Cultural Beach, Mangroves and Mudflat Tour is an absolute winner! Over two-and-a-half hours, Kuku Yalanji Traditional Custodians will take you on a guided walk on Cooya beach (their traditional fishing lands), sharing their knowledge on the way. You’ll get to join in a daily spearfishing trip, help gather food, see Kuku Yalanji artefacts and listen to traditional stories. And as a bonus, tours run twice a day, so they’re perfect for short visits and jam-packed itineraries.
7. Yarriba Dreaming – Three Day Cultural Immersion
Mt Barney, QLD
It is a special feeling to be able to feel and be connected to nature. With this three-day cultural journey, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with Country at Mt Barney Lodge.
Immerse yourself in the ancient landscape of Queensland’s Scenic Rim region, close to two hours’ drive west of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. This time away will allow you to enjoy the walks through nature, sharing stories with others and learning traditional First Nation ways of living and finding your own place in nature.
8. Time Travel and Gorgeous Gorges Half-Day Tour
Ikara-Flinders Ranges, SA
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Well, you can in the stunning Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park – and you don’t even need a time machine. On Adnyamathanha land, the Time Travel and Gorgeous Gorges Half-Day Tour is a fantastic day out, especially for science and nature buffs. Ikara is home to some of the oldest visible geology in the WORLD, which you can see for yourself as you travel via four-wheel drive through the incredible Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges. With fossil layers dating back at least 100 million years, the gorges have become famous as a ‘Corridor Through Time’. How cool is that?!
9. wukalina Walk
lutruwita (aka Tasmania)
“takara waranta” means “walk with us” in palawa kani. And the wukalina Walk – a four-day trek from wukalina (Mount William National Park) to larapuna (the Bay of Fires) is an experience you’ll never forget. The landscape shifts around you as you hike towards the coast – from bushland to heathland to rocky headlands – while immersing yourself in the stories, history and culture of the palawa. Highlights include meeting palawa Elders, taking part in a smoking ceremony, learning weaving, clapstick-making and shell-stringing, and enjoying delicious traditional foods such as muttonbird, wallaby and doughboys. Fun fact: palawa kani is the language of the palawa of lutruwita, also known as Tasmania. Capital letters are optional – they’re usually saved for the names of people, family and ancestral groups.
This blog post was written in partnership with Welcome to Country. Check out all of their fantastic cultural experiences to make your next holiday meaningful AND amazing.
Original article published 22 September 2023 and republished 24 January 2024
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