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Brisbane

See a new side of spectacular South East Queensland with an Aboriginal guide.

Saltwater Cultural Tour, Saltwater Eco Tours, Mooloolaba, Queensland © Saltwater Eco Tours
Gold Coast views, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Saltwater Eco Tours, Mooloolaba, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Discover how Aboriginal cultures have thrived for millennia in Brisbane/Meeanjin (mee-an-jin), the Sunshine Coast and surrounds.

Gold Coast, QLD © Tourism Australia
Bushtucker Cruise, Saltwater Eco Tours, Mooloolaba, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Experience native produce

Enjoy a tasty introduction to native Australian ingredients in delicious dishes in a one-of-a-kind floating feast.

Challenge misconceptions

Perhaps you didn’t expect this corner of Australia to have such a rich Aboriginal cultural heritage. Learn the lesser-known stories of Brisbane/Meeanjin and beyond on an Aboriginal experience.

Saltwater Eco Tours, Mooloolaba, Queensland© Tourism Australia
Bushtucker Cruise, Saltwater Eco Tours, Mooloolaba, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Boost your cultural awareness

Develop your understanding of Aboriginal identity, history and more during an empowering cultural cruise around the Sunshine Coast.

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  • SaltwaterEco Tours cruise around the Sunshine Coast, Queensland © Tourism Australia
  • Saltwater Eco Tours cruise around the Sunshine Coast, Queensland © Tourism Australia
  • SaltwaterEco Tours cruise around the Sunshine Coast, Queensland © Tourism Australia

    16km from Sunshine Coast Airport

    Bushtucker Cruise

    with Saltwater Eco Tours

    Learn the stories of Queensland’s Sea Country on a relaxed, gourmet river cruise including a five-course meal showcasing fresh local seafood and native ingredients.

    • Saltwater Eco Tours cruise around the Sunshine Coast, Queensland © Tourism Australia
    • Saltwater Eco Tours cruise around the Sunshine Coast, Queensland © Tourism Australia
    • SaltwaterEco Tours cruise around the Sunshine Coast, Queensland © Tourism Australia

      16km from Sunshine Coast Airport

      Saltwater Cultural Tour

      with Saltwater Eco Tours

      Immerse yourself in Indigenous cultures on a Traditional Owner-led cruise on the peaceful Mooloolah River, including a delicious bush tucker-inspired lunch.

      An aerial of a woman swimming in Mount Mulligan Falls, QLD © Tourism Australia

      What's New

      View all
      Quad bikes driving past water on a Sand Dune Adventures tour in Port Stephens, NSW © Tourism Australia

      Discover Aboriginal Experiences launches 4 member case studies on sustainable tourism for Earth Day 2024

      A collective of quality, authentic, Aboriginal-guided tourism offerings, Discover Aboriginal Experiences (DAE) is delighted to launch four case studies on collective members going to extraordinary lengths when it comes to sustainable tourism, whether that relates to protecting the environment, community, culture – or all three.

      Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours, Cairns, Queensland © Tourism Australia

      How to experience regenerative travel on an Aboriginal tour

      More than ever, tourists are conscious of the impact their presence has on the landscapes they visit – particularly when they’re travelling to fragile, far-flung environments. Welcome to ‘regenerative travel’, the concept of leaving a place better than you found it and the next step in sustainable travel.

      Dreamtime Southern X’s Margret Campbell performing a smoking ceremony at Blues Point Reserve, NSW © Destination NSW

      Meet the women leading the Aboriginal tourism charge

      Much of the growth in Aboriginal cultural tourism has happened in the years since Sydney/Warrane hosted the 2000 Summer Olympic Games, and many credit Aunty Margret Campbell with spearheading the movement. An Elder from New South Wales’ Dunghutti-Jerrinja Nation, Margret has seen a huge shift in awareness over the last two decades.

      Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness Tourism Australia

      Discover Aboriginal Experiences launches exciting trade and media offerings

      Journalists and trade can take a deep dive into the DAE collective via the freshly launched 2024 Discover Aboriginal Experiences Media Kit, which contains a comprehensive portfolio of stories and ideas to inspire features and offer insights into Australia’s rich history and the world’s oldest living cultures.

      budj-bim-cultural-landscape

      Discover Aboriginal Experiences welcomes five new members

      From Broome in Western Australia to a World Heritage-listed site in Victoria, the five newest members in the Discover Aboriginal Experiences portfolio offer a range of eye-opening experiences lasting from a few hours to a few days.

      As custodians of the land, Anangu hold the Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru. To share their story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, RAMUS designed and produced an artistic platform using drones, light and sound to create an immersive storytelling experience.

      Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park

      Seeing Uluru in a new light

      by Natasha Dragun

      We were there when Wintjiri Wiru launched in May this year, and enjoyed a fascinating panel discussion about the show.

      mandingalabay-cruise

      Meet our newest member: Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours

      by Natasha Dragun

      From Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, Indigenous rangers take guests on an immersive ride to explore this country through Aboriginal eyes.

      Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, Ayers Rock Resort, NT © Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia

      Understanding Aboriginal etiquette

      by Fleur Bainger

      Did you know it’s impolite in Aboriginal cultures to look someone directly in the eye? Or that shaking hands isn’t always the done thing? How about that it’s taboo for women to play the didgeridoo?

      Wukalina walk, Launceston, TAS © Rob Burnett

      5 globally sought-after travel experiences elevated by Aboriginal guides

      by Fleur Bainger

      Australia lays claim to a world-renowned suite of tourism experiences. But it’s not as well known that many of these bucket-list activities can be experienced with an Aboriginal guide.

      An aerial of the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and ocean, WA © Tourism Australia

      Uncover the deep cultural significance of Aboriginal place names

      by Natasha Dragun

      For more than 65,000 years, Aboriginal place names have carried knowledge passed down through generations. They’re symbolic of the Indigenous relationships to, and appreciation for, the land and water.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Why isn’t it called Discover Indigenous Experiences?

      The name of the collective was informed by the strong international recognition of the term ‘Aboriginal’ and its association with Australia, though all references to Aboriginal peoples on the Discover Aboriginal Experiences website should be assumed to include Torres Strait Islander peoples where relevant.

      If I’ve done an Aboriginal tour before, why book another?

      Aboriginal Australia is made up of dozens of different 'Nations’, each with their own culture, customs, language and laws. This means that no two Aboriginal experiences are the same, so you’re guaranteed to learn something new on each and every tour, from ancient sustainability practices to cultural stories linked to the local landscape.  

      There’s also an incredible diversity of Aboriginal experiences to choose from. Whether you prefer relaxed walking tours, or an exhilarating quad-biking adventure is more your style, Aboriginal tour options come in all shapes and sizes, and last from less than an hour to multiple days.

      Do I need to go to the outback for an Aboriginal tour?

      The Australian outback is well known for its Aboriginal experiences, but you don’t have to go bush, as we say in Australia, to get a taste of Aboriginal cultures. Aboriginal experiences are available all over the country, all year round, including in major cities.

      Are Aboriginal experiences appropriate for kids?

      Aboriginal experiences offer fantastic opportunities for families of all kinds to learn together and bond, with many experiences including hands-on activities young ones will love.  

      Aboriginal guides are warm, welcoming and extremely generous of spirit. They are also incredible storytellers, with a knack for bringing landscapes to life through evocative tales bound to enthral kids big and small.

      How can I be considerate of culture on an Aboriginal tour?

      Cultural exchange is at the heart of Aboriginal experiences, with questions welcomed on all tours. Your guides may not always have the answers, but no questions are off-limits if posed respectfully.

      Remember to ask permission before taking photographs of Aboriginal people or cultural sites.

      How do I book an Aboriginal tour?

      Simply search for tours on the Discover Aboriginal Experiences website, then click through to book directly with the operator.

      I have restricted mobility or special needs. Can I still book a tour?

      Many Aboriginal operators are equipped to cater to guests with restricted mobility and other special needs. Most companies also offer private tours that can be tailored to your needs; enquire directly with the operators.

      Are all of the experiences listed on this website currently available?

      Tours and experiences offered by Discover Aboriginal Experiences operators are continually evolving. Contact operators directly for more information about their current offerings.

      What should I bring with me on a tour?

      Check with your operator for specifics, but if your tour is outdoors, comfortable walking shoes, adequate drinking water and sun protection are essential. A willingness to listen, learn and have fun will serve you well on any Aboriginal tour.

      Do I need to be vaccinated?

      The Australian Government no longer requires international travellers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status to enter Australia. Some Discover Aboriginal Experiences operators may have COVID-19 health requirements of their own; contact operators directly to check.

      What is Discover Aboriginal Experiences?

      Discover Aboriginal Experiences is a collective of quality, authentic Aboriginal guided tourism experiences showcasing the world’s oldest living cultures. 

      This flagship suite of extraordinary Aboriginal experiences is part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences of Australia program that promotes outstanding and inspiring experiences that capture the very essence of Australia.

      Where can I find a travel agent to help me book an experience?

      An Aussie Specialist has the knowledge and experience to help you plan and book an Aboriginal-guided tour as part of your trip to Australia. Search for a travel agent here .

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