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CAIRNS
Explore the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures of Tropical North Queensland.
Choose from diverse experiences in Cairns/Gimuy (gee-moy) and the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and Cape York.
Uncover the secrets of the Daintree Rainforest
Kuku Yalanji people have lived in harmony with the world’s oldest continuous tropical rainforest for more than 40,000 years. Soak up their knowledge of bush foods, natural medicines and more on an Aboriginal tour.
See the Great Barrier Reef anew
Pull on your fins for an eye-opening Indigenous-led snorkelling tour that reveals the ingenious ways Traditional Custodians have cared for the reef since time immemorial.
Be mesmerised by rock art
Jaw-dropping Aboriginal rock art can be found all over the country. Discover some of Australia’s most incredible rock art on intimate Aboriginal experiences departing from the town of Laura in Far North Queensland.
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2 Day Camping Edu-Tourism Group Experience
Experience a Mandingalbay Yidinji welcome, smoking ceremony, guided bushwalk and more on a camping experience in the Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous Protected Area.
2 Night Tour
As well as discovering ancient Quinkan rock art with a Kuku-yalanji guide, be amazed by remarkable views over Cape York from Jowalbinna Bush Camp, where you spend two nights.
Bama Barrmal: Aboriginal Guide
Travelling with a larger group? Hire your own transportation and then pick the Walkabout tour you’d like to complete – your Aboriginal guide will jump on board.
19 Experiences around
Sydney
21°C Today
14 Experiences around
Uluru & Alice Springs
22°C Today
41 Experiences around
Darwin
29°C Today
10 Experiences around
Melbourne
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19 Experiences around
Perth
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Broome
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25°C Today
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Hobart & Launceston
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What's New
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Seeing Uluru in a new light
We were there when Wintjiri Wiru launched in May this year, and enjoyed a fascinating panel discussion about the show.
Meet our newest member: Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours
From Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, Indigenous rangers take guests on an immersive ride to explore this country through Aboriginal eyes.
Understanding Aboriginal etiquette
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?
5 globally sought-after travel experiences elevated by Aboriginal guides
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.
Uncover the deep cultural significance of Aboriginal place names
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 .
