OUR GUIDES
See Australia anew with an Aboriginal guide leading the way.
Meet Australia’s ultimate storytellers
A primary means of passing on knowledge over generations, storytelling plays a key role in Aboriginal cultures. And no one can tell a story quite like Aboriginal guides, who are renowned for bringing ancestral stories to life, often with a hearty dose of humour.
Connect more deeply with Australia
Aboriginal guides have deep ancestral connections to the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent dating back more than 65,000 years, affording them a unique ability to interpret Australia in a way that other guides simply can’t.
Discover the diversity of Aboriginal cultures
Spend time with an Aboriginal guide, and you’ll discover that there is not one Aboriginal culture, but many, each group with their own customs and traditions. Expect to learn something new on every Aboriginal-guided experience.
At the heart of Discover Aboriginal Experiences is our passionate Aboriginal guides, each with a unique connection to Country.
From our Guides
I love to share my home, share our culture. It’s all about sharing with me.”
Terry Hunter, Borrgoron Coast to Creek ToursWe visit places where few others get to go. It should open your eyes and your mind.”
Mark Saddler, Bundyi Cultural ToursMost people walk past significant Aboriginal sites in Sydney - until we show them where to look.”
Margret Campbell, Dreamtime Southern XI like teaching others about Tjukurpa, about my Country and how to paint. It makes me happy.”
Sarah Dalby, Maruku ArtsLearning about my culture and being able to share what I know has been amazing.”
Carleeta Thomas, wukalina WalkCome Walkabout with us, learn the Kuku Yalanji connection to Country.”
Juan Walker, Walkabout Cultural Adventures
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Elisha Kissick - Yura Tours
“It’s so important to empower our young people to be proud of their Country, and the unbelievable stories it holds.”
Steven Jacobs - In Culture Tours
“I am not afraid to tell people Indigenous stories and truths that they have never heard before."
Gary Creek - Flames of the Forest
“It’s very addictive to see how enlightened people become after watching a Flames performance.”
Corey Turner – Southern Cultural Immersion
“It’s been a fantastic and emotional journey to go from a sole trader to a thriving Aboriginal owned company.”
Bart Pigram – Narlijia Experiences
The Yawuru man from the Kimberley region of Western Australia tells a fascinating story of Country, community and culture on his daily Broome tours.
Dale Tilbrook - Dale Tilbrook Experiences
Dale Tilbrook needs little prompting to discuss her favourite topic, the native foodstuffs Australians call ‘bush tucker’.
Rob Hyatt — Koorie Heritage Trust
“A lot of visitors to the Koorie Heritage Trust have no idea what Aboriginal cultures look like in an urban setting,” says Rob Hyatt, the organisation’s cultural education manager.
Margret Campbell — Dreamtime Southern X
Aunty Margret Campbell is the founder-owner and managing director of Dreamtime Southern X, which runs tours offering fascinating insights into the Aboriginal Dreamtime beginnings of Sydney/Warrane.
Juan Walker — Walkabout Cultural Adventures
Juan Walker was a shy young man considering an electrician’s apprenticeship at a mine when relatives talked him into staying on Country in Tropical North Queensland.
Be prepared
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
