For over 50,000 years, Queensland has been home to two of the world's oldest living cultures. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders practice ageless traditions that enable an ancient way of life and invite visitors to connect with land and sea to gain a deeper understanding of Queensland's vibrant First Nations culture. From Indigenous art trails to hunting and gathering tours, here are 10 incredible Indigenous experiences in Queensland.
Step back in time: experience the 20,000-Year-Old way of life with Jarramali Rock Art Tours, Cape York
Tour wilderness touched by age-old wisdom in the company of a Traditional Owner and likeable larrikin, Johnny Murison. Homestay the 20,000-year-old way at an outback bush camp on the top of a rock escarpment, then take a guided tour through the magnificent 6,000-year-old gallery and view Quinkan rock art, rated by UNESCO as one of the Top 10 Rock Art sites in the world.
Uniting history and nature with the Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel Tour: a unique way to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Indigenous culture
Dive in deep and combine Australian Aboriginal and Indigenous history with marine biology on one out-of-this-world Great Barrier Reef trip. Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel engages storytellers and spokespeople from four Indigenous tribes, as well as qualified marine biologists, to deliver learnings about both the world's oldest living culture and the world's largest living organism.
Walk with the ancestors: explore the rich cultural heritage of Mossman Gorge Centre
Mossman Gorge is known as the gateway to the world's oldest rainforest – the Daintree Rainforest. Go on a journey steeped in heritage, ancient culture and traditions with a local Indigenous guide from the Mossman Gorge Centre. Join an Indigenous-guided Dreamtime Walks tour through ancient rainforest and hear Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul), meaning stories and legends from a long time ago, in the local Kuku Yalanji language.
Unearth the world's oldest supermarket with walkabout cultural adventures
Join proud Kuku Yalanji man, Juan Walker, as you walk in ankle-deep water through the mangroves and mudflats of his ancestral lands north of Port Douglas and forage for seafood in the world's oldest supermarket. The tour follows a typical outing for a 10- or 11-year-old Kuku Yalanji child and unearths botanicals that were once used for sustenance and medicinal purposes.
Cultural immersion at Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience – Rainforestation
A living textbook written with the family in mind, learn about Australia by touring a compact wildlife park home to 13 iconic Australian animal species. You can then join the Pamagirri Mini Mob experience and dance show for front-row insight into the culture of Australia's First Nations' people.
Uncover the Ngaro sea people's culture on a Whitsunday Island tour
There are 74 island wonders of the Whitsundays, and now a new way to see them through the eyes of the country's traditional owners. Join Peter Pryor, a descendent of the Ngaro Sea People, as he captivates you with stories of his tribe on an exclusive guided boat tour to two Whitsunday Islands. Stroll through the rainforest, visit a cave with Aboriginal rock paintings dating back 2,350 years and throw a traditional fishing spear as you learn about the history of these ancient island sea people.
Indigenous eco-tourism in Hervey Bay
Slow down and appreciate life and nature as you snorkel, learn about sustainability and listen to ancient Dreamtime stories from a local Butchulla guide. Tours cruise to small islands that dot the Great Sandy Strait in a gentle vessel called "Milbi," meaning "sea turtle". This is the only tour that showcases the culture of the Butchulla people, who gained native title over K'gari (Fraser Island) in October 2014.
Sail and storytelling: explore Kabi Kabi culture with Saltwater Eco Tours
Enjoy two hours of sailing on a 100-year-old, meticulously restored timber ketch while a Kabi Kabi storyteller from the Sunshine Coast shares entertaining tales and Aboriginal legends of the region. Taste local bush tucker and a platter of fresh local shrimp as you cruise the Mooloolaba canal systems on this unforgettable cultural experience.
Exploring Brisbane's Indigenous culture: BlackCard Cultural Tours
Connect with Brisbane and its rich Indigenous history on an interactive guided walking tour through the city-center streets. Discover public art installations, galleries and exhibitions from Aboriginal artists as you learn about the Indigenous culture of Queensland's capital city.
Journey through Yugambeh culture: a walking tour of Burleigh Head National Park
Immerse yourself in the story and customs of the Yugambeh people of the Gold Coast in Burleigh Head National Park. Join a 2-hour walking tour along the scenic Burleigh Headland and listen to the creation stories of the Jellurgal people and their connection to the region.
Learn about visiting the must-see Great Barrier Reef on your Queensland getaway.
