Experience Australia’s Aboriginal Culture (Best Places to Visit)

Australia’s Aboriginal culture is over 60,000 years old as witnessed by rock art which makes it one of the oldest in the world. While you can read books and watch documentaries about the Aborigine people and their culture, it is best to visit the sites that hold history and speak of it. To experience Australia’s Aboriginal culture you will need to go straight to the source and the sites to visit are truly inspirational and spiritually rewarding.

Here are some great spots to visit in Aboriginal Australia.

 

• Uluru, Northern Territory

 

The most famous Aboriginal destination in Australia is definitely Uluru National Park. This is the area full of rock art, and local guide will tell you about how indigenous people lived here and regained ownership of the land. There is a free Mala Walk you can participate in that will take you to areas that are significant to the Aboriginal people, but do not climb the rocks since they have spiritual importance for the local population.

 

• Royal Botanical Gardens, Melbourne

 

The Kulin Nation is formed of five indigenous tribes and is the original owner of Melbourne. So, when in this big Australian city, go to the Royal Botanical Gardens and join the Aboriginal Heritage Walk. The Garden is in the place which was a traditional meeting place for the indigenous population and you will learn a lot about the plants used for medicine and food. Every walk starts with a traditional smoking ceremony for warding off the evil spirits and the guide will tell you about the heritage that indigenous people left to the modern world.  

 

• Aboriginal Rock Art, Sydney

 

While many see Sydney as one of the greatest metropolis in the world, it actually has myriad of archeological sites thanks to its rich Aboriginal heritage at least 30,000 years old. Tribal Warrior cultural cruise is organized by the Tribal Warrior organization with the purpose to promote Aboriginal heritage and preserve their traditions. The cruise consists of a ride in a big canoe or Mari Nawi that will take participants to Be-Lang-Le-Wool or  Clark Island National Park. There, the Aboriginal guide will tell stories about different tribes like Wangal, Cadigal, Gammerdial, Guringai, and Wallumedegal that lived in the Sydney Harbour.

 

• The Grampians, Victoria

 

Brambuk Cultural Center is located in the Grampians, a national park in Victoria where even now Aboriginal people live. There you will learn more about the Djab Wurrung and the Jardwadjali people who own this land and learn all about their six seasons. Also, you will hear the story about Bunjil the Eagle and the creation of the Grampians, as well as all about the history when European came.

 

• Mossman Gorge, Queensland

 

Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest National Park is the home of the Kuku Yalanji people and you will learn more about them on the Ngadiku Dreaming Walk. The walk includes smoking ceremony and legends about the creation of the world, as well as stories about the plant life. During this tour, you will also learn how to make bush soap and do ochre painting, as well as try damper and tea made of the bush.  

 

• Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

 

Kakadu, mainly owned by Aboriginal people, is the place where you will find Ubirr a famous rock art that represents the connection between humans and the environment. Find and join Kakadu tours and experience this magnificent artwork up close and hear the stories and facts from indigenous rangers. This site is well preserved which attests to care Aboriginal people pays to their heritage, while nature is gorgeous and perfect for hiking.

 

• Mungo National Park, New South Wales

 

Mungo National Park is a World Heritage site where Mungo Man remains were found as one of the most important archeological finds in Australia. It is also the representation of the oldest ritual burials in the world and you will hear more about the Aboriginal history and finds at the visitors center. Now, the Paakantji, Ngyuampaa and Mutthi Mutthi tribes share this land and manage the park together, as well as run the Aboriginal Discovery Tours.   

 

• Tully Gorge National Park, Tropical North Queensland

 

Going on Ingan tour in the Tully Gorge National Park will help you meet Jirrbal people and their ancient culture. This indigenous population considered that they are part of the land and treated it as something more than food and shelter provider. On this tour, you will learn more about their customs and also meet this vibrant rainforest region that used to be their home for centuries.

 

Finally

Australia has proven many times to be destination full of diversity, heritage, and rich cultural values. To experience Australia’s Aboriginal culture you won’t have to visit a remote destination since many sites are present in big cities like Melbourne and Sydney. All you need is open mind, desire to learn new things and a willingness to meet one of the oldest cultural heritages in the world.