examples of aboriginal cultural tourism

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, Kakadu National Park, NT © Tourism NT/James Fisher

Understanding Aboriginal cultures

A visit to Australia without an Aboriginal tourism experience is like going to Bondi without a surfboard. Or going outback and never seeing a kangaroo.

From gateway destinations like  Sydney , to Central Australia or the red earth of the  Kimberley , Aboriginal people across the country are waiting to tell their stories and share the meaning of their cultures and way of life.

“The main thing overseas visitors want to experience is the Aboriginal culture,” says  SeaLink – Tiwi by Design  tour guide, Buffy Warlapinni. “People are starting to get more interested in our way of culture.”

Aboriginal culture dates back more than 50,000 years. It existed long before Stonehenge, predates the Pyramids and is older than the Acropolis. What’s more amazing is that this culture can be experienced today.

And who better to introduce you to the world’s oldest continuous culture than somebody who lives, breathes and dreams it every day — an Aboriginal guide, one of Australia’s First Peoples, who call this vast continent their home.

"Aboriginal culture starts with its people. Aboriginal guides open a door into a world that many people don’t know still exists. A world where past, present and future meet. There’s nothing more exciting for a traveller than a totally new experience. That’s what memories are made of." - Dr Aden Ridgeway, Gumbaynggirr man and former chair of Indigenous Tourism Australia

Who are Australia’s Indigenous peoples?

SeaLink, Tiwi by Design, Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Australia’s Indigenous peoples have lived on the country’s vast lands for tens of thousands of years. They are the world’s oldest living culture, and their unique identity and spirit continues to exist in every corner of the country.

While ‘Aboriginal’ or ‘Indigenous’ may be used to describe Australia’s First Peoples, they see it differently. “We are one, we are different to each other, and we are many,” says Dr Ridgeway.

The Indigenous people from the Torres Strait Islands, which are part of the state of Queensland , are regarded as distinct from the Aboriginal peoples of mainland Australia and Tasmania . 

Torres Strait Islanders come from the islands of the Torres Strait between the tip of Cape York in Queensland and Papua New Guinea and share many cultural similarities with the people of Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. 

Currently, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represent less than four per cent of Australia’s population, so an everyday interaction with Australia’s First Peoples is not a given for most visitors. 

Two flags represent the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Aboriginal flag, designed by artist Harold Thomas in 1971, is divided into three colours. Black represents the Aboriginal people; the yellow circle symbolises the sun; red represents the earth, the red ochre used in ceremonies and Aboriginal peoples’ spiritual relation to the land.

The Torres Strait Islander flag, designed by the late Mr Bernard Namok and adopted in 1992, has three horizontal panels, with green at the top and bottom (for land), and blue (for sea) in between. These panels are divided by thin black lines representing the Torres Strait Islander peoples. A white dhari (traditional headdress of the Torres Strait) sits in the centre. The five-pointed white star beneath symbolises peace, the five island groups within the Torres Strait and the traditional role that the stars play for seafaring people.

Learn more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag from the Australian Museum website .

The importance of “being on country”

Kakadu Cultural Tours, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Aboriginal culture is holistic, defined by its connection to family, community and country. In Australia, the idea of “being on country” is central to the Aboriginal worldview.

The land (or country) is what defines Aboriginal people. Aboriginal people from the coast describe themselves as “saltwater people”, those from river areas are “freshwater people”, and those from central arid regions are “desert people”.

“Country is not just a beautiful place, to us it is everything,” says Juan Walker from Walkabout Cultural Adventures . “It holds out stories, our religion, our customs and our ancestors.”

This is because Aboriginal peoples believe their ancestral spirits emerged from the earth and the sky. These ancestral beings are their hero-creators, and it’s through their journeys that Aboriginal people believe all living things are created. These creation forces are constantly present, hence the strong cultural connection between Aboriginal people, the land and place.

"This land is sacred. It can feel you when you walk through it. All living things can feel you. There was a time when the ancestors walked through the land and Aboriginal people still feel the ancestors watching them. Knowledge is given from the ancestors to the Aboriginal people through their DNA and the same DNA still exists with Aboriginal people right across Australia."

- Timmy ‘Djawa’ Burarrwanga from Bawaka Homeland, East Arnhemland

The unique Aboriginal worldview

Adventure North Australia - Daintree Dreaming Tour, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Such an interconnected perspective is radically different to the West where the landscape is seen as separate — or literally outside — of the human experience as we know it. In Aboriginal culture, people and the land merge – they are part of each other.

This is exactly why travelling with an Aboriginal guide can be transformational – and reshape how you connect with the world. 

Whether it’s through feeling the light strip of ochre across the forehead, or walking along the beach with an Aboriginal elder who can read the tides by how the birds call, Aboriginal people bring another side of Australia to life. 

“Aboriginal culture is sometimes portrayed as very serious and spiritual,” says Dr Ridgeway. “Although it does have this meaningful side to it, Aboriginal people are pretty down to earth. It’s the mix of the practical with the humorous that makes the experience meaningful.”

Aboriginal nations are as separate as the nations of Europe or Africa

Oongkalkada Wilderness Camp, Udialla Springs, Western Australia © James Fisher, Tourism Australia

The land of Australia is as diverse as its First Peoples. From snowy Mount Kosciuszko in New South Wales to the steamy rainforest of northern Queensland, the continent encompasses desert, temperate and tropical landscape climates. Australia is often thought of as a young country. After all, it was colonised by the British as recently as 1788. However, more than 350 distinct Indigenous social groupings, also called nations, existed just a few hundred years ago - more than three times the number of countries in Europe and Africa combined.

While the term Aboriginal is used as a collective for Aboriginal civilisation and society, Aboriginal nations are as diverse as the travel experiences they offer.

Every part of Australia is considered Aboriginal land and Aboriginal people are bound to a particular territory of land through spiritual links and obligations of care and custodianship to family, community, lore and country. Similarly, Torres Strait Islanders have their own connection to their island home.

“Everyone is different. What I teach you in the Daintree rainforest is one teaching. You go out into the desert, the people out there will teach you a whole new aspect, a whole new way of looking at the world because their country is different. So it’s really important to understand that diversity is a major part of Aboriginal Australia,” says Juan Walker from Walkabout Cultural Adventures .

Aboriginal languages, customs and “Welcome to Country”

AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia* © Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies 2017

During the early period of colonisation, from 1788, known as the period of “First Contact”, there were between 350 and 750 distinct Australian social groupings, and a similar number of languages. The map above represents the richness of the language, tribal and nation groups of the First Peoples of Australia.

Despite the absence of fences or visible borders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups had clear boundaries separating their country from that of other groups. Aboriginal protocol dictates that people are welcomed upon entering a new country.

A ‘Welcome to Country’ can be as simple as using the spoken word, song or walking through a smoke offering, which gives the visitor safe passage and protection. Today, a ‘Welcome to Country’ is becoming a regular part of mainstream Australian life and is a sign of respect of the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their land, and the land now known as Australia.

The impact of colonisation still continues, however. Many of the languages once spoken are now endangered , and despite many language revival programs across Australia, Aboriginal people still feel a great sense of loss. Yet their resilience and optimism shine through, and with it, a strong desire to share their stories and culture with national and international visitors. 

*The above map attempts to represent the language, social or nation groups of Aboriginal Australia. It shows only the general locations of larger groupings of people which may include clans, dialects or individual languages in a group. It used published resources from 1988-1994 and is not intended to be exact, nor the boundaries fixed. It is not suitable for native title or other land claims. David R Horton (creator), © Aboriginal Studies Press, AIATSIS, 1996. No reproduction without permission. To purchase a print version visit:  https://shop.aiatsis.gov.au/

Aboriginal cuisine: ancient bush tucker for modern times

Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, South Coast, New South Wales © Archie Sartracom, Tourism Australia

Australia’s diversity means a wide variety of Aboriginal foods and bush tucker is available, and that the seasons do not always follow the traditional Western calendar.

On the Tiwi Islands there are thirteen seasonal variations. Wurringawunari is the season of the knock-em-downs — when the first dry winds blow. Milikitorinari is the season of hot feet when people gather food in the mangroves.

By closely observing nature, and knowing when certain flowers bloom, fruits ripen, and fish and animals fatten, Aboriginal people have learned to survive for tens of thousands of years. It is this wisdom, handed down over generations, which makes sampling bush tucker today not just a culinary experience — but a cultural journey through time.

Aboriginal tour operators provide plenty of opportunities for travellers to catch and cook fresh fish over open coals. Or to forage for traditional foods such as saltbush (a desert shrub) and Kakadu plum (a fruit packed with vitamin C and antioxidants). These ancient superfoods have been sustaining Aboriginal Australians for more than 50,000 years.

But you don’t have to ‘go bush’ to experience Aboriginal tucker. From the botanical gardens in cities, to high-end restaurants, you can enjoy the flavours of the outback. If you want to learn how to identify bush tucker or taste native ingredients prepared by your guide, join one of these incredible culinary-inspired Aboriginal tours.

More articles like this

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

• South Africa
• Philippines
• Faroe Islands
• Netherlands
• United States
• French Polynesia
• New Zealand

The Top 12 Indigenous Travel Experiences in Australia

Australia, a land of ancient landscapes and diverse cultures, offers a unique journey into the world of its original custodians – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With a heritage spanning over 60,000 years, these cultures hold deep connections to the land, the sea, and the sky.

For the modern traveler, seeking an Indigenous Australian travel experience is not just a journey through stunning landscapes; it’s an exploration of rich traditions, stories, and wisdom passed down through generations.

Whether you’re trekking through the heart of the Daintree Rainforest or gazing up at the iconic Uluru, these experiences promise a blend of adventure, spirituality, and cultural immersion.

1. Dreamtime Walks in Daintree Rainforest

Location: Daintree Rainforest, Queensland

Nestled in the northeastern coast of Queensland, the Daintree Rainforest is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural treasure trove. Renowned for its staggering biodiversity, this ancient rainforest is the setting for the remarkable Dreamtime walks. These tours, led by knowledgeable Aboriginal guides, are a window into the spiritual and ecological significance of the forest as understood through Indigenous lore.

As you walk under the lush canopy, the air rich with the sounds of wildlife, your guide recounts Dreamtime stories that bring the forest to life. These narratives, deeply entwined with the land, reveal the interconnectedness of all living things. It’s an enlightening experience, offering insights into traditional bush medicine and the edible fruits of the forest. This Daintree Rainforest Indigenous Walk not only educates but also mesmerizes with the timeless stories of the Kuku Yalanji people.

Costing and Access Information:

The cost of the Dreamtime walks varies, but most tours are reasonably priced, offering a range of experiences from short walks to full-day excursions. Accessibility to the Daintree Rainforest is generally via Cairns, with options for self-drive or organized tours.

2. Tiwi Islands Cultural Experience

Location: Tiwi Islands, off the coast of Darwin

The Tiwi Islands, known as the ‘Island of Smiles’, lie off the northern coast of Darwin and are home to the Tiwi people. This secluded paradise offers a unique cultural experience, far from the typical tourist trail. Here, the Australian Indigenous experience takes on a vibrant form through art, dance, and age-old traditions.

Visitors to the Tiwi Islands are greeted with a traditional ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony, an intimate introduction to the rich culture of the islands. The Tiwi people are renowned for their stunning art, which you can witness firsthand in local workshops. The art here is not just visually captivating; it’s a narrative of the Tiwi culture, portraying stories, rituals, and the deep connection to the land and sea.

Pricing and Travel Tips:

The Tiwi Islands are accessible via a short flight or ferry ride from Darwin. The cost of the cultural tours varies, with options for day trips or longer stays. Visitors are encouraged to engage respectfully with the community and participate in the cultural activities offered.

3. Uluru (Ayers Rock) Guided Tours

Location: Uluru, Northern Territory

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, the red heart of Australia, is a site of immense spiritual significance to the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of the land. The Uluru Aboriginal tours offer a profound connection to this iconic monolith, revealing the deep cultural narratives that it holds.

As the sun casts its first light on the red rock, painting the desert in hues of orange and gold, the guided tours around Uluru begin. The Anangu guides share stories of their ancestors, pointing out ancient rock art and explaining the sacred sites surrounding Uluru. This tour is a journey into the heart of Australia’s Indigenous heritage, an opportunity to understand the profound respect the Anangu have for this land.

Cost and Best Times to Visit:

Uluru tours vary in cost, offering options from walking tours to more comprehensive cultural experiences. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from May to September. Visitors are reminded to respect the cultural significance of Uluru, including adhering to the request not to climb the rock.

4. Kakadu National Park Cultural Safaris

Location: Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is not just a natural wonderland but also a cultural epicenter, home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures. Aboriginal-guided safaris in this vast park offer an unparalleled glimpse into both the ancient past and the living traditions of its indigenous inhabitants. The Kakadu National Park Aboriginal Tour takes you through dramatic landscapes, from wetlands buzzing with birdlife to rugged escarpments etched with rock art dating back thousands of years.

The indigenous guides share stories that paint the landscape with rich cultural significance, revealing secrets of bush tucker, traditional medicines, and survival skills honed over millennia. As you traverse this ancient land, the connection between the people and the land becomes evident, offering a profound understanding of Australia’s indigenous heritage.

Pricing and Tour Options:

Various tour operators offer different packages, from half-day to multi-day safaris, catering to all interests and budgets. The dry season, from May to October, is the ideal time to visit for pleasant weather and access to the full range of tours.

5. Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

Location: Near Cairns, Queensland

Just north of Cairns lies the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, a gateway to the world of the Tjapukai people, one of the indigenous groups of Queensland’s rainforest region. This park offers a blend of entertainment and education, making it a perfect family-friendly cultural experience. Here, Aboriginal Cultural Tours in Australia take a dynamic form, with interactive performances that include traditional dances, storytelling, and demonstrations of bushcraft.

Visitors can engage in hands-on activities like boomerang throwing and spear-fishing, providing a fun and immersive way to learn about Aboriginal culture. The park also offers insights into the Tjapukai people’s historical struggles and triumphs, highlighting the resilience and richness of their culture.

Ticket Prices and Operational Hours:

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park operates daily, offering various ticket options including day and night experiences. Prices are competitive, offering value for an enriching cultural experience.

6. Aboriginal Heritage Walks in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney

Location: Sydney, New South Wales

In the heart of Sydney, the Royal Botanic Gardens offer a serene escape from the urban hustle. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk here is a unique opportunity to explore the rich indigenous history of the area. Guided by Aboriginal educators, these walks are a journey through the lush gardens, discovering how the indigenous Cadigal people utilized the area’s plants for food, medicine, and shelter.

As you meander through the gardens, the guides share stories and knowledge about the native flora and fauna, offering a new perspective on the natural world through the lens of Australia’s first peoples. This walk is not just educational but also an inspiring experience, highlighting the deep connection between the Aboriginal people and the land.

Cost Details and Group Booking Options:

The Aboriginal Heritage Walk is affordably priced, making it accessible for individuals, families, and groups. Advanced booking is recommended, especially for larger groups, to ensure a personalized experience.

7. The Kimberley Cruise with Indigenous Storytelling

Location: Kimberley Region, Western Australia

Embarking on a cruise through the Kimberley region is not just a journey across stunning landscapes; it’s an expedition into the heart of Australia’s indigenous storytelling. The Kimberley Indigenous Cruise is an unforgettable experience, combining breathtaking natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. As you navigate the dramatic coastline, indigenous guides share tales and legends that breathe life into the ancient landscapes. You’ll witness some of the oldest known rock art in the world, providing a visual narrative of Australia’s Aboriginal history.

The cruise also offers opportunities to swim in pristine waters, hike through rugged terrain, and witness the incredible wildlife of the Kimberley. This experience is not just a vacation; it’s an educational and spiritual journey that connects you deeply with the land and its stories.

Pricing and Cruise Lengths:

Cruises vary in length, from short excursions to extensive voyages, and are priced accordingly. Booking in advance is recommended, as these unique tours are in high demand.

8. Aboriginal-Led Fishing Expeditions

Location: Various coastal regions across Australia

Australia’s indigenous people have a deep and enduring connection with the sea, and this is beautifully showcased in Aboriginal-led fishing expeditions. These tours are more than just a chance to catch fish; they are an immersive experience into the traditional fishing methods and stories connected to the sea. Guided by Aboriginal elders and experts, you’ll learn how to fish sustainably, respecting the ocean and its creatures.

These expeditions are not only a lesson in fishing but also in listening – to the stories, the sea, and the wisdom of generations that have lived in harmony with Australia’s coastal environments.

Cost and Seasonal Availability:

The cost and availability of these fishing expeditions vary depending on location and season. It’s best to plan in advance and book a tour that aligns with your travel schedule and interests.

9. Central Desert Art Centers, Near Alice Springs

Location: Central Desert Region, near Alice Springs

The heart of Australia’s Central Desert is a vibrant hub of Aboriginal art, and visiting the art centers near Alice Springs is a journey into the soul of indigenous creativity. These centers are not just galleries; they are community spaces where local artists create and showcase their work. As you move through these centers, you’ll witness the stunning array of Aboriginal art, from traditional dot paintings to contemporary works.

Each piece tells a story, offering insights into the artist’s connection to their land, culture, and ancestry. This is an opportunity to not only admire but also purchase authentic Aboriginal art, directly supporting the artists and their communities.

Entry Fees and Tour Packages:

Most art centers offer free entry, though some may charge a small fee. Tour packages are available for those who wish to visit multiple centers and often include guided explanations of the art and artists.

10. Kooljaman at Cape Leveque, Northwest Australia

Location: Cape Leveque, Western Australia

Kooljaman at Cape Leveque offers an extraordinary experience that combines stunning natural beauty with deep cultural immersion. This remote and breathtakingly beautiful area is known for its red cliffs, pristine beaches, and clear waters. It’s also a place rich in Aboriginal culture, managed by the traditional owners, the Bardi Jawi people.

Visitors can engage in a range of activities, from cultural tours where you learn about the traditional ways of life, including hunting and gathering, to relaxing on the unspoiled beaches. The accommodation options range from camping to more comfortable eco-friendly cabins, allowing you to stay and soak in the serene atmosphere of Cape Leveque.

Accommodation and Tour Pricing:

There are various accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. The cost of cultural tours and other activities is additional, and it’s recommended to book these in advance to ensure availability.

11. Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, South Coast New South Wales

Location: South Coast, New South Wales

Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness provides a rare and profound opportunity to engage with the Yuin people’s culture on the South Coast of New South Wales. This experience is a deep dive into the traditional customs, stories, and lands of the Yuin nation. Guided by local Aboriginal elders, the tours offer an authentic and respectful immersion into indigenous culture.

Participants can engage in a variety of activities, from traditional storytelling and dance to guided bushwalks where they learn about the native flora and fauna and their significance in Aboriginal culture. This experience not only educates but also connects one with the spirituality and wisdom of the Yuin people.

Costs and Booking Procedures:

These tours vary in length and cost, accommodating different interests and budgets. Advanced bookings are essential to secure a place on these small and intimate cultural immersions.

12. Wukalina Walk, Tasmania

Location: Tasmania

The Wukalina Walk in Tasmania is a truly unique experience, offering an immersive journey into the culture and history of the Palawa people, the original inhabitants of Tasmania. This guided walk is not just a trek through the stunning Tasmanian landscape; it’s a cultural, spiritual, and educational journey.

Over several days, walkers are guided through the traditional homelands of the Palawa, learning about their customs, history, and connection to the land. Accompanied by Aboriginal guides, participants experience traditional foods, hear ancient stories, and gain a profound understanding of the Palawa’s way of life. This walk is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves a lasting impact on all who undertake it.

Pricing and Duration Details:

The Wukalina Walk is a multi-day experience, with pricing reflecting the all-inclusive nature of the tour – covering accommodation, meals, and guided activities. Bookings should be made well in advance due to the limited availability and high demand.

The exploration of Indigenous travel experiences in Australia offers more than just a holiday; it’s a journey into the heart and soul of the world’s oldest living cultures. From the spiritual depths of Uluru to the vibrant art of the Central Desert, each experience brings us closer to understanding the rich tapestry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.

Additional Information

For those planning to embark on these experiences, it’s crucial to approach with respect and openness. Remember, sustainable and responsible tourism not only ensures the preservation of these incredible cultures and landscapes but also supports the communities that share their rich heritage with us.

Each journey into Australia’s indigenous culture is a step towards greater understanding, a chance to build bridges and foster a deeper appreciation of the world’s oldest continuous cultures.

STAY UPDATED

Join our community of keen travellers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers..

Aussie-Born Captive Cheetah Released In Africa For The First Time

Why Botswana and Namibia Want Fewer Elephants

1,000 Manta Rays Seen In The Maldives

What Is Ashwagandha – Benefits, Myths and Side Effects

April 16, 2024

Ashwagandha: Ancient Herb, Modern Superstar

Imagine a plant so revered for its stress-busting abilities that even the busiest celebrities and influencers swear by it—meet Ashwagandha. This ancient herb, a staple in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, is making a contemporary comeback, capturing the attention of a modern audience seeking natural health solutions.

But what exactly is Ashwagandha, and why has it suddenly become the wellness world’s latest obsession? Let’s dive into the roots of this wonder herb, uncover its unique qualities, and explore how it might just be the natural ally your busy life needs.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera , is an evergreen shrub that flourishes in the dry regions of India , the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Its adaptogenic properties have positioned it as a cornerstone in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. Commonly referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, this powerful plant has a history as rich as its benefits.

The name "Ashwagandha" itself speaks volumes about its potency, translating to "the smell of a horse," which implies that it imparts the vigor and strength of a stallion to those who consume it. This herb is not just a medicinal plant but a symbol of robust health and vitality, which might explain its enduring popularity through the ages.

Science Behind Ashwagandha

The therapeutic powers of ashwagandha stem from its complex blend of phytochemicals, which include withanolides, alkaloids, and lactones. These bioactive components are the heavy lifters behind the herb's health-promoting properties. Withanolides, in particular, are thought to play a pivotal role by exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and immunomodulatory properties, making ashwagandha a multifaceted tool in natural healthcare.

The way ashwagandha works in the body is as intriguing as its benefits. Primarily, it's known as an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body manage stress more effectively. Adaptogens like ashwagandha aid in stabilizing physiological processes and promoting homeostasis.

This includes regulating key systems such as the neuroendocrine and immune systems, thus helping the body cope with stress, whether it's physical, chemical, or biological. The root of ashwagandha is particularly rich in these bioactive substances, which are believed to influence the body’s stress response pathways and support an overall sense of well-being.

Researchers have found that ashwagandha also impacts the production and signaling of stress hormones like cortisol. By moderating the reaction to stress and potentially lowering cortisol levels, ashwagandha can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory effects are linked to reducing the markers of inflammation, which are often elevated in conditions of chronic stress.

The interaction between these bioactive molecules and the body’s cellular machinery includes influencing signaling pathways that govern a wide array of biological functions. This means that ashwagandha could potentially help in not just managing stress and anxiety but also in enhancing overall vitality and energy, echoing the ancient claims of its life-enhancing properties.

Despite these promising findings, the research continues as scientists strive to fully understand the exact mechanisms through which ashwagandha exerts its diverse therapeutic effects.

Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha's rise to fame in the wellness community is backed by a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its numerous health benefits. Among the most celebrated of these is its ability to significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that ashwagandha can help lower levels of stress and anxiety in both animal and human studies. A notable 2021 review of several clinical trials found that participants who supplemented with ashwagandha root and leaf extracts reported markedly reduced stress and anxiety compared to those who took a placebo.

Another well-regarded benefit of ashwagandha is its positive impact on sleep. The species name, somnifera , hints at its sleep-inducing properties, with clinical studies supporting its use in improving sleep quality and duration, particularly among individuals struggling with insomnia.

This herb works on the premise of promoting restfulness and combating the effects of fatigue, which are often the byproducts of our fast-paced, stress-filled lives.

Beyond its calming effects, ashwagandha has been explored for a plethora of other potential health impacts. It is believed to offer benefits for sexual health by enhancing vitality and stamina, a claim that has been part of its traditional use for centuries.

Preliminary studies have also suggested that ashwagandha might help with managing symptoms of arthritis, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, its role in improving cognitive functions, such as memory and reaction time, has captured the interest of researchers looking into natural treatments for cognitive decline.

In the realm of metabolic health, some research points towards ashwagandha's potential in aiding the management of blood sugar levels in diabetics and improving cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol. While the evidence is promising, it is important to note that many of these studies are still preliminary, and ashwagandha should not be seen as a standalone treatment but rather as a complementary approach to overall health and wellness.

Ashwagandha continues to be a subject of interest among scientists and health enthusiasts alike, with ongoing studies aiming to further elucidate its benefits and optimize its use in modern medicine. Whether it’s reducing stress, enhancing sleep, or potentially aiding in chronic disease management, ashwagandha's multifaceted benefits make it a noteworthy addition to a holistic health regimen.

How to Use Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha can be incorporated into your daily routine in various forms, each offering distinct benefits and ways of consumption. The most common forms include powdered root, capsules, and teas. Depending on your personal health goals and preferences, you might choose one form over another.

Powdered Ashwagandha Root: This form is versatile and allows for dosage customization. It can be mixed into smoothies, shakes, or even warm milk before bedtime to promote relaxation and better sleep. The earthy taste of ashwagandha powder might be strong for some, so pairing it with sweet or strongly flavored ingredients can help mask its robust flavor.

Capsules: For those who prefer convenience or are sensitive to the taste of ashwagandha, capsules are an ideal choice. They provide a precise dosage, essential for consistent supplementation, and are easy to incorporate into any daily vitamin regimen.

Tea: Ashwagandha tea, made from either the dried root or leaves, is another way to enjoy the benefits of this herb. It's particularly soothing when consumed before bedtime, helping to calm the mind and prepare the body for rest.

When it comes to dosing, it’s crucial to start with lower amounts and gradually increase as needed and as tolerated. The general recommendation for ashwagandha powder is about ¼ to ½ teaspoon once or twice a day. However, the dosage can vary based on the concentration of the extract and the specific product's formulation, so checking the label and consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is always best.

Practical Tips for Using Ashwagandha

Here are some practical tips to help you integrate ashwagandha into your life effectively:

• Start Small: Begin with a smaller dose to see how your body reacts before gradually increasing to the recommended dose.
• Consistency is Key: For the best results, take ashwagandha regularly. Incorporating it into your daily routine can help maintain its benefits continuously.
• Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to ashwagandha. This can help you adjust your dosage and determine the best time of day to take it, ensuring optimal benefits.
• Quality Matters: Not all ashwagandha supplements are created equal. Opt for products that are certified organic and tested by third parties to ensure they are free from contaminants and accurately labeled.

Safety and Side Effects

While ashwagandha is generally safe for most people when used appropriately, it's important to be aware of potential side effects and safety considerations. Understanding these can help you use ashwagandha safely and effectively.

General Safety: Ashwagandha is well-tolerated by many, but there are specific groups who should exercise caution or avoid it altogether. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised against using ashwagandha due to insufficient research on its safety in these populations. Additionally, individuals with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis should consult a healthcare provider before starting ashwagandha because it can potentially stimulate the immune system.

Potential Side Effects: For some users, ashwagandha can cause mild side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and nausea, particularly when taken in large doses. There are also more serious concerns, such as the possibility of liver damage in rare cases. This underscores the importance of starting with a low dose to gauge how your body responds.

Interactions with Medications: Ashwagandha might interact with medications, particularly those for thyroid, blood sugar, and blood pressure management. It can potentiate the effects of sedatives and might interfere with hormonal therapies due to its influence on hormone levels.

Regulatory Issues: It's crucial to note that in the U.S., dietary supplements like ashwagandha are not regulated as strictly as prescription medications, which means their purity and potency can vary. This variability can make it challenging to ensure you're getting a quality product.

Choosing a Quality Supplement

To mitigate the risks associated with poor-quality supplements, here are some tips for selecting a reliable ashwagandha product:

• Look for Certifications: Choose supplements that have been certified by reputable third-party organizations such as USP (United States Pharmacopeia), NSF International, or ConsumerLab. These certifications help assure that the product contains what the label says and is free from harmful levels of contaminants.
• Check for Standardization: Opt for products that specify the concentration of withanolides, which are key bioactive components in ashwagandha. This helps ensure potency and consistency in your supplement.
• Read Reviews and Research the Brand: Look at consumer reviews and do some background research on the brand. Choose companies that are transparent about their manufacturing processes and quality controls.
• Consult Healthcare Providers: Before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific health needs.

Ashwagandha stands out as a testament to the power of natural remedies, offering a myriad of benefits backed by both ancient wisdom and modern science. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep and potentially aiding in chronic health conditions, this adaptogenic herb can be a versatile addition to a holistic health strategy. However, as with any supplement, the key to its effective use lies in understanding both its benefits and limitations.

As we've explored the various aspects of ashwagandha, it's clear that while it offers substantial health advantages, responsible usage is crucial. This includes recognizing appropriate dosages, being aware of potential side effects, and choosing high-quality products. Furthermore, integrating ashwagandha into your life should be done with the guidance of healthcare professionals, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.

15 Top Museums In Amsterdam

April 10, 2024

Welcome to Amsterdam , a city where the past and present collide in the most visually stunning ways. Here, the streets are lined with the tangible echoes of history, and modernity gleams from the facades of cutting-edge galleries. For the urban explorer with a thirst for culture, the vast array of museums in Amsterdam offers a unique voyage into the heart of creativity, innovation, and history.

This isn't just about observing; it's about immersing yourself in stories that span centuries, all while navigating the charming canals and vibrant streets of this eclectic city.

Whether you're an art aficionado, a history buff, or just in search of a new perspective, Amsterdam's museums beckon with the promise of discovery and inspiration. From the hauntingly beautiful to the ingeniously interactive, each museum is a gateway to different worlds, times, and imaginations.

So, let's dive into a curated list of the 15 best museums in Amsterdam, where each visit is more than just a walk through galleries; it's an experience, a revelation, and a journey.

1. Rijksmuseum

Standing majestically at the heart of Amsterdam's Museum Square, the Rijksmuseum is not just a museum; it's an institution. It houses an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts that narrate the rich tapestry of Dutch history, with a spotlight on the Golden Age. Imagine coming face-to-face with Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" or Vermeer's "The Milkmaid." It's here that the mastery of Dutch art unfurls in all its glory.

Tips: The Rijksmuseum welcomes countless visitors each year, so buying your ticket online could save you from the long queues, offering more time to marvel at the artworks. Consider visiting during the weekday mornings or late afternoons when the crowds thin out. Don’t miss the Rijksmuseum Garden, it’s free and offers a serene escape, adorned with sculptures and seasonal exhibitions.

Location: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam. Nestled in the Museum Square, it's a short tram ride or a scenic bike ride away from the city center.

2. Van Gogh Museum

Dedicated to the tormented genius that was Vincent van Gogh, this museum is a deep dive into the turbulent life and the vibrant works of one of the most celebrated artists in history. With the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings, drawings, and letters, the museum offers an intimate journey through the eyes of Vincent, from his early dark, somber works to his later, explosion of colors in paintings like "Sunflowers" and "The Starry Night."

Tips: The Van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam's most popular destinations , so booking your visit in advance is highly recommended. For a more immersive experience, download the museum's app for an audio guide that brings Vincent's story to life in his own words, based on his letters. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit if you wish to avoid the crowds and have a moment of quiet with the art.

Location & Costing: Located at Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, the museum is easily accessible by public transport or bike. Ticket prices vary, with discounts for students and free entry for children under 18, making it a family-friendly outing that educates and inspires.

3. Anne Frank House

Nestled along the Prinsengracht canal, the Anne Frank House serves as a haunting reminder of the atrocities of World War II and the resilience of the human spirit. This museum is the actual hiding place where Anne Frank, her family, and others lived concealed from the Nazi regime, and where she penned her now-famous diary. Walking through the secret annex offers a profound, tangible connection to history, making the abstract horrors of the past devastatingly real.

Tips: Due to its historical significance, the Anne Frank House attracts a high volume of visitors. It's essential to book your tickets well in advance as they're often sold out weeks ahead. The museum recommends visiting early in the morning or late in the day for a quieter, more contemplative experience. Photography is not allowed inside to preserve the solemn atmosphere of the museum.

Location: Located at Prinsengracht 263-267, it's within walking distance from the Westerkerk and easily reachable by public transport from the city center.

4. Stedelijk Museum

If modern art and design set your heart racing, then the Stedelijk Museum is your mecca. Positioned as a beacon of modern and contemporary art, the Stedelijk holds an impressive collection that spans from the late 19th century to today. Here, art enthusiasts can engage with works by Picasso, Warhol, and many more, alongside cutting-edge design exhibitions that challenge and inspire. The museum's strikingly modern building, affectionately nicknamed "The Bathtub" by locals, is a testament to its forward-thinking ethos.

Tips: The museum offers free guided tours on weekends, providing deeper insights into its vast collections and temporary exhibitions. For an even more enriching visit, check out the museum's calendar for special events and temporary exhibits. The Stedelijk is less crowded during weekday afternoons, making it a perfect time to explore its halls.

Location & Costing: Situated at Museumplein 10, next to the Van Gogh Museum, it's a cultural hotspot not to be missed. Ticket prices are competitive, with discounts available for students and free entry for children under 18.

5. Hermitage Amsterdam

A branch of the renowned Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, the Hermitage Amsterdam offers a unique glimpse into Russian art and history, alongside an array of exhibitions on art, culture, and history from around the world. The museum's rotating exhibits mean that each visit can offer something new, from classical masterpieces to the treasures of the tsars, providing a bridge between Amsterdam and the art and culture of Russia and beyond.

Tips: Given the changing nature of its exhibitions, it's a good idea to check the museum's website in advance to see what's currently on display. The Hermitage Amsterdam is spacious and tends to be less crowded than other museums, offering a more relaxed visiting experience. Don't miss the beautiful courtyard garden, a perfect spot to unwind after soaking in the art.

Location: Situated on the banks of the Amstel River at Amstel 51, the museum is a scenic walk or bike ride from the city center, adding a picturesque journey to your cultural exploration.

6. NEMO Science Museum

Perched on the waterfront near Amsterdam Central Station, the NEMO Science Museum's striking ship-like structure is a beacon for the curious at heart. This hands-on museum makes science accessible and fun for all ages, with interactive exhibits that cover everything from electricity and DNA to the wonders of the universe. It's a place where you can experiment, play, and discover the scientific principles that shape our world.

Tips: NEMO's rooftop offers not only spectacular views of the city but also an outdoor exhibit on renewable energy. It's a great spot to relax and reflect after a day of exploration. The museum can get quite busy, especially on rainy days and during school holidays, so visiting early or late in the day can make for a more comfortable experience.

Location: Located at Oosterdok 2, it's just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station, making it an easy addition to any itinerary.

7. Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum is nestled within a former orphanage in the heart of the city, offering a deep dive into the history of Amsterdam. Through engaging exhibits and collections, visitors are taken on a journey from the city's early beginnings to its current status as a bustling, multicultural metropolis. It's a fascinating exploration of how Amsterdam has been shaped by its inhabitants, from the Golden Age to today.

Tips: The museum's layout can be a maze of wonders, so grabbing a map at the entrance is a good idea. Don't miss the Amsterdam DNA exhibition, a perfect start for those looking to get an overview of the city's history in a short amount of time. The museum also offers free entry with the I Amsterdam City Card, a great saving for avid museum-goers.

Location: Situated at Kalverstraat 92, it's within walking distance from the Dam Square, making it a convenient stop as you explore the city center.

8. Moco Museum

The Moco Museum is a boutique museum located in a stunning townhouse overlooking Museum Square, offering a unique blend of modern and contemporary art. With an emphasis on artists who have a unique voice in the world, the museum features works by Banksy, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, and many more. It's a place where the rebellious and the innovative converge, offering a fresh perspective on the art world.

Tips: The museum is smaller than some of its neighbors, allowing for a more intimate viewing experience. However, it can get busy, so booking a ticket in advance is recommended. Don't rush through; take your time to enjoy the outdoor sculptures and garden, which are as much a part of the exhibition as the artworks inside.

Location & Costing: Located at Museumplein 20, it's right in the heart of the city's museum district. Ticket prices are reasonable, and the museum offers student discounts, making it accessible for those on a budget.

9. FOAM (Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam)

Nestled along the picturesque Keizersgracht canal, FOAM captivates photography enthusiasts with its ever-changing exhibitions showcasing work from both renowned photographers and rising talents. From historical photography to contemporary visual storytelling, the museum offers a deep dive into the medium's captivating power and its role in shaping our understanding of the world.

Tips: FOAM's exhibitions rotate frequently, making every visit a new discovery. Check their website in advance to see what's on during your visit. Early mornings are usually quieter, providing a more personal experience with the photographs. Don't miss the museum's gift shop, which features a fine selection of photography books and prints.

Location: Located at Keizersgracht 609, FOAM is easily accessible by tram or a pleasant walk through Amsterdam's historic streets, making it a perfect stop as you explore the canal belt.

10. Tropenmuseum

The Tropenmuseum, located in one of Amsterdam's most beautiful buildings, is a museum about people. It showcases fascinating artifacts and stories from cultures around the globe, aiming to foster a better understanding and appreciation of the vast diversity of the human experience. Exhibits range from African art to Southeast Asian artifacts, providing a colorful and insightful exploration into different ways of life.

Tips: The museum is particularly known for its family-friendly exhibits, making it a great choice for visitors with children. The interactive installations are both educational and engaging for all ages. Visiting during weekdays can often mean fewer crowds and a more leisurely experience.

Location: Positioned in the east of Amsterdam at Linnaeusstraat 2, the Tropenmuseum is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the detour. It's easily reachable by public transport, with the added benefit of exploring a less touristy part of the city.

11. Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum): Navigating History

The Maritime Museum, housed in a former naval storehouse, offers an immersive dive into the Netherlands' storied maritime history. Through interactive exhibits and an impressive collection of nautical artifacts, the museum brings to life the country's age of exploration and its longstanding relationship with the sea. The highlight for many is the full-size replica of the Amsterdam, a Dutch East India Company ship, moored at the museum's quay.

Tips: The museum is highly interactive, with many exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. Don't miss the opportunity to board the Amsterdam replica; it's a rare chance to step directly into history. Visiting on a weekday can help avoid the biggest crowds, making it easier to explore the museum at your own pace.

Location: Located at Kattenburgerplein 1, near Amsterdam Central Station, the museum is just a short walk or bike ride from the city's center. Its proximity to other major attractions makes it a convenient addition to any itinerary.

12. Jewish Historical Museum (Joods Historisch Museum)

Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam's Jewish Cultural Quarter, the Jewish Historical Museum is a testament to Jewish culture, history, and religion in the Netherlands. Housed in four former synagogues, the museum offers a poignant journey through Jewish heritage, showcasing a rich collection of artifacts, artworks, and multimedia presentations. From personal stories of the Holocaust to the vibrant life of the Jewish community in Amsterdam, the museum provides a comprehensive and respectful exploration of Jewish identity.

Tips: The museum's layout is a labyrinth of interconnected spaces, each telling a different part of the Jewish story in the Netherlands. Allocate enough time to fully immerse yourself in the exhibits, and don't miss the temporary exhibitions, which often offer unique insights into contemporary Jewish art and culture. The museum ticket also grants access to other sites in the Jewish Cultural Quarter, including the impressive Portuguese Synagogue.

Location: Located at Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1, the museum is easily accessible from the Waterlooplein or by a short walk from the Rembrandt House Museum, allowing for a meaningful cultural itinerary in the city's historic center.

13. Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography

Amsterdam's first photography museum, Huis Marseille, offers an oasis of visual storytelling in a historic canal house. With a focus on contemporary photography, the museum presents a curated selection of works that reflect on social issues, beauty, and the human condition through the lens of both Dutch and international photographers. The museum's intimate setting and regularly changing exhibitions ensure a unique visit every time, with photography that moves, challenges, and inspires.

Tips: The museum's tranquil garden is a hidden gem and a perfect spot to reflect on the exhibitions. Due to its smaller size and niche focus, Huis Marseille provides a quiet, contemplative atmosphere ideal for photography lovers. Checking the museum's current exhibitions online before your visit is recommended, as the themes and artists showcased can vary widely.

Location: Situated at Keizersgracht 401, Huis Marseille is perfectly placed for a serene walk along the canal belt, offering a moment of calm and inspiration amidst the bustling city.

14. EYE Filmmuseum

Standing on the north bank of the IJ River, the EYE Filmmuseum's futuristic building is an icon of modern Amsterdam and a haven for film aficionados. The museum celebrates the art of cinema with an extensive collection of Dutch and international films, from early silent gems to contemporary digital works. Visitors can explore the world of film through interactive exhibits, viewings, and special retrospectives, all while enjoying the museum's avant-garde architecture and stunning waterfront views.

Tips: The EYE Filmmuseum is more than just a museum; it's a cultural experience. Along with its exhibitions, the museum's cinemas screen a diverse range of films daily. Check the schedule in advance to catch a screening or a film-related talk. The free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station to Buiksloterweg offers a quick and scenic route to the museum, adding an element of adventure to your visit.

Location: Located at IJpromenade 1, the museum's distinctive white building is a striking landmark visible from the city's central waterfront, making it an unmissable destination for anyone interested in the moving image.

15. Rembrandt House Museum (Museum Het Rembrandthuis)

Step into the world of Rembrandt van Rijn, one of history’s most revered artists, at the Rembrandt House Museum. This is where the master lived and worked for nearly two decades at the height of his career. Restored to its 17th-century glory, the museum not only showcases an extensive collection of Rembrandt’s etchings but also offers live demonstrations of his painting and printing techniques. It’s a unique opportunity to glimpse the daily life and creative process of the artist.

Tips: The live demonstrations are a must-see, offering insights into the techniques that made Rembrandt a master of light and shadow. Due to the historical nature of the building, it’s wise to visit at less busy times for a more intimate experience.

Location: Located in the heart of the old city at Jodenbreestraat 4, the museum is easily accessible on foot from many central locations, including the bustling Waterlooplein market, adding a historical layer to your Amsterdam adventure.

Tips and Tricks For Visiting Amsterdam

Visiting museums is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Amsterdam. Here are some tips to make the most of your museum visits:

• Amsterdam City Card: Consider purchasing this card for free or discounted access to many museums and public transport. It’s a cost-effective way to explore.
• Plan Ahead: Check museum opening times and book tickets in advance where possible, especially for the more popular museums like the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.
• Take Your Time: Amsterdam's museums have rich collections. Select a few that interest you most and allow plenty of time to explore them thoroughly.
• Guided Tours: Many museums offer free or low-cost guided tours, providing deeper insights into their collections.

From the grandeur of the Rijksmuseum to the intimate corners of the Rembrandt House Museum, Amsterdam's museums offer a kaleidoscope of experiences that cater to every interest. Whether you're drawn to the stirring history depicted in the Anne Frank House, the cutting-edge contemporary art at the Stedelijk, or the cinematic journeys at the EYE Filmmuseum, each visit promises new discoveries and insights.

Amsterdam’s museums not only celebrate the artistic and historical achievements of the past but also engage with the vibrant cultural dialogues of the present, inviting visitors to reflect, question, and be inspired. So, pack your curiosity and set off on a journey through Amsterdam's museum landscape, where each door opens to a new world of exploration and wonder.

Festivals in Rotterdam: Our Guide to the City’s Cultural Celebrations

April 8, 2024

A Wild Welcome to Rotterdam’s Festivals

Dive headfirst into the pulsating heart of the Netherlands where the cityscape is as eclectic as its cultural tapestry — welcome to Rotterdam, a place where festivals are not just events; they're a way of life. With a vibe that’s edgy yet inviting, Rotterdam serves up a cultural smorgasbord that beckons travelers and locals alike to revel in its dynamic festival scene.

From the thumping basslines of world-renowned music festivals to the savory delights of food fests that tantalize your taste buds, Rotterdam is a city that dances to the beat of its own drum, all year round.

Here, we're taking you on an unparalleled journey through the Festivals in Rotterdam , showcasing why this city's celebrations are a must-experience phenomenon. W

hether you're a hardcore festival-goer or a curious traveler eager to dip your toes into the vibrant waters of Rotterdam's cultural festivities, buckle up. You're about to discover the wildest, most unforgettable events in Rotterdam.

Why Rotterdam? The City’s Cultural Tapestry Unveiled

Why does Rotterdam, of all places, deserve a spot on your festival bucket list? The answer lies in the city's unique blend of modern innovation and rich cultural heritage. Rotterdam is a city reborn from the ashes of World War II, emerging as a beacon of architectural innovation and cultural diversity. This diversity is the lifeblood of the Rotterdam Festivals, each event a mirror reflecting the myriad cultures that thrive within the city's borders.

The historical evolution of Rotterdam has made festivals an integral part of its urban fabric. These events in Rotterdam are more than just gatherings; they are celebrations of the city’s resilience, its avant-garde spirit, and its warm embrace of different cultures and ideas. From the electrifying beats of electronic dance music festivals to the quiet, introspective ambiance of film and art festivals, each event offers a unique glimpse into the soul of Rotterdam.

Rotterdam’s cultural scene is a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and flavors, attracting artists, musicians, and chefs from around the globe. The city’s open-mindedness and innovative spirit have fostered a festival scene that is both diverse and inclusive, making it a fertile ground for cultural exchange and creative expression.

Whether you’re swaying to the rhythms of the North Sea Jazz Festival or savoring the innovative dishes at RotterdamseKost, you’re participating in a tradition that celebrates the best of human creativity and community.

The Festival Calendar: Year-Round Celebrations

In Rotterdam, the festival calendar is as diverse as the city itself, with each season bringing its own unique flair to the cultural festivities. Here’s a seasonal breakdown of what you can expect:

Spring: As the city awakens from its winter slumber, the blooming flowers are accompanied by the colorful burst of festivals like the Rotterdam Architecture Month, celebrating the city’s cutting-edge urban design and architectural heritage. Music lovers won’t want to miss Motel Mozaïque, a festival that blends art, music, and performance in unexpected spaces throughout the city.

Summer : Summer in Rotterdam is a true festival extravaganza, with the North Sea Jazz Festival taking center stage as one of the world’s most renowned jazz events. But the fun doesn’t stop there; the Rotterdam Unlimited and Summer Carnival bring the city to life with vibrant parades, live music, and dance, showcasing the multicultural heartbeat of Rotterdam.

Fall : As the leaves change color, the city’s cultural scene doesn’t skip a beat. The International Film Festival Rotterdam offers a platform for innovative filmmakers and provides cinephiles with an immersive viewing experience. Meanwhile, the Gergiev Festival, led by conductor Valery Gergiev, captivates classical music enthusiasts with its spellbinding performances.

Winter : The chill in the air is warmed by the festive spirit of events like the Rotterdam Lights Festival, where stunning light installations illuminate the city, creating a magical atmosphere. The IFFR continues into the colder months, offering a cozy retreat for film lovers.

Not-to-Miss Festivals in Rotterdam

Within Rotterdam’s packed festival calendar, certain events stand out as essential experiences for any cultural explorer:

North Sea Jazz Festival: Known globally for its eclectic lineup, this festival is a pilgrimage site for jazz enthusiasts, featuring legends and new talents across multiple stages.

Rotterdam Unlimited: This exuberant celebration of diversity includes the Zomercarnaval (Summer Carnival) Parade, a dazzling display of costumes, dance, and music that transforms the city into a whirlwind of color and sound.

International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR): A haven for independent film lovers, the IFFR showcases an impressive selection of international cinema, fostering a space for dialogue and discovery.

Art Rotterdam: An annual event that puts a spotlight on contemporary art, offering a platform for emerging artists and established galleries alike. It’s a must-visit for art aficionados and collectors.

RotterdamseKost: Celebrate Rotterdam’s culinary scene at this festival, where local chefs and restaurants offer up their best dishes, accompanied by live music and entertainment.

World Port Days: Paying homage to Rotterdam’s maritime heritage, this event offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s busiest ports with ship tours, naval displays, and waterfront activities.

A Deep Dive into Rotterdam’s Nightlife and Festival Culture

Rotterdam's nightlife is a reflection of its cultural mosaic, with an array of bars , clubs, and late-night events that cater to every taste and temperament. The end of any events in Rotterdam often marks the beginning of a night filled with exploration, where the rhythm of the day’s music transitions seamlessly into the beats echoing through the city’s nightlife venues.

Club Vibes and Festival Beats: For those who aren’t ready to end the night, many of Rotterdam's festivals have official after-parties held in local clubs and venues. Clubs like Maassilo and Annabel become extensions of the festival grounds, where attendees can continue dancing to sets from festival DJs and live acts. This seamless integration of 'Rotterdam Festivals' and the club scene ensures that the energy and music flow uninterrupted, keeping the spirit of the festival alive into the early hours.

Cultural Hubs and Casual Hangouts: For a more laid-back evening, Rotterdam offers a variety of cultural hubs and cafes that host live music, DJ sets, and special events tied to the festivals happening around the city. Spots like BIRD and Café de Witte Aap transform into informal after-festival locales, where artists and festival-goers mingle, share stories, and enjoy performances in a more intimate setting. These venues not only enrich Rotterdam's nightlife but also reinforce the communal vibe that's so central to the city's festival experience.

Exploring Rotterdam by Night: Beyond the music and dance, the festivals in Rotterdam offer a unique opportunity to experience the city’s architecture and urban landscape under the night sky. Festivals like the Rotterdam Lights Festival illuminate the city with installations and projections, inviting festival-goers to embark on a nocturnal journey through streets transformed into open-air galleries. This blend of culture, art, and nightlife showcases the multifaceted charm of Rotterdam, making it a must-explore destination for night owls and culture enthusiasts alike.

Tips for Navigating the Night: To make the most out of your after-festival adventures in Rotterdam, here are a few tips:

• Keep an eye on festival programs and social media for after-party announcements and special nightlife events.
• Explore beyond the main streets; Rotterdam’s nightlife thrives in its hidden alleys and waterfront spaces.
• Use the city’s efficient public transportation or bike rental services to safely navigate between venues and explore different parts of the city after dark.

Festival Survival Guide: Tips and Tricks

Diving into the Festivals in Rotterdam is an exhilarating experience that requires a bit of savvy to navigate smoothly.

Here, are a few essential tips and tricks to help you make the most of the vibrant Events in Rotterdam, ensuring that your festival journey is as seamless as it is memorable.

Preparation is Key: Before setting out to any of the Rotterdam Festivals, a little preparation can go a long way. Download the official festival apps for real-time updates on schedules, maps, and any last-minute changes. These apps often feature tools to help you plan your day, mark your favorite acts, and even locate amenities like food stalls and restrooms.

Stay Connected: With so much happening, staying connected with your group can be challenging. Establish a meeting point within the festival grounds for your group to regroup if anyone gets lost. Portable chargers are lifesavers, ensuring your phone stays powered up for photos, social media updates, and coordinating with friends.

Go Cashless: Many Events in Rotterdam have embraced cashless payments, making transactions quicker and more secure. Check if the festival offers wristbands or apps for cashless purchases and top up in advance to avoid queues at top-up stations.

Dress Smart: Rotterdam's weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers to adapt easily from the sunny afternoons to the cooler evenings. Comfortable footwear is a must as you'll likely be on your feet for most of the day. Don't forget a lightweight rain jacket or a poncho, just in case.

Explore Beyond the Main Stages: While the main stages attract the most attention, Rotterdam Festivals are known for their diversity. Take time to explore smaller stages and art installations scattered around the festival grounds. These areas often showcase emerging artists and innovative performances, offering a more intimate festival experience.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished: With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated and eat. Carry a reusable water bottle, as many festivals have free water refill stations. Food at festivals in Rotterdam celebrates the city's culinary diversity, so take the opportunity to explore different food stalls and treat yourself to some local and international delicacies.

Respect the City: As guests in Rotterdam, it’s important to show respect for the city and its residents. Use trash and recycling bins provided by the festival organizers to keep the grounds clean. Be mindful of noise levels when leaving the festival late at night, especially in residential areas.

Safety First: Last but not least, prioritize your safety and well-being. Familiarize yourself with the location of first aid stations and security personnel on the festival grounds. Look out for yourself and others, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.

Hidden Gems

The Secret Garden: Tucked away from the larger crowds, the 'Secret Garden' festival is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, featuring an eclectic mix of music, art, and performances. It’s a space that radiates inclusivity and creativity, making it a must-visit for those looking to experience the diverse spectrum of Rotterdam’s community spirit.

Rotterdam Rooftop Days: For a few days each year, the rooftops of Rotterdam open up for the Rotterdam Rooftop Days, offering breathtaking views of the cityscape set to the backdrop of intimate musical performances and art installations. This event provides a unique perspective on the city — both literally and figuratively — and is a testament to Rotterdam’s innovative use of urban space.

Cider Festival: Dive into the refreshing world of cider at Rotterdam’s annual Cider Festival. Held in the leafy surrounds of the Historic Delfshaven, this niche festival celebrates artisanal ciders from around the globe, accompanied by live music and the charming ambiance of one of Rotterdam’s oldest districts.

Bluegrass Festival: The Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival is a hidden gem that brings the soulful sounds of bluegrass music to the heart of the city. With a laid-back atmosphere, craft stalls, and finger-picking good music, it’s a cozy escape into a genre that’s not typically associated with the Netherlands, yet feels right at home in Rotterdam.

Street Art Tours: While not a festival in the traditional sense, exploring Rotterdam’s vibrant street art scene through guided tours can feel like a festival of visual culture. These tours unveil the stories behind some of the city’s most iconic murals and installations, offering insights into the creative pulse that runs through Rotterdam.

As our guide to the Festivals in Rotterdam comes to a close, it's clear that the city's cultural celebrations are much more than events on a calendar. They are the heartbeat of Rotterdam, pulsating with the rhythms of music, art, and community that define the city’s character. From the grand stages of the North Sea Jazz Festival to the intimate corners of hidden gem events, each festival is a thread in the vibrant tapestry that makes Rotterdam an unparalleled cultural destination.

The Events in Rotterdam invite us to explore, to celebrate, and to connect — with the arts, with the city, and with each other. They remind us that culture thrives not just in the moments of spectacle but in the spaces between — in the conversations sparked, the friendships forged, and the memories created.

So, whether you're a local rediscovering your city or a traveler venturing into Rotterdam’s festival scene for the first time, embrace the adventure. Dive into the diversity of experiences that await at the Rotterdam Festivals. Let the city surprise you, inspire you, and welcome you into its vibrant cultural fold.

The 20 Best Bars In Rotterdam

Food & Drink

Nestled amidst the cutting-edge architecture and the winding waterways of the Netherlands, Rotterdam stands as a beacon of modernity and resilience. But as the sun dips below its futuristic skyline, the city transforms, revealing an eclectic nightlife that pulses with energy and diversity. Here, in the heart of Rotterdam, you'll find a vibrant urban atmosphere woven from the very fabric of the city's soul - its bars.

From cozy brown cafes where the beer flows as freely as the conversations, to rooftop terraces offering cocktails with panoramic views, Rotterdam's nightlife caters to every whim and fancy. This guide is your key to unlock the 20 best bars in Rotterdam, each a doorway to an unforgettable night out.

1. Nieuw Rotterdams Café (NRC) 

In the bustling heart of Rotterdam lies the Nieuw Rotterdams Café, a chic all-rounder that effortlessly transitions from a cozy café by day to a sophisticated cocktail bar by night. NRC's inviting atmosphere is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life but in a setting that's both stylish and laid-back.

The bar shines with its selection of craft cocktails, each a masterpiece of balance and flavor, alongside a curated menu of upscale bar food that complements every sip. As night falls, the café's warm lighting and ambient music set the tone for an evening of relaxation and indulgence. Making a reservation is advisable, especially on weekends, to secure a spot in this sought-after venue.

Special event nights, from live jazz to DJ sets, add an extra layer of allure to NRC, making every visit a unique experience.

2. Tiki's Bar 

Escape to a tropical paradise right in the heart of Rotterdam at Tiki's Bar & Grill. With its vibrant, exotic décor and a menu brimming with tiki cocktails, Tiki's transports its guests to a sunnier, more colorful world.

The vibe here is unapologetically fun, inviting patrons to shed their inhibitions and embrace the laid-back, island-inspired atmosphere. Signature Mai Tais, served in whimsical, tiki-themed mugs, are the stars of the show, perfectly complemented by a selection of Hawaiian bites that promise to tantalize the taste buds.

Tiki's Bar & Grill is an ideal destination for group hangouts, where the spirit of Aloha encourages shared plates, communal drinks, and stories that last well into the night. Themed party nights, complete with hula dancing and lei-making workshops, ensure that the tropical escapade feels as authentic as it is unforgettable.

3. Witte Aap 

Venture into Witte Aap, and you'll find yourself at the pulsating heart of Rotterdam's nightlife. Voted one of the best bars globally, Witte Aap exudes an energy that's both infectious and invigorating. Its doors open to a world where the music is always right, the crowd is eclectic, and the beer selection never disappoints.

This bar's vibrant atmosphere is a magnet for locals and travelers alike, drawn by the promise of a night filled with lively conversations and chance encounters. The selection of local and international beers offers a taste of the world, while live music nights inject an extra dose of vitality into the already buzzing ambiance.

Witte Aap's charm lies in its ability to be many things to many people: a place to unwind after a long day, a stage for up-and-coming bands, or simply a backdrop for a night out with friends. It's a cornerstone of Rotterdam's bar scene, embodying the city's dynamic spirit and open-hearted warmth.

4. Bokaal Rotterdam

Nestled in the bustling Markt area, Bokaal Rotterdam offers an oasis of calm with its spacious outdoor terrace. This bar is a haven for beer and wine aficionados, featuring an impressive selection of Dutch and international brews alongside a fine array of wines. The vibe here is decidedly relaxed, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon or a balmy evening under the stars.

Bokaal's laid-back atmosphere is complemented by its rustic, yet chic decor, inviting patrons to linger over cheese platters and share stories. It's the quintessential place for those who appreciate the simple pleasures of a good drink and good company.

Aim for off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter experience, and yes, your furry friends are welcome here, making it a favorite among pet owners.

5. Vessel 11 (V11) 

Imagine sipping your favorite drink aboard a bright red lightship docked in the heart of Rotterdam. Welcome to Vessel 11, or V11 as it's affectionately known, a quirky bar and restaurant that brings a unique twist to the city's nightlife. This floating gem offers a cozy, intimate setting with its warm, nautical-themed interior and panoramic views of the surrounding water.

V11 is renowned for its selection of British-inspired gastro pub dishes and a range of unique brews, making it a hit among those looking for a distinctive dining and drinking experience.

The laid-back, convivial atmosphere is perfect for those chilly evenings when all you crave is comfort food and good conversation. Don't miss the chance to explore this one-of-a-kind venue, where every visit feels like a mini-adventure at sea.

6. Dr. Rotterdam 

Step into Dr. Rotterdam and enter a world of mystery and mixology. This speakeasy-style bar prides itself on its innovative cocktails, crafted with precision and a touch of theatrics by the resident "doctors."

The vibe is intimate and slightly mysterious, with dim lighting and vintage decor that transport patrons back in time. What makes Dr. Rotterdam special is its commitment to the art of cocktail making, with each drink telling a story through its unique blend of flavors. From classic concoctions to avant-garde creations, the menu here is a testament to creativity and craftsmanship.

For those looking for a truly immersive experience, Dr. Rotterdam offers a tantalizing escape into the world of high-end cocktails, where each sip is a discovery.

7. The Suicide Club

Perched atop one of Rotterdam's tallest buildings, The Suicide Club offers an edgy rooftop experience like no other. With stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, this bar combines luxury with a dash of daring.

The atmosphere is chic and sophisticated, appealing to those who enjoy their cocktails with a side of breathtaking vistas. The Suicide Club's menu features a curated selection of drinks and gourmet bites, all designed to impress. Whether you're here to unwind after work or celebrate a special occasion, the club's vibrant ambiance and top-notch service ensure an unforgettable night out.

For the best experience, dress to impress and make a reservation, as this exclusive spot is in high demand among the city's trendsetters.

8. Aloha Bar 

Aloha Bar brings a touch of sustainability to Rotterdam's bar scene, set within the whimsical confines of a former tropical swimming paradise. This bar is all about promoting eco-friendly practices, from its use of locally sourced ingredients to its zero-waste philosophy.

The vibe is casual and inviting, with a spacious terrace that overlooks the Maas River, offering a picturesque backdrop for your tropical escapade.

Aloha Bar's menu is a celebration of sustainability, featuring inventive cocktails and vibrant dishes that are as delightful to the palate as they are kind to the planet. It's the perfect spot for those who seek to enjoy a guilt-free night out, embracing the aloha spirit in every aspect of their visit.

9. Hopper Coffee & Craft Beer 

For those who believe that coffee and beer are the yin and yang of the drink world, Hopper Coffee & Craft Beer is your nirvana. This bar combines the best of both worlds, offering expertly brewed coffee by day and an impressive selection of craft beers by night.

The vibe is effortlessly cool, with a minimalist decor that emphasizes quality and simplicity. Hopper's commitment to sourcing the finest beans and brews makes it a pilgrimage site for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

Whether you're in the mood for a caffeine kick or a hoppy delight, Hopper ensures your cravings are met with the best the world has to offer. It's a testament to Rotterdam's innovative spirit, serving up a winning combination in an inviting, laid-back setting.

10. Fenix Food Factory 

Located in the trendy Katendrecht neighborhood, Fenix Food Factory isn't your typical bar—it's a foodie's paradise with a vibrant craft beer scene. Housed in a former warehouse, this industrial-chic space is home to a collective of local producers, including a microbrewery that churns out some of Rotterdam's finest craft beers.

The vibe here is laid-back and communal, with long communal tables inviting patrons to mingle and share stories over a pint. What makes Fenix Food Factory special is its dedication to showcasing the best of Rotterdam's culinary scene, from artisanal cheeses and freshly baked bread to mouthwatering charcuterie. For beer enthusiasts, the bar offers a rotating selection of brews on tap, ensuring there's always something new to try.

Arrive early to snag a seat on the terrace overlooking the iconic Erasmus Bridge and sampling a selection of snacks from the various food stalls. Whether you're a beer aficionado, a food lover, or simply looking for a unique hangout spot, Fenix Food Factory promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Rotterdam's burgeoning culinary scene.

11. Ballroom 

In the heart of Rotterdam, there's a place where meatballs reign supreme, and gin-tonics flow like water. Welcome to the Ballroom, a bar that's as quirky as it is charming, offering a unique twist on your typical night out. The vibe here is vibrant and slightly eccentric, with a menu that features a dazzling array of gin-tonics, each paired perfectly with their signature meatballs.

What makes the Ballroom special isn't just its culinary pairings but the lively atmosphere that encourages patrons to let loose and enjoy.

Whether you're a gin aficionado or a meatball enthusiast, the Ballroom caters to all tastes, making it a must-visit for those seeking a fun and flavorful experience.

12. De Zondebok & 't ZwarteSchaap 

Right in the beating heart of Rotterdam, De Zondebok & 't ZwarteSchaap (The Scapegoat & The Black Sheep) offers a fresh take on the traditional Dutch bar scene. With its sleek, modern design juxtaposed against historic architectural elements, this bar strikes a perfect balance between the contemporary and the classic. The atmosphere here buzzes with energy, attracting a diverse crowd that's drawn in by the eclectic mix of music, ranging from jazz to electronic beats.

What sets De Zondebok & 't ZwarteSchaap apart is its innovative approach to drinks and dining. The bar boasts an impressive selection of craft beers, local and international, alongside a carefully curated menu of cocktails that blend traditional flavors with modern mixology techniques. But it’s not just about the drinks; the food menu, though succinct, is thoughtfully designed to complement the beverage selection, featuring a mix of Dutch-inspired snacks and more substantial fare.

Check out the bar’s schedule for live DJ sets and special events, which are known to transform the space into one of Rotterdam's most vibrant nightlife spots. Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back evening sipping artisanal brews or a night out filled with music and dance, De Zondebok & 't ZwarteSchaap offers a welcoming space for all.

13. De Ouwehoer

Situated in the historic maritime district, De Ouwehoer pays homage to Rotterdam's rich seafaring past with its nautical-themed decor and robust drink selection. The vibe is cozy and intimate, offering a warm refuge where stories of the sea are shared over glasses of fine whiskey and rum.

What makes De Ouwehoer special is its commitment to creating an authentic experience, complete with maritime artifacts and a soundtrack of sea shanties and blues.

It's a bar that invites you to step back in time, to a world where sailors and adventurers congregated, sharing tales of their voyages. Whether you're a history buff or just in search of a strong drink in a unique setting, De Ouwehoer is your port of call.

Nestled in the bustling heart of Rotterdam, Bird serves as a sanctuary for jazz lovers and night owls alike. This club and bar is dedicated to the rhythms of jazz, offering live performances that captivate and enchant. The atmosphere is laid-back and sophisticated, with a hint of urban grit that adds to its charm.

Bird is not just about music; it's a cultural hub where the art of the cocktail is celebrated, and the menu features an eclectic mix of dishes inspired by global cuisine.

For those seeking a night out that's both melodious and memorable, Bird provides a haven where the music flows as smoothly as the drinks, and every visit feels like a discovery.

15. Calaboose 

In the Kralingen neighborhood, just a stone's throw from the bustling city center, lies Calaboose, a cozy bar with an intriguing twist. This hidden gem is known for its intimate vibe and eclectic decor, featuring dim lighting, plush seating, and walls adorned with vintage photographs and eclectic artifacts. Calaboose sets itself apart with a menu that's as unique as its ambiance, specializing in an array of creative cocktails and Indonesian-inspired small plates.

What makes Calaboose truly special is its fusion of cozy bar culture with the rich culinary traditions of Indonesia, offering patrons an immersive experience that tantalizes the taste buds and soothes the soul. The cocktail list is a testament to the bar's creativity, with each drink crafted to complement the spicy, aromatic flavors of the dishes served.

Make a reservation, especially on weekends, to secure a spot in this intimate space. Additionally, visitors are encouraged to explore the menu's diverse offerings, from the signature cocktails to the mouthwatering satays and rendang, making Calaboose the perfect spot for an evening of culinary exploration and relaxation. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to unwind or a unique dining experience, Calaboose offers a warm welcome and an unforgettable night out in Rotterdam.

16. Hotel New York Bar 

Hotel New York Bar, set in the iconic former headquarters of the Holland America Line, offers more than just drinks; it's a dive into Rotterdam's rich maritime history. The ambiance here exudes a timeless elegance, a nod to the golden age of transatlantic travel. Patrons can enjoy a wide range of cocktails and spirits in a setting that feels both grand and intimate.

What truly makes the Hotel New York Bar special is its ability to transport guests to a bygone era, all while providing stunning views of the Maas River and the modern Rotterdam skyline.

It's a place where history and modernity meet, offering a unique experience for those looking to enjoy their evening in a venue that tells a story.

17. Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub 

For a touch of Irish charm and a guaranteed good time, Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub is your go-to in Rotterdam. This bar captures the essence of a traditional Irish pub, with its warm, welcoming atmosphere, live music, and an impressive selection of beers and whiskeys.

Whether you're there to catch a live sports event or simply enjoy a night out with friends, Paddy Murphy’s provides a lively, friendly setting that's hard to beat. The pub frequently hosts quiz nights and live music performances, making every visit a new adventure.

For those looking to experience the heart and soul of Ireland right in the center of Rotterdam, Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub is the place to be.

18. Dizzy Jazz Café 

Dizzy Jazz Café is more than just a bar; it's a cultural institution in Rotterdam, celebrating the city's deep-rooted love for jazz and live music. The vibe here is effortlessly cool, with a soulful ambiance that attracts a diverse crowd of music lovers.

Dizzy offers a lineup of local and international jazz acts, setting the stage for unforgettable nights filled with soul-stirring performances. Alongside the music, the café serves up a menu of delicious bites and a fine selection of drinks, making it the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the city's vibrant cultural scene.

For those seeking a laid-back evening filled with good tunes and great company, Dizzy Jazz Café promises an experience that resonates with the soul of Rotterdam.

19. Jack's Cider House 

Tucked away in the lively Witte de Withstraat area, Jack's Cider House introduces a refreshing twist to Rotterdam's bar scene. This cozy establishment celebrates the art of cider, offering an extensive selection that ranges from traditional English ciders to innovative local brews. The warm, inviting atmosphere, with its rustic wooden decor and soft lighting, makes it the perfect spot for both cider aficionados and curious newcomers alike.

What sets Jack's Cider House apart is its dedication to showcasing the versatility of cider. Guests can explore a variety of flavors, from dry and tart to sweet and fruity, each sourced from the finest orchards around the globe. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to guide you through the menu and share the fascinating stories behind each bottle.

In addition to its impressive cider selection, Jack's offers a menu of hearty, cider-infused dishes and seasonal snacks designed to complement the drinking experience. From cider-braised pork to apple-based desserts, the culinary offerings add an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit.

Check out their tasting events, where you can sample a range of ciders and learn about the production process. With its welcoming vibe and unique focus, Jack's Cider House stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking to indulge in the crisp, refreshing world of cider in the heart of Rotterdam.

20. Mooie Boules 

Mooie Boules brings a unique concept to Rotterdam's bar scene, combining the casual fun of playing boules with the enjoyment of good food and drinks. This vibrant venue is perfect for those looking for an active night out, offering several indoor boules courts where friends can compete while enjoying a lively atmosphere.

The bar area is just as inviting, with a selection of local craft beers, wines, and cocktails, along with a mouthwatering menu of street food-inspired dishes. Mooie Boules embodies the spirit of fun and camaraderie, making it an ideal destination for groups looking to add a bit of competitive edge to their evening.

Whether you're a boules pro or a complete novice, Mooie Boules guarantees an enjoyable and memorable night out.

Rotterdam's nightlife is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself, offering something for everyone, from history buffs and jazz enthusiasts to cocktail connoisseurs and beer aficionados.

Each of the 20 bars highlighted here contributes to the city's vibrant nightlife tapestry, providing unique experiences that reflect the spirit and culture of Rotterdam .

Whether you're seeking an intimate evening, a lively night out, or an innovative drinking experience, Rotterdam's bars welcome you with open arms. So, delve into the city's nightlife, explore these gems, and make memories that will last a lifetime. In Rotterdam, the night is truly yours to discover.

The Wildest Guide To The Red Light District in Tokyo

April 7, 2024

Imagine stepping into a world where the night is forever young, neon lights dance across the skyline, and the streets buzz with an electric energy unique to Tokyo. Welcome to the city's famed Red Light District, a place that transcends the conventional, challenging every preconception you've ever had about nightlife.

This isn't just about the glow of neon signs or the allure of night-time escapades; it's about peeling back the layers of Tokyo's most misunderstood districts to discover a vibrant cultural tapestry woven with tradition, entertainment, and a dash of mystery.

In this guide, we're diving deep into the heart of Tokyo's night scene , armed with a blend of practical tips, insider knowledge, and a thirst for exploration. Buckle up, adventurers. This journey is anything but ordinary.

Understanding Tokyo's Red Light District

When you hear "Red Light District," images of Amsterdam's famous quarters might spring to mind. But Tokyo? The city's version is a cocktail of history, modern entertainment, and cultural nuances that defy straightforward categorization. Here, the Red Light District isn't just a singular place; it's a myriad of experiences scattered across the city, each area offering a different flavor of nightlife and entertainment.

The Essence of Tokyo's Nightlife

Tokyo's nightlife districts, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Roppongi, are renowned not just for their adult entertainment but for being vibrant cultural hubs. They are places where the night offers a canvas to a world that thrives under the cover of darkness, inviting the curious to explore its depths. From dazzling cabaret clubs and intimate bars to entertainment venues that blur the lines between reality and fantasy, Tokyo's Red Light District reveals the city's heart and soul after sundown.

A Cultural Phenomenon

Understanding the Red Light District in Tokyo requires more than just a map and a list of places to visit. It's about grasping the subtle interplay between Japan's traditional values and its unending push towards the future. This district, with its neon lights and crowded streets, stands as a testament to Japan's ability to balance rapid modernization with deep-rooted cultural practices. It's where the past and present coexist, offering a glimpse into the complexities of Japanese society.

Beyond the Surface

The term "Red Light District" might evoke notions of legality and morality, subjects that are navigated quite differently in Tokyo compared to the West. Japan's approach to nightlife entertainment is governed by a complex web of laws and social norms, making it a unique ecosystem that thrives on mutual understanding and respect between visitors and locals.

In Tokyo, the Red Light Districts are not just about adult entertainment; they're also about the art of the night. They house some of the city's best bars, restaurants, and non-adult entertainment venues, making them essential stops for anyone looking to experience Tokyo's nightlife in its entirety.

Navigating the Neon Lights: Key Areas to Explore

As the sun sets and the neon lights flicker to life, Tokyo transforms into an entirely different world. Each district in Tokyo's Red Light District has its own character, its own rhythm, and its own secrets waiting to be discovered. Let's embark on a night-time odyssey across the key areas that define the essence of Tokyo after dark.

Shinjuku: The Heartbeat of Tokyo's Nightlife

Shinjuku, especially the area known as Kabukicho, is often the first stop for those venturing into Tokyo's night scene. Dubbed as the "Sleepless Town," Kabukicho offers an overwhelming array of entertainment options. From the robot restaurants dazzling with futuristic shows to traditional izakayas where the sake flows as freely as the conversation, Shinjuku is where you can experience the full spectrum of Tokyo's nightlife. Not to be missed is Golden Gai, a warren of tiny bars, each with its own theme and personality, offering a more intimate experience.

Shibuya: The Young and the Restless

Shibuya, with its famous crossing, is the epitome of Tokyo's pulsating youth culture. Here, the energy is infectious, and the streets are lined with clubs, bars, and live music venues that cater to every taste and genre. Shibuya is where you can witness the latest trends in music, fashion, and entertainment, making it a must-visit for those looking to dive into Tokyo's contemporary culture.

Roppongi: A Melting Pot of Cultures

Roppongi has a reputation as a hub for expatriates and tourists, and it's easy to see why. The district offers a mix of high-end clubs, art spaces, and bars that cater to a diverse international crowd. Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown are where you can find upscale dining and shopping, while the surrounding streets offer more casual and even quirky nightlife options.

The Do's and Don'ts: Safety and Etiquette

Navigating Tokyo's Red Light District is an adventure in itself, but as with any exploration into the night, it comes with its own set of rules and guidelines. Here's how to ensure your night-time escapades are not just thrilling but also safe and respectful.

Safety First

Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take precautions. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. It's wise to travel in groups, especially if you plan to explore the more secluded bars and clubs. Additionally, be aware of touts and overly friendly strangers offering deals that seem too good to be true—they usually are.

Understanding Etiquette

Japanese society places a high value on respect and manners. When visiting bars and clubs, especially the smaller establishments, be mindful of the space and the locals. Many bars in areas like Golden Gai have seating charges and prefer patrons who are genuinely interested in engaging with the bar's theme or the bartender's craft. Learning a few phrases in Japanese can go a long way in showing respect and making connections.

Navigating Consent and Legalities

Consent and understanding the legal landscape are crucial. Japan's nightlife, while vibrant, operates within a framework of rules that might differ significantly from what you're used to. It's essential to be informed about the age of consent, drinking laws, and the specific rules that venues might have to ensure a night free of misunderstandings and complications.

Immersive Experiences: Not-to-Miss Spots

Diving deeper into Tokyo's Red Light District, beyond the neon signs and the bustling streets, lies a realm of immersive experiences that promise to enchant, entertain, and educate. Here are the spots that stand out not just for their allure, but for the stories they tell and the memories they create.

Step Into the World of Cabaret

Tokyo's cabaret clubs are a spectacle of glamour, talent, and artistry. Among these, the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku offers an unforgettable experience with its dazzling fusion of Japanese pop culture and futuristic fantasy. While not a traditional cabaret, its performances are a high-octane blend of robots, dancers, and neon lights, showcasing the city's flair for the dramatic.

A Toast to Tradition: Izakayas and Tachinomi

For a more subdued but equally authentic experience, the city's izakayas (Japanese pubs) and tachinomi (standing bars) offer a glimpse into the everyday leisure of Tokyoites. Hidden throughout the Red Light District, these establishments serve up not just delicious food and drink, but also a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Here, conversations flow as freely as the sake, making it the perfect setting to mingle with locals and travelers alike.

Uncover Hidden Gems

Tokyo's Red Light District is rife with hidden gems that offer unique experiences away from the mainstream. From intimate jazz bars that transport you to a bygone era to themed bars where every night is a different adventure, these spots are the heart and soul of Tokyo's nightlife. Venture into Golden Gai or the Harmonica Yokocho in Kichijoji to find these tucked-away treasures.

Where to Stay

After a night of exploration and adventure, finding a cozy nook to rest and recharge is essential. Tokyo's Red Light District and its surrounding areas offer a range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget.

Luxury and Comfort: Hotels in the Heart of the Action

For those seeking the ultimate in comfort and convenience, hotels in Shinjuku and Shibuya provide luxurious accommodations with easy access to the nightlife. The Park Hyatt Tokyo, famous for its role in "Lost in Translation," offers breathtaking views of the cityscape, top-notch amenities, and a prime location for night owls looking to dive back into the action after dawn.

Budget-Friendly Options: Hostels and Capsule Hotels

Tokyo's capsule hotels are an experience in themselves, offering a unique and budget-friendly way to stay in the heart of the city. These compact, futuristic pods provide all the essentials for a good night's sleep, along with shared facilities that are often as high-tech as they are efficient. Hostels, too, offer affordable accommodations and the added bonus of communal spaces where travelers can share tales of their nocturnal adventures.

Traditional Stays: Ryokans Near the District

For a taste of traditional Japanese hospitality, consider staying in a ryokan (traditional inn) located within reach of the nightlife districts. These establishments offer a serene retreat from the city's hustle and bustle, with tatami-floored rooms, futon beds, and often an onsen (hot spring bath) to relax in after a night of exploration.

Budget For Your Visit

A night out in Tokyo's Red Light District can vary wildly in cost depending on your tastes and how deep you're willing to dive into the experiences available. Here's a breakdown to help you budget for an unforgettable night without breaking the bank.

Entry Fees and Club Costs

Many clubs and bars in Tokyo charge an entry fee, which can range from a few hundred yen to several thousand yen for the more exclusive spots or live performances. It's often worth it for the unique experiences these venues offer, but it's something to keep in mind when planning your night. Look out for places with no cover charge if you're hopping between bars to maximize your experiences without spending too much.

Drinks and Dining: Setting Your Budget

The cost of drinks in Tokyo can vary as much as the city itself. A beer in a casual izakaya might set you back 500 yen, while a cocktail in a high-end club could cost 1500 yen or more. Dining options are just as varied, with street food and convenience store snacks offering a budget-friendly way to fill up before hitting more expensive restaurants or izakayas where a meal could cost anywhere from 1000 to 5000 yen per person.

Budgeting Tips

• Pre-drink : Consider enjoying a drink or two at a konbini (convenience store) or in your hotel room before heading out. This can save you a significant amount over the course of the night.
• Travel in Groups : Sharing the cost of taxis or private rooms in karaoke bars can make more expensive experiences more affordable.
• Take Advantage of Deals : Look for happy hours, ladies' nights, or set meal deals to enjoy the nightlife without a hefty price tag.

Beyond the Lights: Cultural Experiences

Tokyo's Red Light District is not just about the nightlife; it's also a place rich in cultural experiences that offer a deeper understanding of Japan's traditions, contemporary art, and culinary excellence.

Dive into Traditional Japanese Arts

Consider spending an evening at a rakugo (Japanese sit-down comedy) performance or a traditional kabuki theatre. These shows, often available with English subtitles or guides, provide a window into Japan's rich storytelling traditions and are a perfect counterbalance to the modern thrills of the district.

Culinary Adventures

Tokyo is a city that loves its food, and the areas around the Red Light District are no exception. From high-end sushi restaurants where you can watch master chefs at work to local ramen joints bursting with flavor, there's a culinary adventure to fit every palate and budget. Don't miss the chance to explore one of the local markets or food streets for a taste of everyday Tokyo life.

Engage with Contemporary Art and Music

Tokyo's vibrant art scene is on full display in galleries and venues throughout the district. Check out the latest exhibition at a contemporary art gallery, or enjoy a live performance at one of the many music clubs that feature everything from J-Pop to indie bands. These experiences offer a unique perspective on the creative pulse that drives the city.

Tips for First-Timers

Embarking on a night-time adventure in Tokyo's Red Light District is a thrilling experience, especially for first-timers. Here are some invaluable tips to ensure your exploration is not just exhilarating but also smooth and hassle-free.

Language Barrier: Fear Not

While not everyone in Tokyo speaks fluent English, you'll find that many people in the service industry have enough understanding to assist you. Carry a phrasebook or a translation app to help with basic interactions. Signage in major areas and on public transport is often in English, making navigation less daunting.

Cash is King

Despite being a tech-forward city, many establishments in Tokyo, especially smaller bars and restaurants, still prefer cash transactions. Ensure you have enough yen on you to cover your expenses for the night. Conveniently located ATMs at 7-Eleven stores and post offices accept foreign cards.

Respect Local Customs

Understanding and respecting local customs and etiquette will enrich your experience and endear you to the locals. Simple gestures like bowing, removing your shoes when required, and being mindful of noise levels in residential areas go a long way in showing respect for the culture.

Legalities and Responsibilities

While exploring the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo's Red Light District, it's crucial to stay informed about the local laws and regulations to ensure your adventure remains within the bounds of legality and respect.

Know the Rules

Japan has strict laws regarding drug use and public intoxication. Stay informed about what is permissible to avoid any legal issues. Additionally, photography is not always welcomed, especially in more private or intimate venues, so always ask for permission before capturing moments.

Stay Safe and Considerate

The safety and comfort of everyone, including locals, other visitors, and yourself, should always be a priority. Be mindful of your surroundings, and if you're enjoying the nightlife with friends, look out for each other to ensure everyone has a memorable and safe experience.

Tokyo's Red Light District is a tapestry of experiences, each thread woven with the vibrant hues of Japan's culture, tradition, and modern-day pleasures. From the pulsating energy of its nightclubs to the serene beauty of its traditional performances, this district offers a journey through the heart of Tokyo's night-time soul.

Remember, the Red Light District is more than just a destination; it's a gateway to understanding the complexity and beauty of Tokyo's culture. Whether you're dancing the night away in a club in Roppongi, savoring the flavors of a local izakaya, or soaking in the rich history of the area, you're partaking in a tradition of nocturnal revelry that defines the city.

As you navigate the neon-lit streets, let curiosity be your guide, respect be your mantra, and the desire to embrace new experiences be your driving force. Tokyo's Red Light District awaits, ready to unveil its secrets to those daring enough to explore its depths.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

Australia's top eight Indigenous travel destinations

Tourists visiting Australia’s most recognised attractions often don’t know much about their Aboriginal significance. Academic Marcia Langton’ s new travel guide fills in the gaps

The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Stretching for more than 2,300km along the Queensland coast and covering 35m hectares, it features brilliantly coloured corals living beneath aquamarine waters, a profusion of tropical islands and a wealth of marine creatures and birdlife.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the traditional owners of the Great Barrier Reef region, and there are significant cultural sites on many of its islands. The strong ongoing links between the traditional owners and their sea country was recognised in the Great Barrier Reef’s world heritage listing and contributes to its outstanding universal value.

The cultural and ecological knowledge of the traditional owners will be essential to delivering the Reef 2050 Plan , which is the blueprint for protecting and managing the reef and designed to be implemented in a collaborative partnership.

For more information, visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

The Garma festival, Northern Territory

• The red flag dancers from Numbulwar kick off the bunggul at the annual Garma festival in Arnhem Land. Photograph: Glenn Campbell

This world-renowned festival is an extraordinary cultural event. Over four days the Yolŋu people of north-east Arnhem Land share their knowledge and culture. A celebration of visual art, dance, music and ancient storytelling, Garma aims to foster economic opportunities for the Yolŋu people through community development, education, self-governance, enterprise and youth leadership. As well as discussing the challenges and solutions to economic issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Garma also aims to strengthen, preserve and maintain ancient Aboriginal culture and foster a greater understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

Don’t miss… the evening bunggul dance : From 4 pm until sunset, significant traditional ceremonies are performed by men, women and children from the various clans of the Yolŋu people. The performances showcase the unique traditional ceremonies of north-east Arnhem Land and combine breathtaking song and dance.

Where: Gulkula site, 30 minutes from Nhulunbuy on the Central Arnhem Hwy. Airnorth runs direct flights to Nhulunbuy from Darwin and Cairns.

When: Annually in August

Cost: Adult: $1,815; student or child: $1,056. Tickets cover an all-inclusive package deal. For registered guests, airport shuttles, camping (with assembled tent, sleeping bag and air mattress) and all meals are provided, as well as access to basic tea and coffee-making facilities.

For more information, visit Yothu Yindi Foundation

Uluru–Kata Tjuta national park, Northern Territory

Located in the red heart of the Central Desert, the ancient forms of Uluru and Kata Tjuta lie geographically, spiritually and symbolically at the centre of the Australian continent. Rising majestically above the red-sand plains, they dominate the landscape and are shrouded in myth and mystery.

• Kata Tjuta in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta national park in the Northern Territory .

For the local people, Uluru and Kata Tjuta are far more than just rock formations. They make up a living cultural landscape that is sacred to the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara Anangu people. On 26 October 1985, Uluru and Kata Tjuta were handed back to the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land, in what remains one of the most significant moments in Australia’s Aboriginal land rights movement.

Uluru is a site of ceremonial significance for many Aboriginal groups of central Australia, including the Pitjantjatjara and Yankuntjatjara Anangu people, who have lived in the region for at least 10,000 years. There are more than 40 sacred Aboriginal sites in the area where ancestral spirits still reside, making the land deeply important to the cultural identity of the Anangu. The Pitjantjatjara and Yankuntjatjara people still abide by ancient laws and traditions, referred to as Tjukurpa , which provide the foundation to their unique culture.

Before the arrival of Europeans, the Indigenous people moved around this land, which varied from mulga flats and sand dunes to rocky hills and pockets of vegetation around the base of rocks such as Uluru. Each of these environments was used at different times of the year, depending on the food and water available. Water was present in claypans, rock holes, soaks and springs.

Around the base of Uluru are rock shelters and caves, decorated with hundreds of rock paintings – some executed as late as the 1940s. But the ravages of weather and over-visitation by tourists in the past have resulted in severe deterioration. The art sites at Kata Tjuta, where there are more engravings than paintings, are better preserved.

Today, Aboriginal people of central Australia call themselves Anangu, and some of the most important cultural areas in the park are out of bounds to non-Indigenous people.

Uluru itself is a scared site. The Anangu people ask all visitors to respect their cultural and spiritual beliefs and refrain from climbing the rock. From 26 October 2019, coinciding with the 34th year of the return of Uluru to its Traditional Owners, climbing the rock will be banned.

Where: The park is 440km south-west of Alice Springs. The drive to Uluru–Kata Tjuta from Alice Springs takes roughly five hours via the Stuart and Lasseter highways. The highways are sealed roads, so a 4WD is not required. Jetstar, Virgin Airlines and Qantas fly to Uluru.

Permits: A park-use fee is charged per person. This is valid for three days; annual tickets are also available. All tickets are payable at the park entry station.

Best time to visit: May to October, when the average daytime temperatures range from 23–31C, and night temperatures range from 7–13C.

For more information, visit Parks Australia Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Kakadu national park, Northern Territory

World heritage-listed Kakadu national park is a landscape of unsurpassed beauty, with world-renowned wetlands attracting extraordinary numbers of birds, thundering waterfalls that plunge from towering escarpments into natural rock pools and open woodlands that offer a refuge for a wide range of native animals.

• Magpie geese in Kakadu national park. Photograph: Theo Allofs/ Getty Images

Kakadu is a landscape of living culture. Rock art of the region indicates Aboriginal people have occupied Kakadu for between 40,000 and 60,000 years, the longest record of continual human occupation of any area on Earth. The rock-art galleries show that early Indigenous groups had a strong culture based on deep spiritual beliefs. This spiritual connection to the land is recognised globally in the world heritage status of Kakadu.

The name Kakadu comes from an Aboriginal language, Gagudju, spoken in the north of the park at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1978 the Gagudju people were granted title of their land, which they then leased for use as a national park. Kakadu is jointly managed by the Bininj/Mungguy people and Parks Australia.

Although Gagudju is no longer spoken by Aboriginal people in the area, surviving dialects include Kunwinjku (in the north), Gundjeihmi (in the centre) and Jawoyn (in the south). Aboriginal people of the region know themselves as Bininj (pronounced Bin-ning). Languages, kinship, ceremonies and caring for country have been passed on through the generations from the time of creation when important ancestral beings crossed the landscape and created the plants, animals, landforms and the people who live there today.

A major creator acknowledged in the region is the Rainbow Serpent, which is known Australia-wide by various Aboriginal groups. As the Rainbow Serpent moved through the land she formed the features of the landscape in Kakadu, such as waterways, waterholes and hills. Her role in creating the cultural obligations of the Bininj/Mungguy people is very important, as is her creation of the plant and animal life cycles and the seasonal changes.

Don’t miss … Burrungkuy area : In this area is the picturesque Anbangbang billabong and the renowned Burrungkuy rock, a vast, ancient rock-art gallery and an inspirational place that projects a sense of how Indigenous people once lived.

Where: It is 235km east of Darwin to the Bowali visitor centre, one entrance of the park. Drive from Darwin via Stuart Highway, then Arnhem Highway; from Pine Creek via Stuart Highway then Kakadu Highway.

Best time to visit: During the drier months from May to September the whole park is generally open. During the wet season, some of the park is inaccessible due to the water. While the weather can be very hot and humid during this season, it is an incredible opportunity to see waterfalls turn into gushing torrents and watch thunderstorms roll in over the park.

Tips for visitors: Saltwater crocodiles populate the rivers and coastal areas of Kakadu. Visitors are warned to stay out of the water, unless there is clear advice to the contrary. The only places likely to be free of these dangerous reptiles are located up in the escarpment country.

For more information visit Kakadu national park

The Laura dance festival, Cape York

• A dancer from the Injinoo community looks on during the Laura Aboriginal dance festival. Photograph: Mark Kolbe

The Laura dance festival is a celebration of Aboriginal culture held in western Yalanji country in north Queensland . It is also a vibrant and unique way for tourists to experience this ancient and ongoing culture through powerful performances of the songs and dances of many Indigenous nations from the Cape York region. This biennial festival, which runs over the weekend that marks the end of June and start of July, is one of Queensland’s largest cultural gatherings. It has attracted crowds of visitors from Australia and around the world for the last 25 years.

Where : Held 15km south of Laura, at the Ang-Gnarra festival grounds, or meeting grounds, of Cape York.

When : The next festival will be in June 2019. Bookings are essential.

Cost : Approximately $100 per person; additional charges for camping.

For more information, visit the Laura dance festival

Purnululu national park, Western Australia

Purnululu national park lies deep in the rugged east Kimberley region, protecting one of the world’s natural wonders, the Bungle Bungle Range. The remarkable tiger-striped, beehive-shaped rock domes have become, somewhat belatedly, one of the iconic images of the Australian outback, and are appreciated worldwide for their exceptional beauty. The region also holds sacred Aboriginal Dreaming stories and a rich culture that has maintained connections to this land for at least 20,000 years.

Today, the local Aboriginal people maintain a strong connection and association to the ancient landscape, which holds the stories of their Dreaming. In the Kija Aboriginal language, purnululu means “sandstone”.

Aboriginal cultural heritage: The area is traditionally the land of the Kija people of the eastern Kimberley region, and their neighbours the Jaru, a group belonging to the desert region. The Kija people put up fierce resistance to the pastoralists. They killed the cattle (livestock numbers on the Ord river grasslands had reached 50,000 by 1902) and in retaliation there were brutal massacres of local Aboriginal people and punitive police raids. At the height of the violence, many of the Kija took refuge in the Bungle Bungles.

They used notched tree trunks to scale the cliffs and pulled these makeshift ladders up afterwards to prevent pursuit. To try to stop the livestock killing, the government provided some refuges and food, but did not stop the land and cultural dispossession, which continued into the 1970s.

Today, descendants of the park’s traditional owners live in population centres such as Halls Creek and Warmun. The people of Warmun have worked extensively on language and literacy programs for schools and have produced a large amount of teaching material. Some help manage the national park, with a number of Aboriginal people employed as rangers and guides.

Where: 300km south of Kununurra. The road into the park from the main highway is the very rough Spring Creek track and is accessible by 4WD only. Kununurra to the ranger station takes 5 hours travelling time; from Halls Creek allow 4 hours.

When: The park is only open between April and the end of December (weather permitting).

Cost : Park entry fees apply.

For more information, visit Purnululu national park

Dreamtime at the G, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Victoria

• Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti of the Bombers evades Jayden Short of the Tigers during the 2017 AFL round 10 Dreamtime at the G match between the Richmond Tigers and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Photograph: Adam Trafford/Getty Images

Dreamtime at the G is held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the Indigenous round of the Australian Football League (AFL) season.

Typically held in round 10, in the last week of May, the Indigenous round commemorates all the Indigenous players who have contributed to the hugely popular sport of football. It is a way for all Australians to respect and pay tribute to the Indigenous presence within football and sport.

The round itself is named in honour of Sir Doug Nicholls, an inspiring person and former football player who represented the spirit of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

While there are many games played in the Indigenous round, the match between Richmond and Essendon football clubs is the most highly anticipated. The day starts with the customary “Long Walk” where attendees of the match walk from Federation Square along Birrarung Marr to the MCG. The atmosphere is that of unity and excitement when Australians from all backgrounds take part in the Long Walk in commemoration of former Aboriginal Essendon football player, Michael Long, who walked to Canberra to call for the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. The game itself is opened with traditional dancing and a smoking ceremony conducted by local Wurundjeri elders.

Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground

When: Usually held in the last week of May

Cost: Ticket prices vary

For more information, visit the MCG

Great Sandy national park, Queensland

Great Sandy national park comprises two parts. Cooloola is on the coast between Rainbow beach in the north and Noosa Heads in the south. K’gari (Fraser Island) takes in nearly all of the world’s largest sand island, north of Rainbow beach. The famous coloured sands, pristine blue water, plentiful marine life and lush rainforests are some of the features visitors will find at Great Sandy national park, one of Queensland’s largest national parks.

Aboriginal cultural heritage: Aboriginal people have lived in the Great Sandy area for at least 5,000 years, according to archaeological evidence, but they may have been there far longer. The Butchulla people lived on K’gari (Fraser Island) and the nearby mainland. Their heritage sites of spiritual, social and archaeological significance are found on the island, as well as their middens, artefacts, scarred trees and campsites.

The Butchulla led a complex, self-sufficient way of life intrinsically connected to the seasons, the land, and life on it and in the surrounding ocean. Soon after European settlement of the area in the 1840s the Indigenous people were forced off their land, and by the late 1800s their lifestyle had been destroyed and the Aboriginal people from around the region were relocated to a mission on Fraser Island. Today, descendants of these people who live in the area are working to protect and share their culture and way of life, which is so closely tied to this beautiful and bountiful natural environment.

Where : Cooloola lies between Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach. Noosa Heads is about 155km (about a three-hour drive) and Rainbow Beach is about 240km (about a three-hour drive) north of Brisbane. Fraser Island is about 300km north of Brisbane and 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

Cost: Driving on the beaches and some inland sand tracks requires a vehicle access permit (VAP). The cost of the VAP depends on the area of the Great Sandy national park. Camping fees also apply.

For more information, visit Great Sandy national park

• This is an edited extract from Marcia Langton’s Welcome to Country ($39.99, Hardie Grant) out now
• Australia holidays
• Western Australia
• Northern Territory
• Indigenous peoples

Most viewed

12 Meaningful Ways to Experience Indigenous Culture in Australia

Get to know the world’s oldest continuously living culture through these dozen enlightening (and fun) tours..

• Copy Link copied

There are a number of ways to connect with Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander culture all across Australia.

Courtesy of Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures

Despite a (very disappointing) failed referendum in October that would have given Indigenous peoples greater political representation, Australia hasn’t completely turned its back on the world’s oldest living cultures. Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders have been on the continent for more than 65,000 years, a lasting heritage represented by 250 distinct language groups. Thankfully, Indigenous tourism is alive and well and actively promoted by Tourism Australia , a government agency. Its curated list includes some 168 experiences offered by 45 businesses, a mix of tour operators, storytellers, activities, guides, and accommodations in every region. How to choose?

We know AFAR readers seek meaningful connections to places and people. They want to authentically engage with Indigenous cultures, listen to their stories, and view the world through their eyes. So two of our most frequent Australia travelers reviewed the tourism board’s list, and cross-referenced it with our own, to surface 12 of the best Indigenous-owned, -operated, and -acknowledged experiences in Australia. Here’s how to enjoy ancient rock-art safaris, bush tucker, Dreaming (creation) stories, desert stargazing, and more.

Cicada Lodge serves as the perfect base from which to explore Nitmiluk Gorge National Park.

Courtesy of Cicada Lodge

1. Check into Cicada Lodge and explore with Nitmulik Tours

• Location: Gorge Rd., Katherine, Northern Territory | Find on Google Maps
• Book now: From $285 per night. nitmiluktours.com

Owned and operated by Jawoyn Traditional Custodians, Cicada Lodge , about 215 miles southeast of Darwin in the Northern Territory’s Top End (far north), makes the perfect base for exploring Nitmiluk National Park . The Jawoyn-owned park is an Edenic land of waterfalls, river systems, millennia-old rock paintings, secluded water holes, and 13 gorges. The park’s most famous, Nitmiluk Gorge (formerly known as Katherine Gorge), is marked by towering cliffs and a river wide and deep enough to cruise. The eco-lodge’s 18 rooms have polished timber floors and balconies—some with panoramic views of the sandstone landscape above Nitmiluk Gorge—and also feature paintings and carved works by local Aboriginal artists. There’s an outdoor pool for splashing around after a sweaty day adventuring in the Outback with its sister company Nitmiluk Tours , which offers guided gorge exploration.

Lords Kakadu and Arnhem Land Safaris is able to take visitors to areas of the Northern Territory that are normally inaccessible to other tour companies by getting permission from Traditional land owners.

Courtesy of Vladimir Haltakov/Unsplash

2. See ancient rock art with Lords Arnhem Land and Kakadu Safaris

• Location: Arnhem Land | Find on Google Maps
• Book now: Because tours are custom-tailored, prices vary. lords-safaris.com

Best known for its beauty, isolation, and outstanding rock art, Arnhem Land (a vast wilderness area in the Northern Territory) is one of the largest Indigenous-owned reserves in Australia. It’s perhaps one of the last few places in Australia where Indigenous culture is still dominant. Like Arnhem Land next door, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Kakadu National Park is also a place of immense cultural, religious, and social significance to the local Aboriginal people.

The terrain in the Top End switches from floodplains and rock escarpments to woodlands, waterfalls, and vine-filled monsoonal rain forests—and the diversity of wildlife is extraordinary. (To wit: Visitors can encounter wallabies, wallaroos, quolls, dingoes, bats, goannas, frogs, pythons, saltwater crocodiles, and 280 species of birds.)

Sab Lord, owner and expert guide at Lords Arnhem Land and Kakadu Safaris , based in Darwin, provides some of the best tours of this culturally rich destination thanks in part to his strong working relationship with local Indigenous groups. At Injalak Hill, for instance, Lord employs Aboriginal guides who originally hail from the area. The small outfitter offers three-, four-, and five-day private safaris to Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park. Guests will encounter wildlife—even crocs—up close, discover a pristine waterfall, swim in crystalline water surrounded by towering rock walls, visit an Aboriginal sacred site, and gaze at rock art estimated to be between 6,000 and 9,400 years old, engraved on overhangs and inside caves.

Depending on the length of the safari, accommodations range from glamping tents at an exclusive, permanent bush camp to comfortable private tent-cabins at a luxury safari lodge. All itineraries are bespoke, with prices available on request.

Uluru, one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks, is a sacred site to many Indigenous Australian communities.

Courtesy of Antoine Fabre/Unsplash

3. Try high-end bush tucker at Ayers Rock Resort

• Location: 170 Yulara Dr., Yulara, Northern Territory | Find on Google Maps
• Book now: From $350 per night. ayersrockresort.com

“Bush tucker” is an Aussie term that refers to native foods and medicinal plants that Indigenous peoples in Australia have been eating and using for 60,000 years. Long disparaged by European settlers, dishes made of bush tomatoes, lemon myrtle, kakadu plums, desert lime, quandong, green ants, crocodile, emu, and kangaroo now take center stage in fine-dining establishments across the country. In particular, Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, has been earning a reputation in foodie circles as the bush tucker gastronomy capital of Australia. Ayers Rock Resort , adjacent to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park , offers gourmet bush tucker dinner experiences paired with modern retellings of the Dreaming stories.

The Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner takes place in an open-air theater atop a dune overlooking Uluru and the many domes of Kata Tjuta, a group of rock formations formerly known at the Olgas. It’s an apt name since Wintjiri Wiru means “beautiful view out to the horizon” in the local Pitjantjatjara language. Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia created this experience in consultation with Indigenous chefs. The makers acknowledge that “as custodians of the land, the 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.”

During the dinner, guests arrive to cocktails with bush-tucker infusions of lemon myrtle, desert lime, or mulga berries and sit down to a gourmet dinner hamper filled with foods like smoked emu with saltbush chili crust. Once the sun drops over the rocks, it’s time for the show: Wintjiri Wiru is a new state-of-the-art sound-and-light show that tells the ancient story of the Mala (rufous hare-wallaby) people who came to Uluru, with choreographed drones, lasers, and projections creating an immersive and contemporary rendition of the spiritual story.

“Karrke” is the word in the Aranda language for “bower bird,” a striking species with blue-black plumage that lives in Kings Canyon and throughout Central Australia.

Courtesy of Philippe Wuyts/Unsplash

4. Go on a guided walk-and-talk with Karrke Cultural Experience and Tours

• Location: Wanmara, Petermann, Northern Territory | Find on Google Maps
• Book now: $63 for adults, $30 for children. karrke.com

A three-hour drive from Uluru takes you to the magnificent red rock formations of Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park , parts of which are sacred for the local Indigenous peoples. Established in 2014, Indigenous-owned and -operated Karrkke Cultural Experience and Tours , on the southeastern fringes of the park, offers one-hour guided walk-and-talks about bush tucker foods, dot painting, and Indigenous artifacts. Owners Peter Abbott, his partner Christine Breaden, and his sister Natasha Abbott sit with participants in a shaded area to talk about native foods—edible tree seeds and grass seeds, witchetty grub (moth larva) and honey ants—in addition to medicinal plants and how they’re used by the local Luritja and Pertame peoples of Central Australia. They also explain the cultural significance of the patterns in dot art and show off local crafts made of wood or seeds, such as music sticks, clap sticks, seed necklaces, bracelets, and weapons.

Woormulla Ecocultural Journeys share stories and histories with guests that have been passed down for hundreds of generations.

5. Learn about the Dreaming with Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures

• Location: Denham, Western Australia | Find on Google Maps
• Book now: From $60 per adult, 30 per child. wulagura.com

Owned and operated by Darren “Capes” Capewell, a descendant of the Nhanda and Malgana people, Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures is based in idyllic Shark Bay, 500 miles north of Perth. Translation: It’s a two-hour flight, or an eight-hour drive up National Route 1, or a slightly longer scenic ride along State Route 60, which hugs the Indian Ocean coastline up to the Coral Coast. The “ Coral Coast Highway ” is said to be one of the most beautiful drives on earth.

Capewell, who also works as a guide, runs a range of outdoor tours: kayaking and wildlife, standup paddle boarding, camping, and an evening experience. The “ Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour ” combines Dreaming stories of how Earth and life on the planet came to be, and the ancient tribal tones of the didgeridoo under a blanket of stars, accompanied by tastings of seafood and bush tucker. (Note that in some Indigenous cultures, only men play the didgeridoo; women and children are offered a traditional conch shell to play.)

6. See the night sky with Wooramulla Eco Cultural Journeys

• Location: Carnarvon, Western Australia | Find on Google Maps
• Book now: From $80 for adults, $40 for children. wooramulla.com

Wooramulla Eco Cultural Journeys , owned by Yinggarda guide Rennee, is located in Carnarvon, 550 miles from Perth, or a little beyond Shark Bay. Rennee provides a variety of fun, educational tours aimed at sharing Yinggarda culture and customs. One shows visitors how hidden claypans erupt in the spring with the crazed mating of burrowing bees. Another tells the Ant Dreaming story at the spiritually significant Honeycomb Gorge (Mingah Munda), where she also points out hidden petroglyphs and other traces of her ancestors. During her Murroo Nungnah (Go See the Night) experience, she shares Yinggarda Dreaming stories of the night sky accompanied by Billy tea—a traditional Aussie campfire tea blended with Kooloo red leaf tea—and damper, a simple but classic bread.

Baiyungu Dreaming founder Hazel Walgar is one of the Traditional owners of the Ningaloo Coast.

Courtesy of Andrew Tom/Unsplash

7. Visit the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area with Baiyungu Dreaming

• Location: Ningaloo Coast, Western Australia | Find on Google Maps
• Book now: From $30 adults, $20 children, age five and under free. baiyungudreaming.com

The Ningaloo Coast, 800 miles north of Perth, is the site of the UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef , the world’s largest fringing coral reef, as well as the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area . It’s a place of impossible beauty and stark contrasts between the parched, rugged landscape of Cape Range National Park’s gorges and escarpments, the white-sand beaches of the coastline, and the clear, highlighter-blue waters of Ningaloo Reef. Home to whales, dolphins, manta rays, orcas, sharks, turtles, tuna, and more, it is also a place of immense biodiversity.

With Hazel Walgar’s tour company Baiyungu Dreaming , visitors to Ningaloo can see the coast through an Aboriginal lens. Launched in 2020, Baiyungu is the first Indigenous tourism operator on the Ningaloo Coast. Having worked on the Ningaloo archaeological project, excavating Indigenous artifacts found in the Western Australian desert, Hazel takes visitors to Coral Bay and into Cape Range National Park to see a shell midden littered with signs of early Aboriginal occupation. She also teaches her clients how to dig for fresh drinking water in the sand dunes, takes them to a sheltered turtle nursery, and tells the Dreaming story of the octopus and how Five Finger Reef was formed. During her Coral Bay sunset tour , guests sit around the campfire sipping Billy tea and munching freshly baked damper (bread) as Hazel recounts Dreaming stories and talks about her work on the Ningaloo archaeological project.

The Borrgoron’s Coast to Creek Tour explores the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm family’s four-generation-long history in the area.

Courtesy of Marty Southwell/Unsplash

8. Forage for fresh oysters with Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

• Location: Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia | Find on Google Maps
• Book now: $55 adult, $20 children. cygnetbaypearlfarm.com

The traditional custodians of the Dampier Peninsula, the Bardi (land) and Jawi (island) peoples, have been working with their natural environment for tens of thousands of years, using sustainable hunting techniques, fishing practices, and bush tucker for both food and medicinal purposes. Here, about two hours north of Broome , you can combine a cultural experience with world-class seafood.

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm’s Borrgoron’s Coast to Creek Tour will open your eyes to the local culture that revolves around the land and sea. A two-hour walking tour (some level of fitness required) takes you through mangroves and over the rocks of King Sound at low tide, where you’ll be able to put your learnings to practice as you forage for fresh oysters. Pair this with a pearl discovery tour, “sea safari,” or sunset dinner cruise.

Guests stay in Aboriginal-inspired lodgings during a trip on the wukalina walk, one of the Discover Aboriginal Experiences in Australia.

Photo by Adam Gibson

9. Hike Tasmania’s rugged coast on the wukalina Walk

• Location: palawa Country, 163 St. John St., Launceston, Tasmania | Find on Google Maps
• Book now: From $1,845. wukalinawalk.com

“Completely owned and operated by Tasmania’s Indigenous palawa community, the four-day, three-night wukalina Walk is a unique way to explore the island’s rugged northeast coast and gain insight into Australia’s Aboriginal heritage,” writes AFAR contributor Eric Rosen . ( Note: The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre has reconstructed an Indigenous language, now called palawa kani , using only lowercase.) “My journey began with a hike to the peak of wukalina (aka Mount William). Six fellow travelers and I enjoyed a picnic lunch with views stretching from the Furneaux Islands in the north to the Bay of Fires in the south. A few hours later, we tramped into Krakani Lumi, a secluded camp a few hundred feet from the shore. Eco-chalets were inspired by traditional palawa huts, with pitch-black walls and domed interiors. The next morning, we walked along the white-sand beach to shell middens where ancient clans came to feast.

“Before a final goodbye back in Launceston, I spoke to Clyde Mansell, the community elder who spent over 15 years setting up the wukalina walk. ‘The experience and scenery are just beautiful packaging,’ he said. ‘The real purpose of the walk is to keep the community’s young people engaged with our culture and provide them with jobs in hospitality.’”

Dreamtime Dive and snorkel was given an Advanced Eco accreditation by Ecotourism Australia, which means that the company operates with little impact on the local environment.

Courtesy of GeoNadir/Unsplash

10. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel

• Location: Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel Wharf, Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St., Cairns City, Queensland | Find on Google Maps
• Book now: $140 adult, $90 children, age three and under free. dreamtimedive.com

“Some 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups have a continuing connection to the world’s largest coral reef system, and in 2018, Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel launched trips led by Indigenous Sea Rangers who share cultural knowledge passed down from their ancestors,” writes AFAR contributor Sarah Reid . During the day trips from Cairns to the Outer Barrier Reef, “guests listen to evocative creation stories about how the reef came to be, and learn about hunting practices, such as seasonal harvesting, that have safeguarded the reef’s biodiversity for millennia.” This adventure acknowledges the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Mandingalbay Yidinji, Yirrganydji, and Gunggandji cultures.

Worn Gundidj at Tower Hill has been in operation for over 20 years.

Courtesy of Enguerrand Blanchy/Unsplash

11. Go inside Tower Hill volcano with an Indigenous guide

• Location: Unit 2/104 Liebig St., Warrnambool, Victoria | Find on Google Maps
• Book now: $55 adults, $10 children (under 12). worngundidj.org

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve sits inside a 30,000-year-old dormant volcano about 170 miles southwest of Melbourne, just north of the Great Ocean Road and the iconic Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks jutting out of the water. The verdant reserve, once a denuded wasteland thanks to the devastation caused by early settlers, is a haven for Australia’s most iconic species: emus, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas. Many of the 200-plus kangaroos and koalas live around the visitor parking lot, so they’re not hard to spot. The parks’ boardwalks, nesting boxes, and bird hides make it easy for bird-watchers to get a glimpse of birds like chestnut teals, musk ducks, and spoonbills.

Worn Gundidj , an Aboriginal social enterprise working in partnership with Tower Hill, offers a two-hour interactive tour. Guides lead visitors around the animals’ natural habitat while providing insight into Indigenous traditions like how to identify edible and medicinal plants and how to properly throw a boomerang.

Wilpena Pound Resort is the only hotel within the boundaries of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

Courtesy of Rowena Shaw/Unsplash

12. Experience a “Welcome to Country” ceremony at Wilpena Pound

• Location: Wilpena Rd., Via Hawker, South Australia | Find on Google Maps
• Book now: From $110 per night. wilpenapound.com

To the local Adnyamathanha people, Ikara, known as Wilpena Pound in English, is a sacred site. A crater-like elevated basin in the remote desert wilderness of South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges, Ikara is not as well known or instantly recognizable as Uluru, even within Australia, but it’s arguably just as spiritually moving. And at 800 million years old, it’s 250 million years more ancient than Uluru. Ikara is remote —not near any major city or airport, about 275 miles north or a five-hour drive from Adelaide. Once there, getting around is a challenge without a four-wheel drive. It’s also possible to travel by small plane from Adelaide, but it may be necessary to change planes in Port Augusta.

Wilpena Pound Resort , located in South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park , is the only accommodation within the park. While not Indigenous-owned, the resort falls under the aegis of the Traditional Custodians, the Adnyamathanha, who offer guided walks and cultural experiences like a complimentary “Welcome to Country” ceremony. It is normally performed by an Aboriginal Traditional Owner for people visiting their land; visitors may experience a welcome speech, traditional dance, and a smoking ceremony. Other activities include a rock art tour, a tour of Sacred Canyon, or a sunset storytelling experience.

Read Before You Go

Celebrated Australian Indigenous lawyer and author Larissa Behrendt is brilliant at creating engaging, accessible stories with social justice issues at their core. One of her latest novels, After Story (2021), doesn’t even take place in Australia; it follows an Indigenous lawyer and her mother on a rare vacation together, hitting England’s great literary sites. As their trip unfolds and painful memories come to light, we witness Australia’s worst prejudices—and a funny, hopeful outlook on the future of Indigenous culture.

I spent the past year taking Aboriginal tours - here's what I learned

Apr 22, 2021 • 5 min read

Aboriginal culture is one of the oldest in the world © Culture Connect

As a non-Indigenous Australian with much to learn about our nation’s First People, I saw the past year (with the country's international travel ban) as an opportunity to support the travel industry while learning from its leaders. 

We’re talking about people who coexisted with three-ton marsupials and lizards as big as cars . People who were baking bread 18,000 years before the Egyptians . And people who were likely to have been the world’s first astronomers . So as domestic travel restrictions began to ease in Australia , I hit the road to discover some of the secrets of the world’s oldest living culture.

Indigenous tourism rebooted

While the promotion of Indigenous tourism hasn’t always done the best job of showcasing an authentic version of Aboriginal culture, the industry has come a long way since it began to take off in the 1990s.

From discovering the Dreaming stories connected to the twinkling canopy above Uluru in the Northern Territory to bedding down at an award-winning Aboriginal-run ecolodge on Western Australia ’s Dampier Peninsula, there are now hundreds of incredible Aboriginal-owned, run and supported tourism experiences available in every corner of the country, including more than 185 in Tourism Australia’s Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective alone.

A not-for-profit launched nationally in 2020 with a vision to enable prosperity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through tourism, booking platform Welcome to Country has made it even easier to plan memorable – and sustainable – Indigenous tourism activities.

Connecting with Country

On the New South Wales South Coast , Brinja-Yuin woman Trisha Ellis reveals why the ancient shell midden that covers Bingi Bingi Point isn’t just an indicator that this place was once the region’s most popular seafood restaurant. It’s also an early example of sustainable farming.

“When Yuin people came back to the coast after the cold season, they’d choose two or three shellfish species to eat, and leave the rest alone,” says Trisha, who offers walking tours and cultural awareness training through her business Minga Aboriginal Experiences . “When the next lot came along, they’d look at the midden to see what people had been eating, and choose a different species to eat so the others could regenerate. Instead of trying to control the environment like European farmers, we let nature do the work for us.”

On a two-hour walk on a section of the Bingi Dreaming Track – an ancient wayfaring pathway linking significant Yuin sites – Trisha reveals the myriad ways her ancestors have lived in harmony with this wild stretch of the Eurobodalla Coast, where sapphire blue seas pound deserted golden beaches, for more than 20,000 years. From the bright magenta fruiting bodies of the pigface plant that taste like a pleasantly salty kiwifruit, to the controlled burns that ensured a plentiful supply of wildlife to hunt around the calendar, there’s so much to know.

At the other end of Australia’s east coast, on the doorstep of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland , Kuku Yalanji man Aaron Port, a guide with Walkabout Cultural Adventures , schools me in the art of using a traditional spear to catch my own mud crab – the ultimate bush tucker feast – or would have been, if the crab we found was large enough to sustainably harvest. But I soon learn that our tropical surroundings are bursting with snacks so tasty, it’s a challenge to abide by the Aboriginal custom of taking only what I need from nature.

Further north, near Cooktown, Balnggarrawarra man Vince Harrigan, a guide with Culture Connect , led me on a bushwalk to a series of beautifully persevered ancient rock art galleries few non-Indigenous people have ever clapped eyes on. Before we enter the site, Vince calls out to his ancestor spirits in language to announce our arrival – a tradition highlighting the deep connection Indigenous Australians have with their Elders that transcends the physical realm.

See Australia differently

Back home in northern New South Wales , Arakwal-Bundjalung woman Delta Kay recently launched a series of cultural and bush tucker walks. Despite being familiar with local Aboriginal culture and history, I was gobsmacked to learn during Delta’s Byron Bay walking tour that the Bundjalung word for my hometown is not Cavanbah, as it has always been known by non-Indigenous locals, but Gabanbaa, the proper pronunciation having long-been lost in translation. From Delta’s moving Welcome to Country to the evocative Dreaming stories she shares, this walking tour grounds me to this land in a way that Byron’s gamut of wellness gurus could only hope to master.

I’m currently in the midst of planning an adventure to Queensland’s northern tip to get a taste of Torres Strait Islander culture, and having just finished reading renowned Aboriginal author Bruce Pascoe’s latest book, Loving Country: A Guide to Sacred Australia , an Aboriginal-guided tour of the 40,000-year-old fish traps of Brewarrina in central-northern New South Wales is now high on my list.

At times Aboriginal guides are unable to go into more depth about particular Dreaming stories or significant sites for cultural reasons. And with English a second, third or even fourth language for some guides, particularly in remote areas, communication can sometimes be a challenge. But this is all part of the Indigenous Australian cultural experience. I’ve also been lucky to participate in some transformative non-Indigenous Australian tourism experiences in my time, but there’s something incredibly special about exploring Australia with a Traditional Custodian that every traveler should experience at least once. Now, more than ever, the takeaways are invaluable.

You might also like:

Learning from Australia’s Indigenous storytellers Unforgettable road trips on Australia’s East Coast Australia's 10 best road trips

Explore related stories

Jan 16, 2022 • 10 min read

Australia has an abundance of choice when it comes to beaches where nudism is legal and accepted. Check out our list of the best nude beaches in Australia.

Mar 31, 2021 • 8 min read

Mar 31, 2021 • 6 min read

Sep 28, 2020 • 5 min read

Sep 24, 2020 • 7 min read

Aug 8, 2020 • 5 min read

Aug 6, 2020 • 6 min read

Jun 16, 2020 • 7 min read

Apr 4, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 4, 2024 • 8 min read

How Indigenous tourism can help bring about reconciliation in Australia

Senior Lecturer in Tourism, University of South Australia

Disclosure statement

Freya Higgins-Desbiolles has previously received funding from Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre for research on the Coorong Wilderness Lodge in 2006. She also received funding from the Le Cordon Bleu- University of South Australia grants programme in 2015 for research on sustainable cafes in 2014 and native foods in Australian restaurants in 2015-16. Freya is affiliated with the Centre for Tourism and Leisure Management, University of South Australia. She is an affiliate of Equality in Tourism, a member of the Tourism Advocacy and Action Forum, co-founder of the International Peace Tourism Commission and formerly involved in responsible tourism initiatives for Community Aid Abroad (now Oxfam Australia).

University of South Australia provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

View all partners

Indigenous tourism is “tourism activity in which indigenous people are directly involved either through control and/or by having their culture serve as the essence of the attraction”.

Ideally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be able to assert some degree of control over their engagement with tourism and should secure benefits from this.

One positive outcome that Indigenous tourism can offer is opportunities to foster reconciliation . Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples use tourism to bridge the cultural divides and create better futures by sharing culture, knowledge and country.

Settler-colonial states such as Australia have sought strategies to reconcile their divided peoples. One significant catalyst in Australia was the hosting of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. This placed a spotlight on human rights conditions and marked a moment when the country tried to project a reconciled identity.

There is a long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement with travel and tourism. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been travelling between each others’ nations for millennia, sharing culture and ceremonies.

After colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples tried to access the settler economy by presenting aspects of their culture and selling handicrafts. One example is the performance of “corroborees”, as occurred in Adelaide in 1911 for instance .

• Reconciliation

The Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation led a decade-long effort in the 1990s to move Australia forward. It promoted the vision of:

A united Australia which respects this land of ours; values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and provides justice and equity for all.

One key element of the process was described as the:

… education of non-Aboriginal Australians about the cultures of Australia’s indigenous peoples and the causes of division, discord and continuing injustice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Reconciliation through tourism

Indigenous tourism is a way for non-Indigenous Australians to hear about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences and learn from their cultures.

This is important because, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples comprise only about 3% of Australia’s total population, non-Indigenous Australians can live their lives with little cultural interaction.

Experiences potentially fostering reconciliation include sharing history, learning on country, sharing culture, tours travelling the Songlines, connecting through native foods, and celebrating through arts, music and dance.

Reconciliation isn’t easy

The culture divide between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians is not easy to bridge. Uluru, also called Ayers Rock by some, is a case in point.

After the 1985 handback under land rights legislation, the Anangu custodians informed tourists that climbing Uluru violates their culture and spiritual beliefs. But they did not ban the climb altogether. One reason is that they want visitors to choose not to climb .

As Traditional Owner Kunmanara said:

That’s a really important sacred thing that you are climbing … You shouldn’t climb. It’s not the real thing about this place. The real thing is listening to everything. And maybe that makes you a bit sad. But anyway that’s what we have to say. We are obliged by Tjukurrpa [Dreaming law] to say. And all the tourists will brighten up and say: ‘Oh I see. This is the right way. This is the thing that’s right. This is the proper way: no climbing’.

Fortunately the number of people climbing Uluru has been steadily declining, and the 2010-20 Management Plan for the site now envisions the conditions for phasing out the climb. Uluru serves as a litmus test in some ways for Australia’s journey to reconciliation.

Australia’s Indigenous tourism sector is struggling

Statistics for Australia’s Indigenous tourism niche are hard to find but suggest a decline since the heady dates following the 2000 Olympics and the peak of the Reconciliation movement.

A snapshot of this niche provided by Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor and National Visitor Surveys showed that in the period between 2006 and 2010, there was an 18.7% average annual decline in domestic overnight Indigenous tourism visitors. There was also a 4.9% average annual decline in international Indigenous tourism visitors.

It is a problem in our efforts to build reconciliation that Australians appear not to be taking up the hospitality of their fellow Australians.

The way forward?

Periodic international spotlights on Australia (such as the upcoming Commonwealth Games) mean that reconciliation business cannot be abandoned. Festivals like Garma , native foods presented by Mark Olive , award-winning tourism businesses like Quentin Agius’ Aboriginal Cultural Tours all show efforts to use tourism as a tool to build understanding and thereby contribute to reconciliation.

Importantly, non-Indigenous Australians hold primary responsibility to work towards reconciliation .

If every Australian committed some part of their holiday travel plans to booking an Indigenous tourism experience , we could potentially change this country for the better.

• Indigenous Australian culture
• Indigenous Australia

Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy

GRAINS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CHAIRPERSON

Technical Skills Laboratory Officer

Faculty of Law - Academic Appointment Opportunities

Audience Development Coordinator (fixed-term maternity cover)

Our Organisation

Our Careers

Tourism Statistics

Industry Resources

Media Resources

Travel Trade Hub

News Stories

Newsletters

Industry Events

Business Events

Maruku Arts, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Discover Aboriginal Experiences

• Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Copy Link

Discover Aboriginal Experiences is a collective of over 160 quality, authentic Aboriginal guided tourism offerings. This collective is part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences of Australia Program that packages and promotes Australia’s outstanding tourism products.

Aboriginal experiences offer the kind of life changing, immersive experiences, which make a great itinerary awesome and most of all memorable.

Australia is home to the oldest living cultures on Earth and Aboriginal guides across the country offer a real connection to the place and a new way of experiencing it. Every part of Australia is Aboriginal Country and every part of that Country has a series of stories and experiences that are unique to it.

Aboriginal guides are warm, welcoming and extremely generous of spirit. They are keen to share their story and give an insight into their cultures. They bring the landscape to life allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of Australia.

Discover Aboriginal Experiences offers an exciting array of activities and tours such as tasting bush tucker, experiencing the healing powers of nature, fishing, discovering ancient rock art, dot painting, kayaking, quad biking and outback dining under a canopy of stars. Adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, foodies and nature lovers, will benefit from the extensive knowledge and insights an Aboriginal guide can provide.

Kakadu Cultural Tours, Kakadu, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Dreamtime Southern X, Sydney/Warrane, New South Wales © Tourism Australia

Kingfisher Tours, Purnululu National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

Wilpena Pound Resort, Flinders Ranges, South Australia © Tourism Australia

Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience & Tours, Watarrka, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia – Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, Mossman, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures, Shark Bay, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

Who to contact for further information

Discover more

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. Find out more .

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

*Disclaimer:  The information on this website is presented in good faith and on the basis that Tourism Australia, nor their agents or employees, are liable (whether by reason of error, omission, negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any statement, information or advice given in this website. Tourism Australia wishes to advise people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent that this website may contain images of persons now deceased.

The World's Oldest Living Cultures

all over Australia, including in its cities.

31 Experiences available

• Urban Culture Experiences

142 Experiences available

• Nature & Wildlife Experiences

24 Experiences available

• Immersive Journeys

18 Experiences available

• Exclusive Accommodation

47 Experiences available

• Culinary Experiences

84 Experiences available

• Coastal & Aquatic Experiences

103 Experiences available

• Bush & Outback Adventures

57 Experiences available

• Art & Museum Experiences

114 Experiences available

• Active Adventures
• Uluru & Alice Springs
• Hobart & Launceston
• Under 2 hours
• Multiple days

6km from Newcastle Airport

1-hour Quad Bike Adventure Tour

with Sand Dune Adventures

Feel the need for speed? Jump on a quad bike to zip around the immense Stockton Beach Sand Dunes, part of NSW’s Worimi Conservation Lands, with an Aboriginal guide.

1.5 hour Aboriginal Culture and Sand Boarding Quad Bike Tour

This experience is as much about cruising around Stockton Beach Sand Dunes on a quad bike as it is about learning about the Worimi people. Sandboarding a bonus.

7km from Cairns Airport

2 Day Camping Edu-Tourism Group Experience

with Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours

Experience a Mandingalbay Yidinji welcome, smoking ceremony, guided bushwalk and more on a camping experience in the Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous Protected Area.

4km from Darwin

2 Day Luxury Tiwi Island Escape

with SeaLink NT - Tiwi Islands

Explore Tiwi Island's Aboriginal culture with an overnight package at Tiwi Island Retreat, including a ferry from Darwin and cultural experiences.

170km from Cooktown Airport

2 Night Tour 

with Jarramali Rock Art Tours

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.

14km from Karratha Airport

3 Day Tour (Camping) - on request

with Ngurrangga Tours

On this 3-day tour you’ll discover George Gorge, Python Pool, Pyramid Hill, and more. Includes meals, camping, and park fees for an enriching experience.

250km from Darwin

3-Day Kakadu and Arnhem Land Tour

with Lords Kakadu & Arnhemland Safaris

From Fogg Dam Reserve to Yellow Water Billabong, see Kakadu and Arnhem Land in 4WD luxury. Enjoy an airboat ride, and visit remote Gunbalanya, Injalak Hill and Maguk.

255km from Darwin

4-Day Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour

with Venture North Safaris

Traverse Kakadu National Park by 4WD to Arnhem Land to glimpse ancient Aboriginal rock art. Camp on Cobourg Peninsula, then cruise the NT's largest marine park.

13km from Karratha Airport

4WD Tag-a-Long Tour

Jump in a 4WD with a Traditional Owner guide to see ancient Aboriginal rock art, visit sacred sites, hear traditional stories and forage for bush medicine and tucker.

4WD Tag-along Overnight Tour

Discover Milstream-Chichester NP, experience George Gorge's traditional tales. Camp under stars, learn celestial stories of Yindjibarndi.

5-Day Kakadu and Arnhem Land Tour

Discover the rich culture of Kakadu & Arnhem Land on this five-day safari. Explore Koolpin, Maguk, and Gunbalanya and stay at Davidson’s and Lords Safaris camp.

5-Day Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour

Take in Kakadu and Arnhem Land in a 4WD, glimpsing ancient rock art and exploring the NT's largest marine park by boat. Camp in comfort on the remote Cobourg Peninsula.

25km from Perth

Aboriginal Art and Dreamtime Stories

with Dale Tilbrook Experiences

Enjoy a hands-on dot painting experience as your Aboriginal guide, Dale Tilbrook, shares Dreamtime tales and insights into First Nations cultures.

1km from Sydney

Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour

with The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Walk with your First Nations guide through the Cadi Jam Ora garden to discover Indigenous bush foods and learn how they were used traditionally – before sampling.

255km from Perth

Aboriginal Food, Culture, Cave & Didj Tour

with Koomal Dreaming

Identify traditional bush foods and medicine then journey into Ngilgi Cave for a live didgeridoo performance, Taste a delicious bush BBQ lunch with seasonal native flavours.

Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tour

Join an experienced First Nations guide on a walking tour of the foreshore and discover the rich Gadigal heritage of the Royal Botanic Garden and Sydney Harbour.

1km from Melbourne

Aboriginal Heritage Walk – Group Tours

with Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Join an Aboriginal guide on an exclusive group tour of the gardens, discovering bush tucker and native medicines, traditional tools and ceremonies. (Tues, Thurs, Sun only)

Aboriginal Heritage Walk – Public Tour

Discover the gardens with an Aboriginal guide, and journey into the ancestral lands of the Kulin Nation. Join a ceremony, taste bush tucker and enjoy lemon myrtle tea.

11km from Wagga Wagga Airport

Aboriginal Special Places Tour

with Bundyi Cultural Tours

Look, smell, learn and immerse yourself in Wiradjuri culture as Mark Saddler shares his ancient Country and its many spectacular and significant sites.

Aboriginal Walkabout Tour

This leisurely walk around Wagga Wagga visits key Wiradjuri sites along the ancient Marrambidya Bila (Murrumbidgee River), where you may even meet the local wildlife.

Aboriginal Walking Tour – River Camp/Birrarung Wilam Walk

with Koorie Heritage Trust

Aboriginal guides lead a walk through the cultural centre to the Yarra River, visiting art installations and discovering the Aboriginal history of Melbourne/Narrm.

1km from Adelaide

Adelaide CBD Cultural Tour

with Southern Cultural Immersion

Discover the wonderful and tragic colonial history of Adelaide while visiting several sites and seeing the heart of the city from a First Nations perspective.

50km from Wilpena Pound Airport

Adnyamathanha Yarta – Welcome To Country

with Wilpena Pound Resort

Enjoy a traditional Welcome to Country by the Yura people, offering the chance to immerse yourself in Indigenous cultures and interact with the local Yura people.

Akarroo Adnya Adnyamathanha Rock Art Tour

Accompany an Adnyamathanha guide for a walk on Country to Akarroo Adnya (Rock), where your guide will share fascinating stories behind its ancient paintings.

253km from Darwin

Anbinik Kakadu Resort Self-Drive Tour

with Kakadu Cultural Tours

Choose from a wide range of accommodation options and spend your days enjoying 4WD adventure tours, wildlife cruises and more uniquely Kakadu experiences.

43km from Katherine Airport

Ancient Garlarr River Safari

with Nitmiluk Tours

Join Jawoyn guides for an intimate cruise through the first gorge of Nitmiluk, with a cultural presentation at an Indigenous rock art site and a swim in the gorge.

Arnhemlander 4WD Day Tour

Venture deep into Arnhem Land with an expert guide; meet Aboriginal artists at Injalak Arts Centre; view ancient rock art and visit billabongs teeming with birdlife.

5km from Kununurra Airport

Art Centre Tour

with Waringarri Aboriginal Arts & Tours

Tour with an Indigenous arts worker through the oldest Aboriginal art centre in WA. Enjoy a traditional welcome and learn about Miriwoong people, their art and culture.

4km from Broome

B1B Bungles Day Trek ex Broome

with Kingfisher Tours

Explore Purnululu from the air and on the ground with an Aboriginal guide. Visit Cathedral Gorge, The Domes, and Echidna Chasm. Scenic flight, tea and lunch included.

4km from Kununurra Airport

B7M Broome to Mitchell Falls

Experience the vast beauty of this country from the air with a scenic flight ex Broome to the Mitchell Falls for a ground adventure with Kingfisher’s local Aboriginal guides.

BB Bullo Station to Bungles Air Safari ex Darwin

Embark on a 4-night air safari with Kingfisher Tours from Darwin to Bullo Station and Purnululu National Park, guided by locals. Customisation options available.

1km from Halls Creek

BC Bungles (Purnululu) Tagalong Day Trek

Explore Purnululu with an Aboirginal guide navigating the epic dome maze into Cathedral Gorge. Self drive tour,

BC+ Bungles (Purnululu) Tagalong Day Trek Extended

Explore Purnululu with an Aboriginal guide. Visit Cathedral Gorge, The Domes, and Echidna Chasm. Self Drive Tour.

67km from Cairns

Bama Barrmal: Aboriginal Guide

with Walkabout Cultural Adventures

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.

146km from Broome

Beagle Bay Cultural History Tour

with Kimberley Cultural Adventures

From Broome to Beagle Bay, learn about language while passing through Country. In Nyul Nyul, discover connections to Beagle Bay and explore the Sacred Heart Church.

Bespoke Private Touring

Tailored to you, a multi-day all-inclusive immersive experience, hosted and guided by Kingfisher’s Head guide, local Gija, Woolah woman.

350km from Darwin

Bespoke Safari with Cabin Stay

with Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris

This comfortable stay suits families and couples who’ll spend their days enjoying Davidson’s range of activities like cultural walks, wildlife viewing and more.

Bespoke Safari with Deluxe Cabin Stay

Relax in luxury surrounded by the iconic Arnhem Land wilderness, where Davidson’s expert guides share the living history of the land and guide you to sacred sites.

Bolongs Dreaming Safari – group tour on request

Enjoy a two-gorge cruise including rock-art interpretation, basket weaving or didgeridoo playing, and swimming in mesmerising Nitmiluk Gorge.

76km from Cairns

Boomerang or Canvas Workshop

with Janbal Gallery

Unleash your creativity in the heart of Kuku Yalanji country, in a hands-on art class led by acclaimed local Aboriginal artist, Brian ‘Binna’ Swindley.

200km from Broome

Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tour

with Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tours

Learn about your Bardi guide Terry Hunter’s connection to Country as you forage for fresh oysters and more on this walking tour along the tidal flats of Cygnet Bay.

Borrgoron Culture and History Tour

Soak up the beautiful views of Cygnet Bay as your guide, Bardi man Terry Hunter, dives deep into the stories that shaped the pearling industry.

16km from Broome

Broome's Ultimate Aboriginal Culture Expedition

with Mabu Buru Tours

This three-day experience includes the Cable Beach Muwarrt talk, a cruise in Roebuck Bay, visit to Dampier Peninsula, the Wakaj performance, transfers and all meals.

2km from Sydney

Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience

with Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience

For a fascinating cultural perspective of an iconic landmark and its surrounds, summit the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an Indigenous storyteller guide.

25km from Uluru

Bush Food Experience

with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia – Ayers Rock Resort

Learn about native Australian ingredients, ancient food preparation techniques and enjoy a demonstration of how these ingredients can be used in modern cooking.

8km from Uluru

Bush Medicine Workshop

with Maruku Arts

Senior Anangu ladies invite you to learn about the use of traditional bush medicine. Discover and sample native plants and their healing properties

Bush Tucker Talk and Tasting

Touch, taste, and smell traditional native snacks; discover Aboriginal agricultural practices and the secrets of living on the land according to the six Aboriginal seasons.

Bush Tucker and Rock Art Tour

Visit Country with a Traditional Owner for coastal foraging for native bush tucker, from berries to mud crabs. Be prepared to get hands-on (and a little dirty).

Bush Tucker and Wellbeing

Learn about the nutritional and healing properties of native food and medicinal plants from Wardandi Bibbulmun woman, Dale Tilbrook – and try them for yourself.

Listen to yarns told by Aboriginal storytellers about history, culture and traditional methods of foraging. You may even learn a word or two of Pitjantjatjara.

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.

3km from Broome

Cable Beach Muwarrt

Discover Aboriginal culture, history and an explanation of creation beings by an Indigenous guide, alongside a song performance using traditional instruments.

Cicada Lodge

Check into this luxe, 18-room eco-lodge, owned and operated by the Jawoyn within Nitmiluk National Park. The perfect base to take a deep dive into Indigenous cultures.

304 km from Darwin

Cooinda Lodge Kakadu

with Kakadu Tourism

Owned by the local Indigenous community, this village-style property offers easy access to Yellow Water cruises, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls and Nourlangie.

Cossack Walking Tour

Explore Bajinhurrba with a Traditional Owner on an easy 700m cultural walk.

Cultural Tour of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens

Visit the Gardens with an Aboriginal guide, learn the First Nations history, discover native plants and uses, and explore the connection Aboriginal people hold with Country.

304km from Darwin

Culture of Kakadu

Be immersed in the true history and culture of the Murumburr people. Learn about art, bush tucker and life as it was and as it is now. Watch the sun set over Burrungkuy.

26km from Katherine Airport

Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park

Venture 15 metres below the surface to explore the limestone Cutta Cutta Caves system, carved millions of years ago and amid a nature park brimming with wildlife.

1km from Cairns

Daintree Dreaming: Aboriginal Art and Culture

with Down Under Tours - Daintree Dreaming

Be inspired on guided walks through the Daintree and unleash your creativity in a class led by an Aboriginal artist at the Janbal Gallery.

Daintree Dreaming: Private Chauffeured Experiences and Group Tours

Delve deep into the ancient culture of the KuKu Yalanji people and immerse yourself in a hands-on experience.

Daintree Dreaming: Traditional Aboriginal Fishing

Discover the World Heritage Daintree National Park and learn how to catch bush tucker from a Kubirri Warra clan member on their traditional grounds at Cooya Beach.

Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris

Retreat to the Arnhem Land wilderness at sacred Mt Borradaile, where there’s private cabins, barramundi fishing, Aboriginal rock art and floodplain boating to enjoy.

43 km from Katherine Airport

Sunrise is arguably the most dreamy time to visit two of Nitmiluk’s gorges, as you cruise the dawn glow casts cliffs in a fiery light. Quiet, calm and beautiful.

Kuku Yalanji guides show you the importance of Quinkan rock art at a remote and isolated site. You will see the art face to face with no barriers between you and the work.

2.1km from Cairns

Deadly After Dark – Sunset, Canapes and Culture - Fridays only

Embark on a sunset river cruise to the Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous Protected Area to experience Mandingalbay Yidinji culture and feast on seasonal delights.

Deadly Dinner - Group Experience

Designed for groups, this memorable alfresco dinner experience with Indigenous entertainment is hosted on a picturesque slice of Aboriginal land near Cairns/Gimuy.

Didgeridoo Cave Tour

Identify native bush foods and medicine on a walk to Ngilgi Cave. Deep inside the cave, listen to Dreaming legends and a moving didgeridoo performance.

8km from Shark Bay Airport

Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour

with Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures

Enjoy Dreaming and the ancient sounds of the didgeridoo by a warm campfire under a blanket of stars, accompanied by a tasting of seafood and bush tucker.

Didgeridoo Workshop

Be enthralled by the enchanting sounds of the didgeridoo, and then try your hand at playing this traditional Aboriginal instrument. It’s not as easy as it looks.

Dot-Painting Experience

A fun and organic dot-painting workshop with a local Anangu artist. Learn about traditional art, symbols, tools and more to create your own artwork.

1.5km from Cairns

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel

with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel

Float into the Dreamtime on this Great Barrier Reef trip, as First Nations Cultural Guides share Creation stories and cultural knowledge along the way.

80km from Cairns

Dreamtime Gorge Walk

with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia – Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre

Mossman Gorge is a spiritual place. Enjoy exclusive access to Kuku Yalanji land and hear stories of culture and traditions on a walk, then sample bush tea and damper.

100km from Sydney

Firescreek Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience

with Firescreek Botanical Winery Aboriginal Experiences

Enjoy a taste of bush tucker, award-winning wines and traditional Aboriginal storytelling as an Aboriginal guide leads this memorable hands-on experience.

63km from Cairns

Flames of the Forest Aboriginal Cultural Experience

with Flames of the Forest

Savour a tropical dinner tour into the Port Douglas rainforest, where you’ll also learn about the world’s oldest surviving cultures surrounded by ancient scenery.

Flames of the Forest Private Dining Experience

Gather your favourite people together for a rainforest dining experience that’s a feast for every sense, featuring Dreamtime storytelling and didgeridoo music.

10km from Shark Bay Airport

Francois Peron National Park 4WD Adventure

The ultimate 4WD adventure exploring Francois Peron National Park with snorkelling with turtles, birdwatching and Aboriginal bush tucker experiences all included.

5km from Coffs Harbour Airport

Full-Day Cultural Tour: Paddle and Walk

with Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours

Combine a blissful stand-up paddleboarding tour with an insightful cultural walking tour, immersing you in Gumbaynggirr stories, language and bush tucker.

Full-Day Ngana Julaymba Dungay/We all going Daintree

Join your Kuku Yalanji guide on a rainforest walk, plus a visit to Mossman Gorge. Have a go at boomerang and spear throwing and, if you are lucky, catch a mud crab.

Full-Day Ngana Kulkinga Dungay/We all going Cape Tribulation

Head north of the Daintree to Cape Tribulation to discover Kuku Yalanji connections to Country, with guided walks revealing bush foods and medicines, and history.

Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA) – Guided Tour

This gallery is a platform for the Indigenous community to share their stories and cultures through art, whether sculptures and installations, print or paintings.

1.5km from Sydney

Ghurryungun – Welcome to Country

with Dreamtime Southern X

Be accepted into Sydney/Warrane’s heart with a smoking ceremony – an ancient Aboriginal ritual that invites the ancestors to guide and protect you on your journey.

Group Aboriginal Cultural Tour

Join an experienced Aboriginal guide on a tailored walking tour and discover the rich Aboriginal heritage, flora and fauna of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Guided Garden Walks

Explore the flora of Ayers Rock Resort’s gardens with an Aboriginal guide, and discover how Traditional Owners lived using the bush for food and medicinal purposes.

287km from Darwin

Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on East Alligator River

Soak up the serene scenes of croc country as your Aboriginal guide offers insights into First Nations cultures, bush tucker, spirituality and traditional hunting.

685 km from Halls Creek

HCB1+ Halls Creek Bungles Day Trek Extended

Explore Purnululu with an Aboriginal guide. Visit Cathedral Gorge, The Domes, and Echidna Chasm. Scenic flight, tea, lunch, and return flight included.

Half-Day Ngana Julaymba Dungay/We all going Daintree

Discover coastal habitats, bush foods and traditional medicine. Collect shellfish, try traditional hunting practices, and visit Mossman Gorge for a walk and swim.

Half-Day Ngana Kulkinga Dungay/We all going Cape Tribulation

Learn about Kuku Yalanji connection to Country, with guided walks, bush foods and medicines, traditions and history between Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation.

9km from Shark Bay Airport

Hamelin Pool 4WD Tour

Explore South Peron's beauty, from Stromatolites to Shell Beach and beyond. Discover marine wonders and stunning ocean views along remote tracks.

Hands on Country Eco Tour

Cruise across Trinity Inlet to experience a warm Mandingalbay Yidinji welcome, a smoking ceremony, a guided bushwalk and more on traditional Aboriginal land.

289km from Darwin

Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge Self-Drive Tour

40km from Katherine Airport

Helicopter Scenic Flights

Soar over three, eight or 13 dazzling gorges in a helicopter, or take in Edith Falls. Some flights can be upgraded to include a remote landing at 17 Mile Valley.

IK3N Iconic Kimberley Air Safari ex Darwin or Broome

Immerse yourself in the Kimberley's most iconic destinations! Stay and adventure in Purnululu and Mitchell Falls National Parks, hosted by Custodians for country.

Illi-Langi – The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour

Feel the ancient heartbeat that pulses through Sydney/Warrane as your Aboriginal guide reveals the Dreamtime wisdoms embedded in and around the harbour.

260km from Melbourne

Indigenous Culture and Nature Tour

with Worn Gundidj @ Tower Hill

Gain an insight into traditional culture and practices on an Aboriginal-guided tour of a spectacular wildlife reserve in Victoria’s oldest dormant volcano.

Kakadu Adventure Tours

Get off the beaten track and discover Kakadu’s wild heart by 4WD discovering local swimming holes and gorges and learning about the history and culture of the land.

Kakadu Billabong Safari Camp

Stay in a safari-style tent on Traditional Owner's lands, immersing yourself in the local culture, guided by the knowledge and stories of the land's traditional custodians.

300 km from Darwin

Kakadu Full Moon Feast

Explore Kakadu, dine with the local Cooinda family, savour Indigenous cuisine, learn about Murumburr community, enjoy a star presentation, storytelling and didgeridoo.

290km from Uluru

Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tour

with Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience & Tours

Marvel at the intricacies of Aboriginal handicrafts, including traditional necklaces and clap sticks, and learn the secrets of bush medicines and native tucker.

Kaya Cape Experience

Learn about the Wadandi peoples’ connection to the Cape to Cape region on a guided walk around Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse followed by an interactive cultural session.

Kayak and Wildlife Adventure

Join a guided kayaking and snorkelling adventure through sheltered bays and mangroves spotting turtles, dugongs, dolphins, stingrays, birds and much more.

Koolpin Gorge: Kakadu and Arnhem Land

Exploring Kakadu and Arnhem Land in a luxury 4WD, your four-day adventure visits Koolpin Gorge (be prepared for a hike), Yellow Water Billabong, Gunbalanya and more.

334km from Melbourne

Kooyang Yana | Kooyang Walk | Full Day Tour

with Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism

Discover the history of Budj Bim Cultural Landscape from creation and ancient aquaculture to now, visiting the National Park, Kurtonitj IPA and Tae Rak (Lake Condah) wetlands.

Kuluyampi Explorer – Journey Beyond

Cruise through Nitmiluk’s first gorge, before grabbing a canoe to paddle as far as you can – will you make it to the fifth gorge? Cool off in rain-fed swimming holes.

Kuniya Walk – Cave Art Tour

Gain insights into life at Uluru, hear Kuniya Tjukurpa (stories) and see Tjukuritja (stories set in stone). Explore three caves and bush foods with an Anangu guide.

Local History and Culture

Guided by Wardandi Bibbulmun woman Dale Tilbrook, you’ll learn about traditional Aboriginal life, ancient spirituality and the Dreamtime, and taste bush tucker.

M7 Mitchell Falls (Punamii-Uunpuu) Tagalong Day Trek

This self drive day trek, allows campers and visitors to the national park to fully immerse themselves in this magical place and be safely guided through the renowned trail.

Malappar Traveller

Cruise through Nitmiluk’s first gorge, learning about Jawoyn culture, before jumping into canoes to paddle second and third gorges at your leisure, dwarfed by cliffs.

1km from Broome

Mangrove Discovery Experience

with Narlijia Experiences Broome

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Roebuck Bay’s mangroves and mudflats with Aboriginal guides sharing the culture and history of Broome/Rubibi and the bay.

Marralam Cultural Day Tour on Legune Station

Join a day tour with Kingfisher Tours from Kununurra to Legune Station, crossing into the Northern Territory for cultural immersion, gorges, and more.

254 km from Darwin

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Nestled in the Kakadu wilderness and featuring its own Aboriginal art gallery, this croc-shaped hotel is a great base for exploring Ubirr and the Mamukala Wetlands.

Mirima National Park Walk

Walk among the ancient escarpments of Mirima National Park, exploring rock-art sites with Aboriginal Elders and learning about bush foods, history and artefacts.

Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Tour

Come sunset, cruise through two Nitmiluk gorges enjoying a Jawoyn cultural experience, plus a candlelit three-course dinner and glass of sparkling wine.

Ngilgi Cave Cultural Tour

Explore Ngilgi Cave, including a haunting didgeridoo performance, then discover bush foods and medicines, plus the art of traditional fire lighting and tool making.

Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) Camp Tents

Budget styles camping tents set out for two. beside the scenic Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) billabong.

Nitmiluk Cabins

These one- and two-bedroom self-contained cabins are centrally located to explore Nitmiluk National Park. Niceties include air-con, balcony, cooking facilities and TV.

Nitmiluk Campground

Centrally located adjacent to the Nitmiluk Gorge entrance, these unpowered and powered campsites have access to amenities blocks, laundry, pool and outdoor kitchens.

Nitnit Dreaming Two Gorge Tour

Explore two of Nimiluk’s gorges, with your cruise offering insights into ancient rock art, basket weaving and didgeridoo playing. Plus, the chance for a swim.

Overnight Tour

Journey into one of the world’s most remote wildernesses, where you’ll visit the ancient Quinkan Rock Art gallery, camp under the stars and sample bush tucker.

25km from Cairns

Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience

with Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience at Rainforestation Nature Park

This in-depth insight into Indigenous culture includes a dance performance and a Dreamtime Walk, with boomerang and spear throwing, and didgeridoo playing included.

Pamagirri Art

As a souvenir to take home, create a small canvas or paint a boomerang under the guidance of an experienced Pamagirri artist. Only available for groups and school excursions.

Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout

Join a Pamagirri guide to dive deep into Aboriginal culture, including customs, Totems, rainforest survival and more, against the backdrop of lush tropical rainforest.

Pamagirri Yarning Circle

For larger groups, the Pamagirri Yarning Circle offers open conversations with a guide, exploring traditional culture to modern Indigenous life.

15km from Karratha Airport

Premium Rock Art Tour – Nganjarli (Afternoon Tour)

Explore Murujuga National Park, with the highest concentration of rock art in the world, and discover 40,000-year-old petroglyphs created by the Yaburrara people.

Private Aboriginal Walking Tour – River Camp/Birrarung Wilam Walk

Private tours to the Yarra River with an Aboriginal guide can be tailored to include additional cultural talks and tour of the Koorie Heritage Trust’s Aboriginal art.

Private Aboriginal Walking Tour – Scar Tree Walk

Walk to the Yarra River with a guide, visiting art installations and learning Aboriginal history. Continue to Yarra Park to glimpse culturally significant ‘scar trees’.

1km from Darwin

Private Charters

Tailor-made group and individual 4WD tours through Kakadu and Arnhem Land might include wilderness trips, cultural and photographic safaris, and fishing tours.

Enjoy a private Aboriginal-guided tour of Broome/Rubibi and Roebuck Bay, including Dampier Creek, mangrove forests and mudflats, while hearing stories about life here.

5km from Cairns

Private Exclusive Heli Tour

Fly over mighty rivers, land on ancient sandstone escarpments, and explore the UNESCO Quinkan Rock Art Gallery, home to over 450 pieces of art.

Private Touring

Create a bespoke itinerary to cover your interests: art and craft galleries, guided walks, pristine waterfalls, bird and wildlife watching or Aboriginal sites.

Private touring options are available for all tours. Enjoy a unique private tour exclusively guided by Josh Whiteland, cultural Custodian of the Wadandi people.

Private Twilight Didgeridoo Cave Tour

Rock Art Tour - Yaburrara (Morning Tour)

Join a Traditional Owner along the Yaburrara Trail to see ancient rock art by the Yaburrara people. Visit shell middens and sacred sites, and enjoy spectacular views.

Rubibi (Broome) Bushtucker & Culture Tour - on request

Discover bush foods and medicine plants, learn about Broome's history, experience a private didgeridoo performance and get hands on with some traditional Nyul Nyul artifacts.

Rubibi (Broome) Cultural Tour

Dive deep into Broome’s cultural past, discovering bush foods, medicine plants, experiencing a didgeridoo performance and getting hands on with Nyul Nyul artefacts.

SEIT Daintree Rainforest - Aboriginal Art and Culture

with SEIT - Daintree Rainforest

Experience Mossman Gorge on the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk, learn Aboriginal painting skills, and soak up the Daintree’s wonders on guided rainforest walks.

SEIT Daintree Rainforest - Traditional Aboriginal Fishing

Learn how to catch coastal bush tucker and explore the Daintree Rainforest on private trails that reveal the Kuku Yalanji peoples' special connection to the ecosystem.

SEIT Patji – A True Aboriginal Experience

with SEIT - Patji

This 4WD adventure through the Red Centre includes sunset enjoyed on a private sand dune overlooking Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa, with stories from Traditional Owners.

Sacred Canyon Yura Mulka Cultural Walk

Join an Adnyamathanha guide into Sacred Canyon to discover the cultural significance and ancient rock engravings from the perspective of the Traditional Owners.

Saltwater Cultural Tour

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

Sharing Our Country Safari – group tour on request

Take a three-gorge cruise including rock-art interpretation, basket weaving or didgeridoo playing, and a chance for a refreshing swim in Nitmiluk Gorge.

74km from Adelaide

Southern Cultural Tour

A bus tour visiting significant Kaurna cultural sites, encouraging open and honest dialogue about developing pathways in working together for future generations.

Stand-up Paddleboard Tours

Explore Shark Bay’s sheltered bays, where the red sand from the desert meets the blue waters of the ocean. Have fun while floating through spectacular landscapes.

80km from Coffs Harbour Airport

Stand-up Paddleboarding Tour

Learn all about Gumbaynggirr Country while paddling the waterways of the Coffs Coast’s Solitary Islands Marine Park. Three locations reveal different stories.

Stargazing Tour

Discover the celestial wonders above and the rich cultural tapestry below on a Stargazing Boat Tour on Yellow Water billabong.

Steep Point Wild West Camping Safari

This 2-day 4WD journey includes coastal exploration of WA’s wild west coast, beach camping, seafood feasts and didgeridoo beneath starry skies.

Sunset Tour

Salute sunset with the sounds of the didgeridoo and a taste of delicious homemade damper and bush food. Indigenous guides showcase Miriwoong art, culture and history.

Tae Rak (Lake Condah) Guided Cultural Walk

A guided tour of Tae Rak (Lake Condah) telling the Gunditjmara creation story, the lifecycle of eels and the aquaculture systems designed to trap and harvest eels.

Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre Café

The café is part of the state-of-the-art Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre facility. Meals, coffee and cake are served, alongside a retail space.

20km from Katherine

Tales & Traditions

with Top Didj Cultural Experience & Art Gallery

Experience a smoking ceremony, bushtucker/medicine walk, Aboriginal culture, fire-lighting, spear-throwing, plus NT's finest Aboriginal art and didgeridoos for sale.

A four-course dinner highlighting native ingredients on a dune under the Southern Desert sky with views of Uluru. Creation stories and didj performances entertain.

Taste of Wiradjuri Cultural Tour

Visit Kengal and more sacred sites as your Aboriginal guide, Mark Saddler, shares his knowledge of Wiradjuri life and language, and serves up a barbecue lunch.

The Wakaj Experience

This traditional dance known as Maru! Is performed by The Pintirri Dancers at sunset, accompanied by Karajarri songs, stories about Dreamtime, with a side of damper and tea.

Timeless Land Three Gorge Tour

This cruise lasts four hours, but travels back thousands of years in time through three Nitmiluk gorges. Discover ancient rock art, then take a dip at a waterfall.

Tiwi by Design

Cruise from Darwin/Gulumerrdgen to Bathurst Island for a Welcome to Country ceremony and damper and a cuppa with your Tiwi guide. Enjoy an art class.

Tungatt Mirring | Stone Country | Half Day Tour

Discover the history of Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, exploring the National Park and Lake Surprise and Kurtonitj IPA, where guides reveal Indigenous Gunditjmara culture.

Twilight Didgeridoo Cave Tour

Identify native bush foods and medicine on a twilight walk to Ngilgi Cave. Deep inside the cave, listen to Dreaming legends and a moving didgeridoo performance.

Ultimate Luxury Safari Adventure

Your luxury 4WD journey into Kakadu and Arnhem Land visits Fogg Dam Reserve, Gunbalanya and Maguk Gorge, with stays at Bamurru Plains and other luxe lodges and camps.

Under the Stars Night Tour

Journey through landscapes and engage in the living traditions of the local Aboriginal people of the area during this unforgettable evening under the stars.

WW Waterfall Wanderer 4WD Tour ex Kununurra

Explore the hidden waterfalls of Kununurra and surrounds with Kingfisher Aboriginal guides. Discover art, bush botanicals, and stories of Country on this 4WD tour.

Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Developed by Kakadu’s Traditional Owners, Warradjan tells the tale of those who’ve lived in the area for millennia, featuring remarkable displays and artefacts.

13km from Adelaide

Warriparinga Cultural & Historical Tour

Aboriginal guides lead you on this interactive tour of Warriparinga grounds and wetlands, where you’ll learn the history of the site and its traditional cultural significance.

Wilpena Pound and Ikara Safari Camp

Check into resort rooms, glamping safari tents, powered campsites, unpowered bush campsites with access to a restaurant, bar, pool, store, petrol and more.

Wilubidy/Francois Peron National Park Camping Safari

Camp on the beach, watch wildlife, forage for bush foods and savour a campfire dinner to the sounds of the didgeridoo and Aboriginal Dreaming Stories.

Wintjiri Wiru After Dark

Anangu share the Mala story, from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, through a drone, sound and light show designed and produced by RAMUS.

Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner

Wintjiri wiru twilight.

Enjoy Aussie wine and cheese while marvelling at the beauty of Uluru's silhouette at dusk. Drones, lights, traditional music and language bring this Mala story to life.

Wiradjuri Culture and Winery Private Tour

On this intimate tour you’ll learn about Wiradjuri culture, visit a brewery and a goldmine, and enjoy an exclusive lunch and wine-tasting.

Wiradjuri Motorcycle Tour - Full Day

Explore Wiradjuri culture on a full-day guided motorcycle tour around Wagga Wagga. Visit sites, learn, and enjoy an exclusive winery visit with lunch.

Wiradjuri Motorcycle Tour - Half Day

Discover Wiradjuri culture on a half-day motorcycle tour in Wagga Wagga. Explore sites, learn about culture, and connect with the Wiradjuri people.

World Heritage Walking Tour

Explore stunning coastline and wildlife on this 3-day walking tour of two national parks located in the Shark Bay World Heritage area.

4.5km from Sydney

Wyanga Malu – Tour by Coach

Explore Sydney/Warrane with Aboriginal guides and discover five sacred sites hidden in plain sight, including ancient rock engravings.

305 km from Darwin

Yellow Water Cruise

Be awed and enthralled as your Bininj guides reveal the remarkable flora and fauna of this scenic billabong in the heart of sacred Kakadu National Park.

58km from Moruya Airport

Yuin Retreat

with Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness

Discover Dreaming stories of Djirringanj Country, the heart of the Yuin Nation. Experience ceremonies, guided walks, healing sessions, Aboriginal dining and more.

Yura Undyu – Our Culture, Your Culture

This leisurely walk with an Aboriginal guide takes you to Old Wilpena Station, one of South Australia’s oldest and best preserved pastoral settlements.

1km from Launceston

wukalina Walk

with wukalina Walk

What a way to dive into the palawa history of northeast Tasmania/lutruwita, hiking with local guides, staying in exclusive accommodation and enjoying amazing food.

It’s often who you meet when you travel to Australia that stays with you. Aboriginal guides are no exception. They bring a unique cultural insight to the lands and history of Australia through their stories and ways of life. And they’re a friendly bunch, ready to welcome you onto Country, and share their knowledge with you. Choose an Aboriginal-guided experience, and discover why they are so unforgettable.   

Where To Go

Aboriginal cultures continue to thrive across Australia, from the red deserts of the outback to our buzzing capital cities, in lush coastal rainforests and beyond. And opportunities to experience these cultures with Aboriginal guides abound. So no matter which corner of Australia you are inspired to visit, there is likely to be an Aboriginal-guided experience available nearby to make your trip more memorable. 

From Our Guests

Seeing the Great Barrier Reef through Indigenous eyes was a transformative experience.” Melissa Bromley, Guest, Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel

It’s a coast I've visited many times, but it’s now etched in stories and culture.” Andrew Bain, Award-winning Journalist & Author

From the unrivalled harbour views to the fascinating Aboriginal stories, it was just wonderful.” Jacqui Vincent, Guest, Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience

The cultural element of this tour is what makes it special including the spectacular environment” Olivier Mercien-Ferol, Guest, Sand Dune Adventures

Fantastic, the guide, the experience, the landscape!” Adil Hmami, Aussie Specialist Trainer, France, Kakadu Cultural Tours

Josh’s digeridoo performance was literally spine tingling.” Ruth Mintern, Guest, Kaya Cape Experience

Juan’s interpretative Daintree tour opened my eyes to Kuku Yalanji sacred lore and storytelling.” Susan Kurosawa, Acclaimed Australian Journalist

Travelling deep into sacred lands and prolific wilderness make this a trip of a thousand memories.” Georgia Rickard, Editor at large, Virgin Australia

Walking on Country with a Traditional Custodian connected me to Australia in a whole new way. ” Sarah Reid, Australian Travel Writer of the Year

The Karrke tour opened my eyes to the unique way of life of Indigenous peoples in the Red Centre.” Jana Frawley, Editorial Director, Escape (Australia’s #1 Travel Publication)

23 Jan 2024

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.

26 Sept 2023

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.

23 June 2023

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.

22 Feb 2023

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?

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.

Stay in the loop

Frequently asked questions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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  .

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.

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

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.

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.

More Australian tourists seek out authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences

With international holidays on hold, Australians are on the move looking at their own backyard with an appetite to know more and connect with Aboriginal culture. 

Key points:

• Business is booming for Aboriginal tourism operators despite closed international borders
• Operators see enormous potential to market a unique Aboriginal experience to the world
• WA's Mid West business leaders say there's significant potential for growth with few operators

Darren Capewell, or 'Capes' as he is usually known, has been operating his tourism business in Shark Bay, Western Australia since 2004 and has never been busier.

International visitors who normally make up the majority of his customers have completely stopped, but Australians are coming for a cultural experience.

"A lot more Australians now unable to travel overseas, they want to travel around Australia, and we've noticed a lot of young families taking their kids around to do the big lap," he says.

"They're very interested in exposing their children to Aboriginal culture, certainly through tourism so it's been wonderful for us to educate that younger generation and to introduce those guys to Aboriginal culture through tourism."

Business booming

The peak body for the state's Aboriginal tourism operators, the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC), was incorporated in 2002.

WAITOC chief executive Robert Taylor says many Aboriginal tourist operators are busy at the moment.

"Australians in the past haven't really done much Aboriginal tourism because they often go out of the country to places like Bali and other places," Mr Taylor says.

"So it's actually really good they're actually getting out there and experiencing some of these Aboriginal experiences that they never even knew were there before."

He says visits to the WAITOC website are increasing and people are staying longer on the site.

Membership has increased from 66 operators in 2015 to 237.

Darren Capewell has also noticed a change in people's attitudes.

"I call it the time of the awakening where people want to learn about the planet, they want to learn about ancient cultures and certainly how Aboriginal culture has managed to survive and sustain itself," Mr Capewell says.

Mr Taylor, who also sits on the National Indigenous Tourism Advisory Group, says there is a strong urge to get Aboriginal tourism as the focal point of international marketing.

"This industry is probably really very young at the moment, it's got a long way to go but obviously the culture is very old," he says.

He thinks Australia could follow New Zealand's lead on marketing cultural tourism.

"If you look at the tourism marketing for New Zealand all you see is Maori culture and I think Australia has a long way to go but I think it could go that way as well.

"We have a bit of a joke and say that the first colonists came on a tourism trip, and they never left."

Growth potential

Mr Taylor says there is huge potential to develop Aboriginal tourism in WA's Mid West.

"The Kimberley is an awesome place and it's on people's bucket list but the cost and expense to get there is usually out of people's reach when they come into Perth," he says.

"In the Mid West of WA, it's a huge region but there's only about five businesses in total, whereas in the Kimberley there is 60-odd businesses in a very small sort of area."

As well as running his own business, Mr Capewell mentors and supports other Indigenous tourism operators, including Derek Councillor.

A Yamatji Naaguja man, Mr Councillor has just started his own tourism business in Geraldton.

He says the Mid West is just as ancient and special as the Top End.

"You don't have to travel two-and-a-half thousand kilometres to hear or see something, look around just four hours north of Perth we've got it all here, even with our bush tucker and plants we have here," Mr Councillor says. 

"Our stories are just as ancient as the Top End and our stories all tie in with the Kimberley and Pilbara."

Respecting country

Mr Capewell says tourism is a way for him to be out on country while teaching others.

"We are ambassadors for country and we can't lose sight of that," he says.

"We are nothing without country and we are nothing without culture and the tourism vehicle allows us to showcase that.

"It's just not just Aboriginal people everyone's got that inside of them."

Mr Capewell says his two greatest passions outside his family are respecting culture and respecting the environment. 

He says the business is a way for him to share those with others.

"Country has been here long before we got here and it's going to be here long time after we've gone. 

"So while we're here, we encourage people to respect country and listen to country and to get more people to learn about it and to get people to take that message forward to tell their friends."

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

'a cultural awakening': thirst for indigenous tourism prompts creation of queensland industry body.

Landmark native title plan to boost jobs, Indigenous tourism in Victoria's east

Creating jobs and tourism at Walga Rock

• Indigenous Culture
• Tourism and Leisure Industry
• University of Western Australia

Indigenous tourism: Empowering a sustainable future

By Breanna Lawlor

Share this article:

• Facebook icon
• LinkedIn icon
• Twitter icon

Indigenous tourism has made great strides over the past decade where experience providers invite guests to gain an understanding of their culture and traditions.

An increasing interest in sustainable tourism and reconciliation presents an opportunity for First Nations communities to share their range of expertise with visitors from around the world.

With heightened demand for culturally immersive experiences, “many communities have undertaken tourism development activities to support cultural revival , intercultural awareness, and economic growth. This growth brings jobs and career opportunities for Indigenous people at all skill levels.”

Notably, Indigenous tourism experiences have grown in both demand and popularity. And as communities move away from resource extraction, a larger focus on community-centric and sustainable tourism is the way forward, with Indigenous tourism leading the way.

What is Indigenous Tourism about

Indigenous-led tourism acts as a revenue source for the community through the sharing of local culture and environmental stewardship, as guided by First Nations.

“Indigenous Tourism is defined as a tourism business majority-owned, operated and/or controlled by First Nations, Métis or Inuit peoples which demonstrate a connection and responsibility to the local Indigenous community and traditional territory where the operation is based.”

Thankfully, operators have more say in which elements of their culture they share, as noted in the Indigenous Cultural Tourism Protocol .

Going forward, “no longer are Indigenous Peoples and their cultures objects of interest in the tourist trade – they are the operators and as such, they manage which aspects of their culture are shared and which are held back.”

Plus, some of the most popular summer activities — including outdoor recreation and wildlife tourism — are two areas Indigenous operators can offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise. And, those in the solo travel market seeking adventurous and personalized experiences may view this as a compelling option.

How does Indigenous tourism impact communities

Indigenous-led tourism fosters reconciliation while providing guests with a deeper understanding of a culture other than their own.

On another note, the connection between tourism and Indigenous peoples offers a more holistic outlook on environmental stewardship for operators and visitors, alike.  

It’s also worth mentioning how “in Canada, the uptick in Indigenous-led wildlife tours and community-based cultural experiences reflects the growth in this market. Both domestic and international tourists are increasingly drawn to Indigenous culture.”

Providing Indigenous communities with an outlet to share their knowledge and traditions is immensely valuable. As tourism stakeholders, Indigenous experience providers are tasked with “ protecting and respecting the cultures of indigenous people , their rights and their ancestral traditions,” according to the UNTWO’s Global Code of Ethics.

Indigenous tourism contributes to a sustainable future for travel given the “increased demand for wide-open spaces, eco-tourism, slow travel, and engaging with local communities”

Some may wonder whether the advantages of Indigenous tourism outweigh the impact on the local communities where operators are based.

Naturally, guests presented with an understanding of Indigenous culture will also discover the value of the environment around them.

And, Indigenous-led tourism can encourage visitors to better understand the path towards and participate in activities that support reconciliation.

What are the advantages of Indigenous-led tourism ? 

• Expanding awareness of Indigenous culture
• Hiring local community members 
• Highlighting the local community 
• Preserving traditions 
• Promoting reconciliation
• Supporting local entrepreneurs
• Strengthening cultural and community connections
• Teaching new skills to young people 
• Encouraging revitalization of the land 

Some of cultural tourism challenges include:

• Commodifying an experience
• Guarding heritage sites 
• Overtourism
• Reducing impact on wildlife areas

It’s important to account for how “ Indigenous tourism development is even more sensitive to risks associated with mismanagement given the relational interdependence of Indigenous culture and identity to the places and types of experiences that are increasingly sought after by visitors.”

Ultimately, the sustainability of tourism is dependent on the natural environment and Indigenous-led tourism has a profound understanding of this relationship.

What’s the importance of Indigenous tourism

As a result of an increase in interest, “Indigenous tourism in Canada continues to mature and has proven to be a major economic and cultural driver for Indigenous communities across Canada.”

Remarkably, “in early 2020 there were a reported 1,900 Indigenous tourism businesses employing 40,000 workers and generating $1.9 billion of direct GDP contributions to the Canadian economy”.

According to the UNTWO’s Recommendations on Sustainable Development of Indigenous Tourism , it “spurs cultural interaction and revival, bolsters employment, empowers local communities, especially women and youth and encourages tourism product diversification, allows people to retain their relationship with the land and nurtures a sense of pride.”

What could be more beneficial to a community and industry than that?

Cultural tourism injects revenue into local communities. In addition, when managed thoughtfully and sustainably, it boosts confidence and knowledge-sharing among tourism workers. 

How ITAC supports Indigenous operators

Established in 2009, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) includes over 20 Indigenous tourism industry organizations across Canada.

Through a variety of tactics, including advisory councils, conferences and training opportunities, “the purpose of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) aims to improve the socio-economic situation of Indigenous people within the 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada.”

As shared within the Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Business Planning Guide Indigenous operators can evaluate the best approach for developing their individual tour business.

To ensure an authentic experience, Indigenous operators should consider how they’re involved in:

• Carefully developing products
• Clarity in industry, learning about cultural tourists
• Creating culturally authentic experiences
• Connecting with the community’s ‘culture keepers’ and Elders
• Meeting guests expectations through staff training and excellent hospitality
• Designing and maintaing an effective web and social media presence
• Developing personal support networks

ITAC focuses on connecting local tourism companies with practical technology applications to sustainably scale Indigenous-owned businesses. Using a variety of online education sessions, networking and in-person workshops, ITAC aims to fast-track the growth opportunities available to Indigenous operators.

How Checkfront is involved with ITAC

In partnership with the ITAC, Checkfront is engaging with a cohort of Indigenous tourism businesses to encourage the adoption of an online booking software.

One example of a success story stems from Spirit Bear Lodge , an eco-tourism lodge that’s based out of Klemtu, B.C offering wildlife tours and multi-day expeditions for guests. Two members of their Marketing and Sales team shared the benefits they’ve seen since implementing Checkfront for their online bookings.

Through education and relationship-building, Checkfront and ITAC are working collectively to showcase the value of online bookings.

Ultimately, we want tourism business owners to feel empowered with the platform they choose. Every empowered Indigenous operator contributes towards a strong, sustainable and supportive Indigenous tourism industry for all.

Want more ideas for growing your tour and activity business?

Subscribe to the Checkfront Newsletter

Read new tips on how to get more bookings every month.

Related Articles

How to write ATV tour descriptions that drive bookings (with examples) 

Learn how to write ATV rental descriptions with SEO-ready language that help you sell more bookings

• Marketing Strategies

Easy & effective pricing tactics for activity and rental operators

Ever wondered why at the movie theatre you’re likely to opt for a Large Popcorn instead of a Small or…

Search Blog

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Get tips and strategies to grow your business and impress your guests.

Blog Categories

• Booking Management
• Business Tips
• Guest Experience
• Operator Highlights

Australia’s Indigenous People and Ecotourism in Australia

Any traveler looking for an adventure should consider visiting Australia. The sixth-largest country in the world, Australia is home to some of the most diverse plant and animal life, with stunning coastlines meeting red desert and some of the thickest untouched rainforest on Earth.  In Australia, indigenous people are one of the world’s oldest remaining cultures, and their unique customs and connection to the land are unlike any other. 

For anyone looking to immerse themselves in indigenous Aboriginal culture, ecotourism is a thriving business in Australia and only looks to get more significant in the years to come. 

But what exactly is ecotourism? According to the Global Ecotourism Network :

“ Ecotourism  is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and creates knowledge and understanding through interpretation and education of all involved: visitors, staff and the visited.”

While Australia is considered an advanced ecotourism nation in terms of its sustainable environmental practices and governmental support, there is still work to be done. As the oldest known civilization on Earth, the preservation of Australian Aboriginal culture has become increasingly important. In Australia, ecotourism is just one way to convey the unique and special customs of the original custodians of the land.  

Australian Indigenous People And Their Connection To The Land

Australian indigenous people came to the country over 40,000 years ago, and have acted as traditional custodians of the land ever since. With over 500 tribes around the country, the Australian native people took care of the land through sustainable fishing, hunting, and agricultural practices, even understanding the need for dry-season burn-offs to prevent rampant bushfires and stimulate new seasonal plant growth. 

Far from the ‘barbaric’ image portrayed by the European explorers landing upon Australia’s shores, Aboriginal culture is rich and varied, with stories and legends varying from tribe to tribe. Instead of a written record of the past, Aboriginal customs and history were passed down through stories, steeping all the way from the time before man known as the Dreamtime. In addition, Aboriginal culture is very holistic and focuses on connecting self, spirit, and family to the land. 

Untouched by outside cultures, the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 saw a decimation of the Aboriginal communities, and many customs were lost to genocide and forced assimilation in the years following. Today, Australia’s indigenous people represent around 3.3% of the total population, with over 798,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living across the country in urban and remote locations. 

Struggles of Ecotourism in Australia

The Australian government has taken great strides in recent years towards creating sustainable ecotourism practices for Aboriginal communities. Released by the Department for Heritage and Tourism in 2004, the Steps to Sustainable Tourism outlined a clear path for ‘promoting and planning a sustainable future for tourism, heritage, and the environment.’ However, issues surrounding Australian ecotourism remain, and the balance between the tourism industry and protecting Aboriginal cultures and customs is still being reached.

One of the greatest struggles in recent years has been the tourism of Uluru. Formerly known as Ayers Rock, this sacred monolith was restored to its Yankunytjatjara name in 1985 as the site was returned to its traditional owners. However, pressure mounting from the Australian indigenous people led to tours climbing the rock being outlawed in 2019 after a history of disrespect from those ignorant of Aboriginal customs and beliefs. 

Over-Tourism

In its simplest form, over-tourism is where a tourism destination exceeds its carrying capacity, in either physical or psychological terms. This leads to a decline in the experience for tourists and potentially severe consequences for locals and the environment. 

Until very recently, Tourism Australia’s policy has been one of growth: the ‘Tourism 2020’ strategy clearly outlined a plan to achieve more than AU$115 billion in tourism spending, a massive increase from the 2009 figure of AU$70 billion.

In July 2021, Tourism Australia announced the Indigenous Tourism fund.  Providing up to AU$12 million in small business grants to over 60 Aboriginal-owned businesses, the fund aims to increase the number of Indigenous tourism products across Australia. 

Remote Communities

In Australia, indigenous people often live in remote communities , meaning that they exist far from large cities and towns. These communities are protected by Australian law and often run more traditional lives dictated by Aboriginal culture and customs. Unfortunately, due to their secluded nature, remote Aboriginal communities can often fall victim to sickness brought about by careless tourists, and travelers who are ignorant of tradition or culture may end up causing massive disrespect to traditional practices. 

Aboriginal Culture Ecotourism Tours in Australia

Ecotourism in Australia has seen a rise in popularity, which has driven an outburst of tourism companies aiming to draw in travelers looking for a unique and sustainable experience. Luckily, Australia’s ecotourism has a transparent certification system, making it easy to recognize legitimate companies. For example, the Respecting Our Culture (ROC) Certification ‘encourages the tourism industry to operate in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the living cultures of Indigenous communities.’

Here are some examples of Aboriginal-owned ecotourism experiences for travelers wishing to learn more about the incredible culture of the Australian native people. 

Ayal Aboriginal Tours Kakadu

Stretching across the country’s northwest, Kakadu National Park is one of Australia’s most wild and beautiful nature reserves. Ayal Aboriginal Tours Kakadu is an Aboriginal-owned and operated ecotourism company that invites travelers to experience this sacred park’s natural and cultural wonders. The tour takes guests across the Magela floodplains to visit Ubirr, one of Australia’s oldest-known rock art sites. Run by Victor Cooper, a local Minitja man, your knowledgable guide will tell stories of the Dreamtime and the Australian native people’s connection to nature and the spirit of the land. 

Ayal Aboriginal Tours Kakadu are Green Leaders in Ecotourism Australia’s certification program and have been ROC certified since 2018.

Aboriginal Cultural Tours South Australia

For those visiting Australia’s southeast, Aboriginal Cultural Tours allows travelers to view the landscape through the eyes of the Australian native people. Visit ancient archaeological and sacred sites of the Narungga and Ngadjuri tribes, connect with nature and walk the paths of the ancestors of Australia’s traditional custodians. You can choose from outbush tours, coastal tours, or a combination of both to learn more about the Aboriginal culture of the local area. Aboriginal Cultural Tours is run by Narungga man Quenten Agius and is both ROC-certified and an Ecotourism Australia Green Leader. 

Bremer Island Banubanu Beach Retreat

Created as a partnership between Bremer Island locals and the Yolnu tribe of North-east Arnhem Land, Bremer Island Banubanu Beach Retreat is an excellent balance of relaxation and immersion in the Aboriginal culture of the resident tribes. The eco-retreat offers glamping-style accommodation overlooking the Arafura Sea. Guests can participate in Aboriginal customs such as a Welcome to Country tour, a sustainable fishing charter, or a traditional Yolnu Healing Ceremony to leave travelers feeling connected to the land. Banubanu Beach Retreat is Ecotourism Australia-certified and a proud Discover Aboriginal Experiences Australia member. 

A complete list of ROC-certified ecotourism companies owned and operated by Australian indigenous people can be found on Tourism Australia’s website . 

Learn About Aboriginal Culture Through Australia’s Ecotourism

When visiting Australia, one of the most life-changing experiences you can undertake is to learn more about the Aboriginal cultures and traditions linked to this great land. By understanding the role of Aboriginal culture in modern society, you can foster greater respect for and connection with the unwritten history of Australia. However, the importance of sustainable Australian ecotourism has never been more critical, so ensure that your tours are not only run by ROC-certified companies but also benefit the communities and environment. 

Would you like to know more about eco-friendly travel? To receive inspiration direct to your email inbox, please click  here  and subscribe to the Ecotourism World newsletter!

You May Also Like

Immerse in the Experience of Homestay with a Local Family

Ecotourism with Kenya’s Indigenous Maasai Tribe

How a Traditional Festival Can Keep Cultural Heritage Alive

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Chapter 12. Indigenous Tourism

12.3 Indigenous Tourism in Canada

Evolution of indigenous tourism in canada.

While there has always been some demand among visitors to Canada to learn more about Indigenous heritage, driven by the strong interest of Europeans in particular, until recently there has been no concerted effort to focus on defining and strengthening Indigenous cultural tourism . However, over the last 25 years or so, steps have been taken to support authentic Indigenous cultural products and experiences and to counter decades of appropriation of Indigenous symbols and arts and crafts by non-Indigenous Canadians and others elsewhere in the world.

Indigenous exhibits and displays were developed for tourism attractions and museums by well-meaning non-Indigenous people who did not consult with local communities. Souvenir shops were often filled with inexpensive overseas-made replicas of authentic Indigenous arts and crafts, and some still are. To this day, we see the Canadian Prairie Indigenous headdress being used as a way of (mis)representing First Nations across Canada. As an example of how things have changed, in August 2020 the Yukon First Nations Arts Brand was created to promote and celebrate ‘all forms of art made by Indigenous artists living in Yukon Territory’. Developed and controlled by the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCT), the brand program will showcase arts and crafts made by Yukon First Nations people. For more information, go to the Yukon First Nations arts website .

As the number of Indigenous tourism businesses started to increase in the 1980s and 1990s, the federal government initiated discussions on Indigenous tourism. The outcome was the formation of national organizations that provided a coordinated industry voice for operators: Aboriginal Tourism Team Canada (ATTC), Aboriginal Tourism Canada, and Aboriginal Tourism Marketing Circle (ATMC), and others. These groups started the trend of defining Indigenous cultural tourism standards and promoting the establishment of regional, provincial, and territorial organizations to develop and market more successful businesses. Today, these functions are performed by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) .

Spotlight On: Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a consortium of over 20 Indigenous tourism industry organizations and government representatives from across Canada. It was formed to create a unified voice and was formalized in 2014 as the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada (ATAC) and built from the ATMC established in 2009. ITAC continues to evolve to support marketing, product development and training standards, and other initiatives. For more information, visit the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada .

Indigenous Tourism in Canada Today

Thanks to the growing visitor demand for authentic cultural experiences and the strong leadership of ITAC, Indigenous tourism in Canada continues to mature and has proven to be a major economic and cultural driver for Indigenous communities across Canada. In early 2020 there were a reported 1,900 Indigenous tourism businesses employing 40,000 workers and generating $1.9 billion of direct GDP contributions to the Canadian economy (ITAC, 2020).

Take a Closer Look: Canada’s Indigenous Tourism Sector: Insights and Economic Impacts

This 2019 report through the Conference Board of Canada was “commissioned by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) to profile and assess the economic impact of Canada’s Indigenous tourism sector. The report delivers an updated direct economic footprint of the Indigenous tourism sector in 2017, including GDP, employment, and business growth. In addition, the report provides strategic insights from a 2018 survey of Indigenous businesses that participate in the Indigenous tourism sector in Canada.”

To review the report, visit Canada’s Indigenous Tourism Sector: Insights and Economic Impacts [PDF] .

In 2019 the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada published a comprehensive set of guidelines developed in consultation with industry members, Elders and community that endorsed the following definitions of Indigenous Tourism with the recognition that each nation, culture or community can choose to adopt or adapt these definitions to best suit their needs (ITAC, 2019, p.8):

Indigenous Tourism is defined as a tourism business majority owned, operated and/or controlled by First Nations, Métis or Inuit peoples which demonstrates a connection and responsibility to the local Indigenous community and traditional territory where the operation is based. Indigenous Cultural Tourism not only meets the Indigenous tourism criteria (above) but in addition a significant portion of the experience incorporates a distinct Indigenous culture in a manner that is appropriate, respectful and true. Authenticity lies in the active involvement of Indigenous people in the development and delivery of the experience.

With these definitions, ITAC also provides the vital clarification that, “There are tourism businesses which are neither majority owned nor operated by Indigenous People who offer ‘Indigenous tourism experiences’. Authentic Indigenous Cultural Tourism is by Indigenous peoples, not about Indigenous peoples ” (italics added; ITAC, 2019).

Take a Closer Look: National Guidelines – Developing Authentic Indigenous Experiences in Canada

This 2019 document from ITAC was designed as a self-assessment and reference tool and created in consultation with Elders, industry and the community to give guidance and direction for all involved within the Canadian Indigenous tourism industry. The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada continues to provide guidance for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, business leaders and other Indigenous tourism stakeholders on standards.

To view the report, visit National Guidelines: Developing Authentic Indigenous Experiences in Canada [PDF] .

Strengthening Indigenous Tourism in Canada

Tourism is of significant interest to growing numbers of Indigenous communities in Canada. If developed in a thoughtful and sensitive manner, it can have potential positive economic, cultural, and social impacts. Many communities have undertaken tourism development activities to support cultural revival, intercultural awareness, and economic growth. This growth brings jobs and career opportunities for Indigenous people at all skill levels.

The Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Business Planning Guide suggested the following as the foundational building blocks necessary to run a successful and authentic Indigenous tourism business:

• Understand the industry, learn about cultural tourists, and develop products carefully
• Ensure experiences are culturally authentic
• Involve the community’s ‘culture keepers’ and Elders
• Practice environmental sustainability
• Prepare an Indigenous cultural tourism business plan
• Meet visitor expectations through staff training and excellent hospitality, provided from a cultural perspective
• Ensure an effective web and social media presence
• Build personal support networks

The guide also highlights the importance of place to the Indigenous tourism experience. It suggests that guests leave an authentic tourism experience with a memorable collection of feelings, memories, and images that all contribute to a unique sense of place and help guests understand the culture being shared (Kanahele, 1991). In order to highlight this sense of place, operators are encouraged to reflect on and impart aspects of their culture with the following elements of their business (Indigenous Tourism BC & CTHRC, 2013):

• Decor such as signage, displays, art, photography
• Company name
• Branding elements such as logo and website design
• Employee uniforms or dress code
• Food and beverage
• Traditional stories shared with guests
• Key words and expressions from the Indigenous host language shared in guest interactions

These touch points create a richer, and more authentic, experience for the visitor.

As an Elder once stated, Indigenous tourism businesses showcase “culture, heritage and traditions,” and “because these belong to the entire community, the community should have some input” (Aboriginal Tourism BC & CTHRC, 2013, p. 19). For this reason, the guide suggests operators consider the extent to which:

• Community members understand the project or business as it is being proposed
• Keepers of the culture are engaged in the development of the idea
• The business or experience reflects community values

Take a Closer Look: Indigenous Cultural Tourism Checklist (Canada) and Maori Tourism Checklist (New Zealand)

Review the Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Business Planning Guide at  Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Business Planning Guide [PDF] .

The Maori tourism organization in New Zealand has developed a similar guide for Indigenous tourism development. Visit the New Zealand Maori Tourism Road Map .

By following these guidelines, Indigenous tourism businesses can honour the principles outlined in the Larrakia Declaration and other similar documents.

As a quick reminder, some important building blocks for an Indigenous tourism business are:

Indigenous Tourism’s Interconnection with Land Stewardship

The intersection of conservation, tourism and Indigenous cultural resurgence is receiving growing attention in the Canadian context, particularly within British Columbia. Indigenous peoples’ connection to the land is well documented and is widely understood as central to Indigenous cultural identity and future prosperity (Brown & Brown, 2009). As explained earlier in this text, the tourism industry is dependent upon the natural and cultural environment, yet tourism can be a direct threat to the health and quality of these essential tourism destination components. Indigenous tourism development is even more sensitive to risks associated with mismanagement given the relational interdependence of Indigenous culture and identity to the places and types of experiences that are increasingly sought after by visitors.

Take a Closer Look: National Indigenous Guardians Network in Canada

The Indigenous Leadership Initiative is a key supporter of a federally funded, Indigenous-led National Indigenous Guardians Network in Canada that supports development and employment of guardians across the country. Indigenous-led Guardian programs play a vital role in monitoring ecological changes and protecting sensitive cultural and environmental areas from the pressures related to Indigenous tourism development.

For more information, visit this web page on the Indigenous Guardians Program on the Indigenous Leadership Initiative website .

Additionally, review this web page on the Indigenous Guardians Pilot Program on the Government of Canada website .

There are a number of innovative responses to ecological threats to Indigenous lands that have emerged and evolved in recent years such as; co-management agreements of protected areas between public agencies and Indigenous people; the designation of new protected areas, best illustrated by the 1984 Meares Island Tribal Park declaration made by the Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousat First Nations on the West Coast of Vancouver Island (British Columbia); and the establishment of Indigenous-led Guardian initiatives, such as the Coastal Guardian Watchmen program.

Take a Closer Look: Coastal Guardian Watchmen

The Coastal Guardian Watchmen program, active along the North and Central Coast, and Haida Gwaii region of British Columbia, illustrates the invaluable knowledge that is held within Indigenous communities and the role Indigenous people continue to play in protecting the cultural and natural resources of specific territories.

For more information, visit this web page on Coastal Guardian Watchmen Support on the Coastal First Nations: Great Bear Initiative website .

Examples of Canadian Indigenous Tourism Development

Over the past decades, hundreds of Indigenous-focused tourism experiences have developed in Canada. Examples include:

• The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump interpretive centre in Alberta
• Northern lights viewing with Indigenous hosts at Aurora Village in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
• Essipit whale watching with the Innu in Quebec
• Driving the Great Spirit Circle Trail of Indigenous experiences on Manitoulin Island in Ontario
• Cultural activities and wilderness adventures during summer and winter in the traditional territory of the Champagne & Ashihik First Nation, Yukon

Take a Closer Look: Indigenous Tourism Canada’s consumer website

Get curious and explore the many Indigenous tourism and cultural tourism businesses and experiences throughout Canada, including those close to where you live or places you’re otherwise familiar with. The interactive map on the ITAC website provides a great way to dive into this!

For an in-depth exploration of a Canadian Indigenous tourism destination, see the case study at the end of this chapter on the Trails of 1885 project. This and other initiatives have been successful across the country, including some in British Columbia, which has emerged as a premier destination for Indigenous tourism experiences.

Indigenous tourism that incorporates Indigenous culture as a significant portion of the experience in a manner that is appropriate, respectful, and true (see Indigenous cultural experiences).

A consortium of over 20 Indigenous tourism industry organizations and government representatives from across Canada.

Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality in BC - 2nd Edition Copyright © 2015, 2020, 2021 by Morgan Westcott and Wendy Anderson, Eds is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Springerplus

The cultural and ecological impacts of aboriginal tourism: a case study on Taiwan’s Tao tribe

Tzu-ming liu.

Graduate Program of Sustainable Tourism and Recreation Management, National Taichung University of Education, 140 Min-Shen Road, TaiChung, 40306 Taiwan

School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 10617 Taiwan

We show that tourism activities severely impact the ecology of Orchid Island, its natural resources, and the culture of the Tao tribe. For example, highway widening, in response to the increased traffic volumes caused by tourism, required many Pandanus trees to be cut and removed, which has placed the coconut crabs in danger of extinction. To promote eco-tourism, observation trips to observe Elegant Scops owls and Birdwing butterflies have taken place, which has affected the breeding of these two protected species. The Elegant Scops owls- and Birdwing butterflies-related tourism activities also break the “evil spirits” taboo of the Tao people and have caused the disappearance of the specifications for using traditional natural resources, causing natural ecosystems to face the threat of excessive use. In addition to promoting and advocating aboriginal tourism of the Tao people on Orchid Island, the Taiwanese government should help the Tao people to develop a management model that combines traditional regulations and tourism activities.

Introduction

The number of global tourists participating in aboriginal tourism has been steadily growing and today is an indispensable category in the tourism industry (Zeppel 2006 ). With the prevalence of aboriginal tourism, many indigenous people and the areas in which they live are significantly impacted by tourism activities. The Hopi and Acoma Indian reservations in Southwestern United States are a representative example of this concern. The populations of these two areas are approximately 6,000 and 4,000, respectively; however, the regions see 75,000–100,000 and 300,000–400,000 visitors each year (Lew 1999 ). The ratio of tourists to residents can be greater than several hundred fold, indicating that the demand for aboriginal tourism is significant. The crowds inject money into the local economy. Thus, many aboriginal communities expect to improve their economic environment through the development of tourism, while government agencies also push measures that promote tourism to expand the market of aboriginal tourism and increase the living standards of indigenous people (Butler and Hinch 2007 ; Whitford and Ruhanen 2010 ). However, the relationship between tourism growth and the economic development of indigenous people is still controversial (Weaver 2009 ).

Tourism activities indeed can positively impact aboriginal communities, with these impacts primarily coming from the direct and indirect economic incentives from tourist spending. As an example of a direct benefit resulting from tourism activities, both the number of employed indigenous people and incomes can be increased (Strickland-Munro and Moore 2013 ). The importance of traditional culture and the Holy Land of the indigenous people may be increased as a result of tourism needs; therefore, these considerations receive more attention and can be more properly preserved (Smith et al. 2009 ). The ecological environment and conservation of biodiversity in the traditional living areas of indigenous people may receive more adequate protection through the infusion of financial resources for conservation due to tourism activates (Nursey-Bray and Rist 2009 ; Scherl and Edwards 2007 ).

Although aboriginal tourism has the aforementioned advantages, some studies also show negative impacts of tourism on indigenous people, including influences on the economy, culture, ecological environment, etc. The business opportunities brought about by tourism can attract the influx of floating populations, which crowd out work opportunities for indigenous people and increase unemployment rates. The increase of tourist spending causes prices to rise at the tourist sites, leading to the inability of the indigenous to be able to afford their daily needs and, consequently, exacerbating the poverty problem. If the employment of indigenous people is limited to the tourism industry and there is a lack of opportunity in other industries, the development of indigenous populations will be more limited (Schellhorn 2010 ).

Aboriginal tourism also significantly impacts non-economic fields. New modes of economic revenue accompanied by tourism activities may change the traditional social mechanisms of aboriginal tribes. As an example, elders in aboriginal tribes often lack competitiveness in the tourism industry; as a result, their traditional status and power can be undermined (Ishii 2012 ). Additionally, cultural activities and natural resource management methods that rely on traditional knowledge (such as forbidden areas and related taboos) may therefore decline, and the ecological environment will be affected. Merlan ( 1998 ) clearly notes that the entry of tourists significantly interferes with indigenous beliefs; thus, their natural resource use methods will be changed. For example, the traditional beliefs held by the indigenous peoples of Edith Falls near Katherine, Australia, include the notion that the Rainbow Serpent resides in some surrounding; they consider those places to be forbidden areas, and tribe members are prohibited from entering to avoid bringing about disaster. However, the local indigenous people believe that the interference of tourists has already led to the disappearance of the Rainbow Serpent; therefore, the activities of the local indigenous people in these forbidden areas has increased (Merlan 1998 ). This kind of disappearance of the natural resource management culture, resulting from tourism and the increase of human activities in ecologically sensitive lands, will further threaten the ecological environment of the traditional living territory of the indigenous people.

Aboriginal tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on indigenous people and their living environment; therefore, when planning or promoting aboriginal tourism, the impacts of aboriginal tourism always should be investigated, and the results should then be used to adjust the management measures of aboriginal tourism-related activities to take advantage of the benefits and avoid any disadvantages. Although the number of related case studies in each region continues to increase, the complex relationship between tourism development and indigenous development is still difficult to clarify on a per case basis (Weaver 2009 ). Therefore, it is difficult to directly use other people’s experience to plan and promote aboriginal tourism. One of the prioritized approaches to solve this problem is to investigate the aboriginal tourism impacts in each region.

Investigation of the impacts of Taiwan’s own aboriginal tourism industry on the culture and ecology of the indigenous people in Taiwan is one of the key issues for developing sustainable aboriginal tourism in Taiwan. Taiwan is a multi-ethnic country: there are 14 officially recognized aboriginal tribes, each of which can be further divided into different tribal subgroups. Additionally, the cultures and languages of these subgroups are not the same. Because of the high degree of indigenous cultural diversity, the resources of aboriginal tourism in Taiwan are abundant. In fact, cultural activities and the rituals of indigenous people are already the key items in Taiwanese tourism. The social structure of indigenous people and the ecological resources of their living environment inevitably suffer from the impact of tourism activities. The demands of aboriginal tourism continue to expand, prompting the government to build more public facilities but also causing the exodus of indigenous populations; therefore, it is difficult to continue the cultural heritage, and the habitats of many species will become damaged. Although the negative impacts associated with aboriginal tourism in Taiwan are readily apparent, academic literature presenting in-depth analyses of the causes and results of each negative impact in aboriginal tourism remains limited; additionally, comprehensive studies on tourism, culture, and ecology are even more scarce.

To compensate for the lack of the aforementioned studies, this study uses the Tao tribe on the Orchid Island of Taiwan as the case study to present the impacts of aboriginal tourism on indigenous people and their living environment to promote the understanding of the complex relationship among aboriginal tourism, traditional culture, and ecological protection in academic communities (Buultjens et al. 2010 ; Strickland-Munro and Moore 2013 ; Whitford and Ruhanen 2010 ) and to investigate measures that can reduce the negative impacts of aboriginal tourism in Taiwan. Orchid Island and the Tao tribe were chosen because they have are unique in terms of the natural environment and culture. Additionally, Orchid Island has been open to tourism and in frequent contact with the outside world for less than half of a century; therefore, the impacts of tourism activities on Orchid Island and the Tao tribe can be readily observed and analyzed.

With respect to the ecological environment and cultural activities of Orchid Island and Taiwan, the differences between the Tao tribe and other indigenous tribes in Taiwan are significant. The Elegant Scops owl is endemic to Orchid Island, and the Birdwing butterfly is a protected species in Taiwan and is only present on Orchid Island and Batanes Island. The living culture and rituals, such as underground houses, canoes, and the flying fish festival, are characteristic of the Tao tribe; other aboriginal tribes in Taiwan do not have share these in their culture. However, indigenous communities with similar language and culture to that of the Tao tribe are found on Batanes Island. Because of the unique anthropological nature of the Tao, during the Japanese occupation era, the colonial government identified Orchid Island as a study area and barred people from entering the island. During the early era of the National Government, the military controlled tourist entry to Orchid Island. In 1967, Kaiyuan Harbor was officially opened, and tourism followed. In 1970, when the Orchid Island aerial line was opened, tourism began to increase; the degree of impact on Orchid Island and the Tao tribe caused by the outside world also significantly increased.

With respect to the ecology of Orchid Island and the culture of the Tao tribe, the impacts of tourism on the three protected wild animal species of Taiwan, including Elegant Scops owls, Birdwing butterflies, and coconut crabs, are relatively apparent. These three animals play important roles in the culture of the Tao tribe and are indicators of the traditional biological resources. The strong cultural taboo strictly prohibits members of the Tao tribe from hunting and collecting these; however, these three species have become protected because their population numbers continue to decrease. This change occurred after Orchid Island was opened for tourism; therefore, these three species can be studied to investigate the impacts of tourism activities. Thus, in this study, we select Elegant Scops owls, Birdwing butterflies, and coconut crabs to analyze the impacts of aboriginal tourism on the traditional culture and ecology of indigenous people.

Introduction to Orchid Island and the Tao tribe

Orchid Island is located off the southeastern coast of Taiwan, with its closest distance to Taiwan Island equal to approximately 80 km. Orchid Island covers an area of approximately 45 km 2 and is the second largest affiliated island of Taiwan. Its shortest distance to the Batanes Island of the Philippines is only 100 km, and the Kuroshio Current flows from Batanes Island to Orchid Island; therefore, the similarity of species and ecology between Orchid Island and the Philippines is higher than that between Orchid Island and Taiwan. As an example, approximately 29 plant species are common among Orchid Island and Taiwan but are not found in the Philippines, while approximately 32 plants are commonly seen both on Orchid Island and in the Philippines but not on Taiwan. Based on these characteristics of plant composition, Hosokawa ( 1958 ) suggests that the Neo-Wallace Line should pass between Taiwan and Orchid Island, with Orchid Island instead belonging to the Philippines floristic region rather than the East-Asian floristic region, which Taiwan is in.

In addition to Orchid Island’s similarity to the Philippines in terms of ecological characteristics, the consanguinity and culture of the indigenous Tao tribe on the island are also very similar to that of Filipinos. In fact, the oral history of the Tao tribe mentions that their ancestors were from Batanes Island; the oral literature of Batanes Island also records that the Batanes people migrated to Orchid Island due to tsunami. The dialects currently used by residents in these two places are 60% similar, and the ways in which these peoples use torches to trap and catch flying fish at night are identical. The type of canoes used by the Tao people can be found at Batanes Island. Regardless of historical literature, language, or life style, these two places present many historical links.

The cultural characteristics of the Tao tribe, such as the flying fish festival, canoes, and underground houses, are unique to the Tao tribe in Taiwan; other indigenous tribes in Taiwan do not have such cultural features. The flying fish season represents the core of the life and culture of the Tao tribe; the annual rituals and lifestyles are operated according to the flying fish season. The flying fish season spans from February to August each year, with several important ceremonies taking place during this period, such as mivanwa (flying fish attracting festival) and manoigoyin (end of eating flying fish festival). During the flying fish season, the people are not allowed to catch other than the flying fish and the common dolphinfish; they also have specific regulations for fishing gear and the number of people allowed to fish. During this period, all tribe members must follow traditional norms and avoid violating the related taboos, i.e., must not interfere with the tribe peoples’ lifestyle or affect their personal social status.

Canoes are important tools for earning a living, holding importance as tools allowing the Tao people to go sea fishing and as the symbols of social status. The body of a canoe is assembled from a combination of wood types; based on the size of the body, approximately 21–27 pieces of wood plates are used. Based on position and functional necessity, the wood plates must be made of different materials; for example, Fiji longan is used for the bilge keel, and bread tree is used for the top level of the side panel. No nails are used to fabricate the ship; only wood nogs made of small-leaved Mulberry are used for joining. To avoid leaks, the gaps between plates are stuffed with fibers from the root of Zanthoxylum integrifoliolum .

The houses of the Tao tribe consist of three main constructions: a main house, a working room, and a veranda. The primary function of the main house is sleeping, cooking, storage, and rituals. The working room is a vertical wall structure that can avoid rain and wind. The height of its floor is the same as that of the ground outside the house, and it is a place for activities, such as making handicrafts and entertaining guests. The veranda is a small stilt structure, which is 60–90 cm above the ground; here, Tao people chat, work, and rest. The main house is semi-underground; thus, the Tao house is also called an underground house. It reflects the unique culture of the Tao tribe and, as a structural style, was developed to avoid typhoon disturbances. The main house is built approximately 2 m underground with only the roof above the ground, which can effectively defend the house from strong wind damage.

In addition to their practical functions, canoes and houses are symbols of social status among the Tao people. However, their construction must follow strict regulations, otherwise these items will bring disaster to the owners. In addition to those taboos associated with canoes and houses, the Tao tribe also have various life taboos. For example, food cannot be discarded, catching other fish is prohibited during the flying fish season, catching coconut crabs and fish is prohibited when one’s wife is pregnant, and the selection of fish for consumption should be based on social status. These taboos are closely associated with the conservation of ecological resources and the environment.

Using fish as an example, edible fish are divided into groups based on the people who are allowed to eat them. The fish that women are allowed to eat also can be eaten by everybody else; however, some fish are designated for men, and women are not allowed to consume them. Additionally, certain fish are designated for consumption by old men, and neither young men, women, nor children can eat these fish. Generally, the fish for men and the fish for old men are easy to catch; while the fish designated for women are more difficult to catch. Therefore, for a man to feed his whole family, he must spend more effort catching fish for the women, which compresses the time available to catch other fish types. Because the fish designated for men are easily caught, this taboo potentially saves these species from overfishing. That is, the taboo limits the number of people who can eat these fish; therefore, the taboo also acts to prevent the extinction of certain fish species as a result of overfishing.

The ecology of Orchid Island and the culture of the Tao tribe are gradually changing due to frequent contact with the outside world. To improve the lives and living environment of the tribe people, the government has initiated massive construction projects. In turn, these projects have caused forest destruction, water loss and soil erosion, and damage to traditional underground houses. Members of the tribe have moved to the main island of Taiwan because of jobs; the promotion of compulsory education also has reduced the opportunities for children to learn their traditional culture, thus creating barriers to cultural heritage. Tourism activities also have caused negative impacts on ecology and culture.

Research methods

This study uses triangulation to reduce the bias in the study (Decrop 1999 ). The triangulation method incorporates different types of methods, data, observers, and theories to verify and determine the sources of data, data collection strategies, and the validity of time and theoretical frameworks. This study uses many methods, such as participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and a literature review, to collect, analyze, and validate the data. The features, purposes of use, and means of implementation of each method are described below.

Participatory observation

At the start of this study, a participatory observation was performed to allow the researchers first entering the field the opportunity to understand systematically the characteristics of Orchid Island, to explore issues related to the subject of this study. After the complex relationship between tourism and Tao people in Orchid Island has been understood, more specific research questions and feasible research routes can then be further developed. During research, participatory observation also is continuously used to assess the data obtained from the field.

The researchers first performed participatory observation for four days, assuming the identity of tourists, in October of 2011. The purpose of this trip was to understand the actual mode of operation of the tourism industry in Orchid Island; therefore, the researchers did not display their identity, and their itinerary was arranged by eco-tourism management personnel. On this trip, the researchers participated in all of the commercial eco-tourism packages, including snorkeling, climbing Tienchih (Heaven Lake), engaging in night observation, participating in beach activities, tasting ethnic food, and farming in taro fields. These activities allow researchers to observe the styles of both the tourism industry workers on Orchid Island with respect to guiding tourists and the actual travel behavior of tourists.

After conducting their participatory observation using concealed identities, based on the observation data and historical documents, the researchers assessed the main impacts of tourism on the ecology of Orchid Island and developed a follow-up research framework. Based on the identified research topics, in-depth interviews and further participatory observations were then planned. The research methods of the in-depth interviews and literature review are described in the following sections.

In August and October of 2012, this study arranged two field surveys, with the first being one month in duration and the second two weeks in duration. During these periods, several participatory observations were performed to observe how the tourism industry workers guide tourists on Orchid Island and the behavior of tourists. During these two field surveys, the researchers had already presented their researcher identities and the purpose of their research when they entered the field. The eco-cultural tour observed in 2012 was the same as the travel itinerary in 2011; the observed behavior of the tour guide and the behavior of the tourists did not present significant differences.

In-depth interview method

In the field surveys conducted in August and October of 2012, this study arranged several in-depth interviews. The respondents included the staff from a community association, school teachers, the culture workers of traditional rituals, bed and breakfast owners, and tour guides for eco-tourism. This study used semi-structured interviews: the respondents first expressed their own opinions, and the researchers first listened. During such interviews, researchers must pay attention to whether the research questions have been fully answered. If there is any doubt with respect to the questions during participatory observation, specific questions are then proposed to the respondents to ask for their opinions.

Hence, the goal of this study method was to obtain the cultural meaning of the Tao tribe with respect to the research topic. Through interviews, the process of eco-tourism development on Orchid Island and its impacts on the local culture and ecology were obtained. The indigenous names of the species discussed in this study, the meanings of the names in their ethnic language, the cultural implications of those meanings, and taboos were obtained through in-depth interviews.

Literature review method

The literature used in this study includes paper documents and documentary films. These data first assisted researchers in understanding the background of the development of Orchid Island and the impact of tourism in the past. Based on the first participatory observation, which was conducted in the field, and the subsequent literature review, the researchers were able to obtain an overview of the development of the relationship between tourism and the Tao people on Orchid Island, allowing the researchers to draft the question items needed for in-depth interviews. Such analytic results can also assist researchers to confirm the selection criteria for their respondents. For example, the school teachers and cultural workers of traditional rituals were selected as interview respondents based on the literature review results. Because the past literature has recorded many of the cultural taboos on Orchid Island, and the Tao people on Orchid Island typically avoid talking about their cultural taboos, only school teachers and the cultural workers of traditional rituals tend to record and explain these taboos due to the necessity of their jobs. Based on the records in historical literature, this study adds these two groups as interview respondents to obtain data related to cultural taboos.

The literature review method also was used to validate the results of the field surveys. Through a comparison between the historical literature and field records, in particular, the ethnic names of species, the cultural meanings of ethnic names, and the taboos associated with species, the consistency of the interview data was confirmed. The biological and ecological data obtained for these species and the data for public works on Orchid Island are primarily based on the records of related government documents and the results of academic works.

Ethical considerations

The proposal for Taiwan National Science Council (NSC) research funding described the ethical considerations for investigators. The proposal was reviewed and approved by NSC. Participants were well informed about purpose and procedures of conducting interviews, their rights to decline participation, and anonymity of responses.

Research results

Elegant scops owls.

Elegant Scops owls are nocturnal birds and are endemic subspecies of Taiwan. Because they do not exhibit long-distance migration behaviors and only move regionally, their habitat is confined to Orchid Island. The primeval forests and woodlands near the tribal farmland are their main habitats. They select natural or semi-natural tree holes for nest-making, and they eat insects and other invertebrates for food. In addition to snakes, they have no natural enemies.

The Tao people call the Elegant Scops owl “toto’o”, and regard these owls as the incarnation of evil spirits. One reason for this is that the owls are nocturnal and mainly inhabit the deep forest; therefore, the Tao people associate them with evil spirits. The other reason is that Elegant Scops owls will perch on the Indian Barringtonia, and the Tao people regard this tree as a devil tree; therefore, the Tao people think Elegant Scops owls, which make their nests in devil trees, are evil spirits. The Tao people are not allowed to talk about toto’o in their residence, and they will also chase away a toto’o if it tweets near their residence. Because fear of the Elegant Scops owls is deeply rooted in their hearts and the Tao will go to great lengths to avoid them, the Tao people do not hunt Elegant Scops owls, and it is considered a breach of taboo to be near the owl’s habitat.

Tourism impacts

The natural enemies of Elegant Scops owls include various kinds of snakes. Because of cultural taboos, the Tao people do not hunt for, encroach on, or interfere with Elegant Scops owls; therefore, the indigenous people on Orchid Island are not a threat to the survival of Elegant Scops owls. However, the number of Elegant Scops owls is low, and they are listed as endangered. After an in-depth analysis of the reason for this, it was determined that the low number of Elegant Scops owls is highly associated with tourism activities. The impacts of tourism activities on Elegant Scops owls are derived from four aspects, including habitat destruction, roadkill, light exposure, and the loss of taboo, each of which is described in the following sections.

One of the main sources of destruction to the Elegant Scops owl habitat is the result of road widening activities. The public facilities on Orchid Island have significantly increased in recent years, and road widening has played a major role in this process. The original roads on Orchid Island were narrow and were unable to bear the tourist crowd in such poor condition. Therefore, many road sections have been significantly widened in recent years. Many of these widening projects are either within or close to Elegant Scops owl habitats, including their original living space and interfering with their activities. With wider roads, vehicle speeds also have increased, resulting in the increase of roadkill problems. Many Elegant Scops owls have died as a result of being run over by automotive traffic; hence, quickly moving cars have become a new threat to the Elegant Scops owl.

Ecological observations of Elegant Scops owls at night are an important aspect of tourism on Orchid Island. Tour guides, narrators, and bed and breakfast owners lead tourists to forests on the island, using searchlights to find the Elegant Scops owls. This tourism activity severely interferes with the routines of the Elegant Scops owls. The exposure to the strong light from the searchlight causes temporary blindness, preventing the birds from being able to fly away. This light exposure is predicted to harm the birds in additional ways, as well. For example, adult birds caring for owlets are likely to be frightened by the tourists and may leave their nests and never return, which would lead to the deaths of owlets.

Elegant Scops owls are regarded as the messengers of evil spirits and thus must not be hunted or interfered with. However, this cultural taboo is gradually loosening due to tourism activities. When promoting owl night visits and expecting eco-tourism to promote ecological conservation, the local tribe people have struggled with their perception of the owls as evil spirits versus sources of income. With assistance from ecological research experts in Taiwan, the Tao have been trained as ecological observation narrators for Elegant Scops owls. This process has made Elegant Scops owl observation the symbol of eco-tourism on Orchid Island. Because Elegant Scops owls have become tourism stars and ambassadors, many Tao people (especially young men and children) no longer regard Elegant Scops owls as devils and have even changed some stories and legends to cater to tourists. Eventually, even the Tao will no longer be able to identify whether these stories are part of their historical culture or not. Whether the transformation of taboos and traditional stories will have further impact on the conservation of Elegant Scops owls and the cultural changes of the Tao people remains for future in-depth observations and studies.

Birdwing butterflies

Birdwing butterflies are the largest butterflies of Taiwan; they are only distributed on Orchid Island and are a protected unique species of butterfly on Orchid Island. The larvae only eat Aristolochia ovatifolia and Aristolochia zollingeriana for food. The distribution of Birdwing butterflies covers the entirety of Orchid Island; their breeding areas and the larvae’s growth areas completely overlap with the distribution areas of Aristolochia . The adult worms are usually found at the edge of shrubbery and forest in close proximity to the beach.

Tao people call Birdwing butterflies “pahapahad no anito”, which means the soul or messenger of evil spirits. The larvae of Birdwing butterflies only eat Aristolochia ; in the past, many Aristolochia zollingeriana have been planted in the graveyards of Orchid Island. Therefore, many Birdwing butterflies lay their eggs in the graveyards. The adult Birdwing butterflies preferentially feed on the white flowers of Sea Mango trees; this plant is also usually present in the graveyards of the Tao people. Because the Tao people have observed that Birdwing butterflies commonly fly around the tribe’s forbidden areas, they regard them as souls or messengers of evil spirits. They believe that people who are close to them or catch them will be possessed by evil spirits and will bring misfortunate.

Protected by taboos, Birdwing butterflies originally did not face the danger of extinction. However, affected by the collecting craze of domestic and international butterfly collectors, Birdwing butterflies were captured in large numbers during the 1970s and 1980s. Therefore, at one point in time, these butterflies were endangered. When the population numbers were significantly reduced, the Tao people did not actively enact any Birdwing butterfly conservation programs due to the restriction of cultural taboos; they even rejected conservation assistance from outside institutions. Luckily, after long-term communication and the continuous investment of conservation funding, the current population numbers of the Birdwing butterflies on Orchid Island have increased.

Although the population of Birdwing butterflies already has increased, they are still endangered, protected by the “Wildlife Conservation Act”. The Birdwing butterfly also is a protected species subjected to limited trade under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). These restrictive conservation regulations indicate that the survival of the Birdwing butterfly population still suffers a high degree of threat. Currently, Taiwanese government strictly limits the collection of Birdwing butterflies, indicating that Birdwing butterflies are subject to other threats, such as tourism activities.

Recent studies have indicated that the main reason for the disappearance of Birdwing butterflies is the disappearance of Aristolochia zollingeriana , the main food source for their larvae (Fang et al., 1998 , 2001 ). The wild population of Aristolochia zollingeriana is too scarce; currently, the Council of Agriculture has listed the plant as endangered in the wild according to the evaluation standard for species conservation of IUCN. Road construction is one of the primary causes of the rapid decrease in Aristolochia zollingeriana habitat. The tourist activities in the habitat of Aristolochia zollingeriana include ecological observation, hiking, and passing through, which also affect the growth of Aristolochia zollingeriana . Thus, although tourism activities do not pose a direct threat to Birdwing butterflies, they affect the growth of the plant consumed by their larvae, thereby threatening the overall propagation of Birdwing butterflies.

The collapse of the traditional taboo culture also has been impacted by tourist activity and should not be ignored. Because of the prevalence of tourism activities, Birdwing butterflies have become a star species of eco-tourism on Orchid Island. This change has removed the taboo that Birdwing butterflies are messengers of evil spirits. Whether this change is good or bad for Birdwing butterfly conservation remains to be seen. Although Tao people enjoy the benefits of Birdwing butterfly conservation resulting from the tourism revenue, the weakening of the Birdwing butterfly taboo also may weaken the Tao people’s restriction of using Birdwing butterfly habitats. As the tourism activities have become more frequent, the influences of taboos have grown weaker; therefore, the conservation of Birdwing butterfly habitats is even more important today.

Coconut crabs

The distribution of coconut crabs is primarily on tropical islands from the Eastern Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific Ocean, including islands such as Fiji, Nauru, Okinawa of Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan. IUCN listed coconut crabs as endangered species in the Red list categories in 1996. Taiwan also announced in 1996 that they are protected crustaceans according to the “Wildlife Conservation Act”.

The distribution of coconut crabs in Taiwan is primarily in the Pandanus forests of Taitung, Kenting, Green Island, and Orchid Island. The distances associated with coconut crab activities are limited; normally, coconut crabs do not venture more than 100 m. Coconut crabs lay eggs in the sea, where their larvae develop. Young crabs mainly live in coastal areas with high humidity and soft soil. Adult crabs mainly live in rock caves that are more inland, but they also sometimes dig their own holes at the base of the island. Therefore, there are significant differences in habitat distribution for young and adult crabs. Coconut carbs are omnivorous and saprophagous. They eat at night, and their food includes fruits and the rotted leaves of coconut, Pandanus, and peanut trees. On Orchid Island, one of the major food sources of coconut crabs is the Pandanus fruit; however, the Pandanus fruit is one of the most commonly used ethnobotanicals of Tao tribe.

Coconut crab in the Tao language is “tatos” or “mipeyso”, which mean “bare” and “walk backward”, respectively. The former refers to the appearance of the coconut crab, which means a shell-less hermit crab. The social norm (taboo) accompanied by “walk backward” in the Tao language is that pregnant women and their husbands are prohibited from eating coconut crabs; additionally, breast-feeding women are not allowed to eat coconut crabs. If a pregnant woman or her husband violates this taboo and eats a coconut crab, the labor will be difficult, the baby will crawl backward when learning to crawl, and the baby will walk backward, causing mobility impairments. Hence, to understand this taboo, it is important to reference the naming system on Orchid Island because of the deep social and cultural meanings.

Men on Orchid Island must change their names twice in their lifetimes, once at the birth of the first child and for the second time at the birth of the first grandchild. For example, if a man is named A after birth; when the first child of A is born and is named B, then A will be renamed as SymanB, which means “the father of B”. When the first child of B is born and is named C, then SymanB (whose original name was A) will be renamed as SypenC, which means “the grandfather of C”. Therefore, whether an individual is with or without a child affects the social status of a Tao person. If a child has difficulty moving, the reputation of his father and grandfather will also be affected. Therefore, the taboo of “mipeyso” ensures that pregnant women and breast-feeding women, and their family members, do not catch coconut crabs to avoid family shame.

The level of cultural taboo associated with coconut crabs is relatively low in comparison than those of the Elegant Scops owls and Birdwing butterflies; however, the level of impact of tourism activities on coconut crabs is higher than the impact on either of the other two species. The impact of tourism activities on coconut crabs primarily comes from road construction and roadkill. The construction and widening of the around-the-island highway cut and removed many Pandanus trees, which greatly decreased the food source of the coconut crabs. Road construction also separates the habitats of the coconut crabs, causing habitat fragmentation. Cement guardrails along the road significantly hinder the catadromous migration of the coconut crabs during breeding seasons, which worsens the future survival problems of the coconut crabs.

The widening of roads increases the frequency of coconut crab roadkill events. Coconut crabs move slowly; during the breeding season, female crabs returning to the beach to lay their eggs are frequently run over by cars and motorcycles. With wider roads, the time required for coconut crabs to cross the roads is increased, further increasing the chance that a crossing crab will struck be a vehicle. Additionally, vehicle speeds tend to increase with road width; therefore, cars are less able to avoid coconut crabs in the middle of roads, increasing the chance that they will run over coconut crabs. Therefore, road widening will worsen the roadkill phenomenon, which has become the primary cause of the decreasing coconut crab population.

This study employed the Tao tribe living on Orchid Island of Taiwan as an example to investigate the impacts of aboriginal tourism on indigenous culture and the natural environment of their living areas. To reduce study bias, this study invoked the triangulation method for qualitative research and used different types of methods to collect, analyze, and validate the data. The methods used included participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and a literature review.

The analytic results showed that tourism activities significantly impact the ecology of Orchid Island and natural resource management practices related to the culture of the Tao tribe. In response to the traffic volume caused by increased tourism, the around-the-island highway was widened. During this process, Pandanus trees were cut and removed, placing coconut crabs in danger of extinction. To promote eco-tourism, trips to observe Elegant Scops owls and Birdwing butterflies are conducted, interfering with the propagation of these two protective species. Elegant Scops owl and Birdwing butterfly tourism activities also break the “evil spirits” taboos of the Tao people, causing gradual disappearance of the regulations of traditional use of natural resources and causing the natural ecology to face the threat of excessive interference.

The decrease of these three species also reflects the decline of the Tao tribe’s traditional culture. The decrease in coconut crabs is associated with the removal of Pandanus trees; the removal of Pandanus trees indicates that the ethnobotanical resources available to the Tao tribe have decreased, while the traditional crafts developed from the Pandanus trees also have disappeared. The decrease in Elegant Scops owls and Birdwing butterflies reflects the weakening of traditional regulations based on taboos. The frequency of Tao people entering ecologically sensitive lands (the forbidden areas) has increased, and the Tao are more willing to lead tourists into these areas, which significantly increases the human disturbance in ecologically sensitive lands.

The results of this study show that aboriginal tourism on Orchid Island has significantly negatively impacted the Tao tribe and the ecology of Orchid Island. Because of tourism, the cultural meanings of the Tao tribe have suffered qualitative changes, and the survival of important species is facing threats due to tourism. In addition to the promotion of aboriginal tourism on Orchid Island, the Taiwanese government should work to actively restore these three protected species; otherwise, the risk of extinction will be significantly increased due to the flourishing tourism industry on Orchid Island. The traditional culture of the Tao tribe also should be actively restored. The Taiwanese government should perform detailed surveys, record the succession of the Tao tribe’s culture, and assist the Tao people in confirming which cultures are traditional norms and which legends are new innovations due to tourism. The Tao people should be assisted in the development of management models that integrate traditional norms and tourism activities to revive their traditional culture and exert the effect of the conservation of biodiversity.

Acknowledgments

Our sincere thanks to the National Science Council # 101-2621-M-002-032- and # 102-2621-M-002-027- program, which generously provided the support for this research. We also thank the all Tao participants for their cooperation.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

TL and DL conceived and designed the study and collected data in the field, performed analysis, interpretation of data, and draft the manuscript. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Contributor Information

Tzu-Ming Liu, Email: [email protected] .

Dau-Jye Lu, Email: wt.ude.utn@uljd .

• Butler R, Hinch T. Introduction: revisiting common ground. In: Butler R, Hinch T, editors. Tourism and indigenous peoples: issues and implications. London: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2007. pp. 1–14. [ Google Scholar ]
• Buultjens J, Gale D, White NE. Synergies between Australian indigenous tourism and ecotourism: possibilities and problems for future development. J Sustain Tour. 2010; 18 :497–513. doi: 10.1080/09669581003653518. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Decrop A. Triangulation in qualitative tourism research. Tour Manag. 1999; 20 :157–161. doi: 10.1016/S0261-5177(98)00102-2. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Fang H, Yang Y, Yao T. The ecological study of Birdwing Butterfly (Troides magellanus) in Lanyu. Taiwan: 1998 Annual research report, Taiwan Endemic Species Research Institute; 1998. pp. 100–115. [ Google Scholar ]
• Fang H, Yang Y, Yao T. Habitat management and population evaluation for the Pear-light Birdwing Butterfly on the Lanyu Island. Taiwan: 2001 Annual research report, Taiwan Endemic Species Research Institute; 2001. pp. 122–131. [ Google Scholar ]
• Hosokawa T. On the synchorological and floristic trends and discontinuities in regard to the Japan-Liukiu-Formosa area. Vegetatio Acta Geobot. 1958; 8 :65–92. doi: 10.1007/BF00419153. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Ishii K. The impact of ethnic tourism on hill tribes in Thailand. Ann Tour Res. 2012; 39 :290–310. doi: 10.1016/j.annals.2011.05.004. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Lew A. Managing tourism-induced acculturation through environmental design on Pueblo Indian villages in the US. In: Singh TV, Singh S, editors. Tourism development in critical environments. New York: Cognizant; 1999. pp. 120–136. [ Google Scholar ]
• Merlan F. Caging the rainbow: places, politics and Aborigines in a north Australian town. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press; 1998. [ Google Scholar ]
• Nursey-Bray M, Rist P. Co-management and protected area management: achieving effective management of a contested site, lessons from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) Mar Policy. 2009; 33 :118–127. doi: 10.1016/j.marpol.2008.05.002. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Schellhorn M. Development for whom? Social justice and the business of ecotourism. J Sustain Tour. 2010; 18 :115–135. doi: 10.1080/09669580903367229. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Scherl LM, Edwards S. Tourism, indigenous and local communities and protected areas in developing nations. In: Bushell R, Eagles PFJ, editors. Tourism and protected areas: benefits beyond boundaries. Wallingford: CAB International; 2007. pp. 71–88. [ Google Scholar ]
• Smith AJ, Scherrer P, Dowling R. Impacts on Aboriginal spirituality and culture from tourism in the coastal waterways of the Kimberley region, North West Australia. Journal of Ecotourism. 2009; 8 :82–98. doi: 10.1080/14724040802696007. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Strickland-Munro J, Moore S. Indigenous involvement and benefits from tourism in protected areas: a study of Purnululu National Park and Warmun Community, Australia. J Sustain Tour. 2013; 21 :26–41. doi: 10.1080/09669582.2012.680466. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Weaver D. Indigenous tourism stages and their implications for sustainability. J Sustain Tour. 2009; 18 :43–60. doi: 10.1080/09669580903072001. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Whitford MM, Ruhanen LM. Australian indigenous tourism policy: practical and sustainable policies? J Sustain Tour. 2010; 18 :475–496. doi: 10.1080/09669581003602325. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Zeppel HD. Indigenous ecotourism: sustainable development and management. Wallingford, CT: CAB International; 2006. [ Google Scholar ]