Culture, art and heritage

The cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples date a staggering 50,000-plus years.

And there is so much scope to become immersed in and retrace these fascinating cultures.

From viewing mesmerising rock art to watching traditional cultural performances, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences and attractions captivate audiences across the country.

Here are some of the best of them.

Australian Aboriginal experiences in NT

Kakadu National Park

The World Heritage-listed park is lauded for its cultural significance – as well as its natural values – with evidence pointing to Aboriginal occupation for more than 50,000 years. Intricate, ancient rock art is a key attraction while cultural tours and cruises provide enthralling insights into Kakadu’s incredibly rich Aboriginal heritage. And this is all amid dazzling scenery.

Nearby accommodation: Mary River Wilderness Retreat in Mount Bundey, BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park or BIG4 Hidden Valley Holiday Park, in Darwin, or BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks - Katherine.

Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre, Alice Springs

Alice Springs is renowned for its hefty collection of Aboriginal art galleries, and Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre is a great pick. Chat with local artists and watch them in action at this Aboriginal-owned facility. Watercolour paintings are central to the space, drawing on the influence of famous artist Albert Namatjira who hailed from nearby Hermannsburg.

While in town, head to the Araluen Arts Centre, which houses a significant collection of artworks by Albert Namatjira, among much more. The centre also hosts Desert Mob exhibition each September-October, a highly regarded showcase of Aboriginal art.

Nearby accommodation: G'day Mate Tourist Park in Alice Springs or Gemtree Roadhouse and Caravan Park in Anmatjere.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Another World Heritage park, this attraction has deep cultural significance. Take a guided tour to learn more, and spend time at the on-site cultural centre. Rock art can also be viewed within the park, and, of course, there is the astonishing sight of Uluru and Kata Tjuta to behold.

Nearby accommodation: G'day Mate Tourist Park in Alice Springs or Gemtree Roadhouse and Caravan Park in Anmatjere.

Australian Aboriginal experiences in NSW

Bundyi Cultural Tours, Wagga Wagga

Explore many facets of Wiradjuri culture on either a bus, 4WD, motorcycle, or walking tour. All options provide a detailed and compelling insight into this rich past, visiting various sites of significance.

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Wagga Wagga.

Sand Dune Adventures, Worimi Conservation Lands, Port Stephens

Culture and thrills combine on a guided quad bike tour of the southern hemisphere’s largest moving coastal dunes, a natural wonder of great significance to the Worimi people. As well as comprehensively exploring this epic area, the tour incorporates visits to ancient campsites and reveals local bush foods, medicines, and much more.

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Karuah Jetty, BIG4 Ingenia Soldiers Point, BIG4 Bays Holiday Park, Ingenia One Mile Beach or Ingenia Middle Rock.

Booderee National Park and Botanic Gardens, Jervis Bay

These surrounds are culturally significant to the Koori people and provide a feast for the eyes. Learn all about the area’s past on a guided or self-guided tour and via interpretive displays while gazing at gorgeous scenery. The national park includes Australia’s only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens.

Nearby accommodation: Tasman Holiday Parks - Myola or BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Lake Conjola.

Australian Museum, Sydney

Having reopened in late 2020 after a massive refurb, this prized museum boasts one of the most-significant First Nations collections anywhere on the planet. Two permanent exhibitions house a mind-boggling array of objects and artworks that allow visitors to glean an incredible and tangible insight into traditional cultures.

While in Sydney, the Art Gallery of NSW has an extensive collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to view.

Nearby accommodation: Ingenia Holidays Nepean River, NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, Ingenia Holidays Avina or Ingenia Holidays Sydney Hills.

Australian Aboriginal experiences in QLD

Mossman Gorge Centre, Daintree National Park

This first-rate Aboriginal attraction is the perfect starting point for your adventures within this key section of Daintree National Park. Top-quality works abound at the Indigenous Art Gallery, but it’s the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks that are most enthralling. Gain a deep understanding of the Indigenous connection to the land through various activities while marvelling at incredible rainforest.

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park.

Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Gold Coast

Owned and operated by the local Aboriginal community, Jellurgal offers both static and immersive experiences at beautiful Burleigh Heads. View an impressive collection of Aboriginal art and various artefacts at its gallery or join a beachside walking tour for a captivating insight into local Aboriginal culture and history.

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort and BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park, Tweed Heads.

Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience at Rainforestation Nature Park, Kuranda

Discover authentic Aboriginal culture at this first-class attraction. Join a Dreamtime walk and watch both a didgeridoo and spear-throwing presentation, or learn how to throw a boomerang and test out your skills. There’s also the chance to view a traditional dance performance, depicting aspects of Indigenous culture that include animals, food gathering, and hunting.

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort, Tasman Holiday Parks - Cairns Cool Waters and BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park.

Australian Aboriginal experiences in SA

SA Museum, Adelaide

With more than 3000 items spread across two floors, the museum’s Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery is incredibly detailed. Its broad collection features the likes of bark paintings and canoes and shields among a host of other must-see items.

Nearby accommodation: Marion Holiday Park or The Retreat at West Beach Parks.

Arts Ceduna

View and purchase an extensive collection of Aboriginal art that includes paintings, didgeridoos, and boomerangs. The centre is of great importance to local Aboriginal artists as an outlet to produce, promote, and sell their works. The influence of the incredible natural landscapes within the Eyre Peninsula region is often evident within this art.

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Ceduna Tourist Park or Elliston Caravan Park.

Australian Aboriginal experiences in TAS

Art Mob, Hobart

Spotted within a striking historical building once home to a jam factory, Art Mob is the only dedicated Aboriginal art gallery in the Apple Isle. It houses an impressive collection of works with great variety and ever-changing exhibitions.

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park.

Rocky Cape National Park, west of Ulverstone

This visually stunning park is rich with heritage, including rock shelters and caves first occupied by Aboriginal people thousands of years ago. Interpretive signage details Aboriginal culture in the area past and present, and among it all are spectacular coastal outlooks, untouched beaches, and other astounding scenery. It can all be explored via various walking trails.

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Tassie Getaway Parks Ulverstone or BIG4 Tassie Getaway Parks Stanley.

Australian Aboriginal experiences in VIC

Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum commands plenty of attention on the whole but you could visit just Bunjilaka and come away content. This is one of Australia’s premier Aboriginal cultural centres and features an almighty collection. It’s led by the First Peoples exhibition, which traces the history of Victorian Aboriginals in brilliant fashion, and is complemented by an excellent gallery and inviting garden.

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park, BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park or Crystal Brook Tourist Park.

Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, near Geelong

An award-winning attraction, Narana provides a fascinating insight into Aboriginal heritage and culture. It features an art gallery displaying a wide range of works and a tranquil garden that allows easy viewing of native wildlife and bird life. Among the captivating activities are didgeridoo performances and the chance to learn to throw a boomerang.

Nearby accommodation: Tasman Holiday Parks - Geelong, BIG4 Bellarine Holiday Park or BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon.

Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre, Grampians National Park, Halls Gap

Grampians National Park is ripe with Aboriginal rock art that can be spotted easily within various ‘shelters’. Before setting off on a stroll, visit Brambuk to gain a better understanding of the park’s Indigenous culture. Please note: Brambuk is temporarily closed.

Nearby accommodation: NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park, Breeze Holiday Parks - Halls Gap or Breeze Holiday Parks - Grampians.

Australian Aboriginal experiences in WA

Aboriginal tours, Kings Park, Perth

Kings Park is an essential visitor attraction in Perth, and the various Aboriginal tours and other cultural experiences that depart from here strengthen its appeal. Among them are guided walks that reveal the Whadjuk Noongar people’s strong connection to the land and include various seasonal activities.

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Perth Midland Tourist Park or Perth Central Caravan Park.

Koomal Dreaming, Dunsborough and Yallingup

Variable tours provide visitors with the opportunity to gain a wonderful insight into Wadandi and Bibbulman country, as shared by traditional owners. Delve into various cultural activities and experiences, taste traditional food, and venture into Ngilgi Cave for a spellbinding didgeridoo performance, among more.

Nearby accommodation Tasman Holiday Parks - Yallingup Beach, Tasman Holiday Parks - Yallingup Caves, BIG4 Bunbury Riverside, BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks - Busselton, RAC Busselton Holiday Park or Mandalay Holiday Resort.

Bush Ghoodhu Wongutha Tours, Kalgoorlie

Fascinating tours encompassing both city and outback showcase the area’s strong Aboriginal heritage and its importance to the Wongutha people. There are all manner of cultural experiences to encounter, including spear and boomerang throwing.

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Acclaim Prospector Holiday Park.

Isn’t it time you had a cultural-inspired escape? Book your next BIG4 break now. 

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