Uncle Harry Watson is a man with a vision, and it involves camels, damper, wide smiles and financial security for the 70 people living in his remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia. Four years ago, Harry started Kimberley Dreamtime Adventure Tours, bringing tourists on day trips to the small town of Jarlmadangah, 230km northeast of Broome. Not only does it give visitors a rare insight into a highly successful and well-organised Aboriginal community, but it also gives reciprocal pleasure to the local kids, who join in the activities and learn valuable skills which will benefit them in the future.
Jarlmadangah’s tourism venture is just one of the many indigenous tours embraced by families travelling around Australia. These tours – whether day trips or longer – venture into the oldest living culture in the world, sometimes in wild and remote places, sometimes in our busy cities. There are ancient treasures to discover, weird and wonderful foods, unique customs, beautiful scenery and friendly people ready to share their lifestyle and culture as well as their own take on Australia’s history. Here’s a selection of some family-friendly tours across Australia.
NT
Kakadu Culture Camp, Kakadu National Park This experience is tailor-made for families, providing an authentic and fascinating journey within the heart of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Owned and operated by the Bolmo Deidrungi clan, the night or multi-night tours include traditional campfire dinner with barramundi and buffalo cooked on coals, guided bush tucker walks, didgeridoo lessons, fishing and local craft such as basket weaving and bracelet making. Accommodation is in deluxe safari tents located on the edge of a billabong.
RT Tours, Alice Springs Run by international chef Bob Taylor from the Arremte people, RT Tours gives families a real taste of central Australia, both gastronomic and cultural. The Mbantua Dinner Tour features a gourmet bush food walk, seeing native foods growing in the wild and how they are utilised in cooking, as well as wildlife spotting and dinner under the stars. The tour provides a personal insight of what it’s like to be an Aboriginal living in modern Australia and discusses the adaptation of Aboriginal culture and its history.
Anangu Tours, Uluru An essential part of visiting Uluru is finding out about its significance for its traditional owners, the Anangu people. Led by local Aboriginal guides, Anangu Tours share the stories of the area and how traditional tools and weapons were used in daily life. Morning and afternoon tours are available and include a sunrise breakfast and guided walks demonstrating hunting and gathering techniques.
SA
Camp Coorong Established in 1988 by the Ngarrindjeri people, Camp Coorong welcomes families and groups wishing to learn more about Aboriginal history, arts, crafts and the environment. Excursions include lessons in basket weaving, nature walks to midden sites with local elders and field trips to the wilderness of the Coorong where you can view old fish traps and a stack of wildlife. There are camping facilities available, as well as dormitory accommodation.
Bookabee Tours With tours both in Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens and the Flinders Ranges, Bookabee tours invites families to share in the Aboriginal culture of South Australia. Led by Adnyamathanha guide Haydyn Bromley, the Aboriginal outback tours and local Aboriginal day tours take you on an exciting journey that incorporates story-telling, cultural experiences and visits to unique and culturally rich locations.
QLD
Tjapukai Cultural Park, Kuranda Tjapukai’s cultural evening program is world famous, a fantastic show featuring a dance performance and a full course buffet dinner. You can also visit the cultural park during the day to learn how to play a didgeridoo, discover the traditional customs of the Tjapukai people and watch theatrical performances. There is also a dedicated program for families travelling with kids, with a range of extra activities including boomerang and stone painting and didgeridoo lessons.
Guurrbi Tours, Cooktown Willie Gordon, the traditional story-keeper of the Nugal-warra clan, takes guests to his ancestral rock art sites in the hills above Hope Vale, north of Cooktown. Here he shares the stories behind the art and gives insight into Aboriginal culture and history. The most suitable tour for kids is the two-hour Great Emu Tour, as very little walking is involved.
Balunjali Kayak Tours, Gold Coast Explore a different side of the Gold Coast on a half or full day kayak trip, seeing the land and sea through the eyes of the Salt Water People, local indigenous people who have inhabited this area for thousands of year. See dolphins, turtles and stingrays as you journey by kayak to South Stradbroke Island, learning about the Aborigines connection to the environment and gaining an understanding about their role as its caretakers. Tours depart from Main Beach and Runaway Bay,
VIC
Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne You don’t have to go to the outback to get an indigenous perspective on tourism. You can experience the stories and culture of the Kulin nation through the eyes of an Aboriginal guide. Discover traditional uses of plants for food, medicine and tools, with a traditional smoking ceremony the highlight of the 1.5 hour walk.
WA
Kimberley Dreamtime Adventure Tours, Broome One- and two-day trips to the remote desert area around Mount Anderson, 230km northeast of Broome. Visit rock art galleries, learn about bush tucker, hear about the local history and meet families still living a traditional lifestyle at Jarlmadangah. The highlight of the trip is a fun one-hour camel trek through spectacular scenery, followed by afternoon tea in an atmospheric rock art gallery, served with a smile by the friendly children of the community.
NSW
Jumbulla Aboriginal Discovery Centre, Bulli Tops This new attraction 45 minutes south of Sydney focuses on the social history and culture of the Aboriginal people of the D’hawaral country of the Illawarra region. The theme, ‘Come Walk In Our Footprints’, is explored through four different theatres featuring cutting-edge technology and interactive displays. One of these shows – the Hairy Man story – is specifically designed with kids in mind.
Tribal Warrior Harbour Cruises, Sydney This is a harbour cruise with a difference, giving an Aboriginal perspective on the settlement of Sydney. Discover the stories of the Eora, Cadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal people from pre-white settlement through to today, with indigenous hosts and crew making it a unique experience. Come ashore on a harbour island and enjoy an authentic cultural performance. |
