5 First Nations experiences perfect for kids
Jellurgal Little Explorers. Gold Coast, QLD
Run by the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre on Yugambeh Country, this 1.5‑hour program that runs during school holidays is ideal for primary-aged children.
Kids begin with an Aboriginal art workshop, creating their own Dreaming-inspired artwork, then embark on a guided walk through Burleigh Head National Park and along Tallebudgera Creek.
Along the way, the little explorers will hear Dreaming stories, learn about traditional uses of plants, and receive an activity booklet and artwork to take home. A safe, engaging and sensory-rich introduction to Aboriginal culture.
Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours. Gumbaynggirr Country, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Take the kids and glide along serene estuaries on stand-up paddleboards while Indigenous guides share connections to land and sea.
Choose from a standard or premium SUP tour or go on a 2.5 hour immersive walking tour based on the local Gumbaynggirr culture.
Experience bush food and learn about traditional medicines all while meditating in a picturesque, serene surrounding.
Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours run tours in three amazing locations across the Coffs Coast. Credit: Tourism Australia.
Dale Tilbrook Bush Tucker Experience. Swan Valley, WA
In the heart of Wardandi Bibbulmun Country, Dale Tilbrook leads a sensory exploration of bush foods and native plant uses. Kids taste native ingredients, smell medicinal plants, and learn stories about traditional diets and wellness. It’s an interactive way to connect with Country through flavour and storytelling.
Dale Tilbrook is passionate about education and works extensively with students of all ages. Credit: Tourism Australia.
Explore First nations traditions without leaving the city. Adelaide, SA
Southern Cultural Immersions has so much on offer and you don’t even need to leave town to find it. Take a tour of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens or the Warriparinga Cultural & Historical Tour – both led by First Nations guides.
For the young ones, you can book Ochre play or Boomerang Painting workshops where little hands will get a deeper cultural understanding of the tools used by the traditional owners of the land for tens of thousands of years.
In the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, a group of people stand peacefully, immersed in the tranquility of a welcoming smoke ceremony. Credit: Tourism Australia.
Go croc-spotting at sunset. Kakadu National Park, NT
See the famous wetlands brimming with wildlife on a sunset cruise in the UNESCO World Heritage listed National Park.
You’ll spot crocodiles floating through the billabong and learn about the home of the Biniji/Mungguy peoples. The whole family will relish in the protected landscapes that boast native flora and fauna as well as 20,000 year old rock art.
A crocodile in the Kakadu National Park. Credit: Tourism Australia.
Why these experiences are perfect for kids
These tours offer more than just sightseeing. They offer meaningful learning, hands-on cultural connection, and fun for all ages.
- Interactive and sensory: Most experiences include art-making, bush food tasting, walking, and sometimes gentle paddling-designed to hold kids’ attention.
- Friendly pacing and accessible guides: Tours are led by talented First Nations guides who excel in storytelling and work at a family-friendly pace.
- Cultural connection: Kids learn directly from Traditional Owners helping them understand culture through Country, stories, foods, art, and practices passed down through time.
Note: The NRMA is in partnership with Tourism Australia’s Discover Aboriginal Experiences. We are committed to promoting First Nations culture and experiences.
