Together with Welcome to Country, we have gathered some fun Indigenous activities from around Australia to help entertain, engage and educate your family this year.
Fun Indigenous family activities in New South Wales
Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Walk with your First Nations guide through the Botanic Gardens in Sydney and learn more about Indigenous bush foods and how these foods were used traditionally and adapted to the modern plate and palate.
On your one-hour tour, you’ll journey through the Cadi Jam Ora Garden and learn about some of the bush foods that have become popular among foodies and chefs, all while tasting some goodies for yourself!
Click here to book your Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour
Girri Girra – Bouddi Aboriginal Walking Tour, Bouddi National Park
Girri Girra’s Bouddi Aboriginal Walking Tour is the perfect introduction to Aboriginal history, culture and art for children and adults alike.
Your journey through the beautiful Bouddi National Park park begins with an Acknowledgement of Country, followed by hearing creation stories and participating in a traditional smoking ceremony.
A walk follows, with participants moving in the footsteps of Australia’s first people to feel their living connection in the 21st century.
Click here to book your own Bouddi Aboriginal Walking Tour
Fun Indigenous family activities in Victoria
Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Melbourne Gardens
Step into the tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens amidst the bustling city of Melbourne. Wander through this significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation with your knowledgeable guide to learn the culture and customs of the region.
Listen to the rich history and thriving cultures of the five Indigenous Nations that make up the Kulin Nation alliance, all while learning about important native plants and their connection to culture and Country. Experience a ceremonial acknowledgement of this country and sip lemon myrtle tea while surrounded by the serene gardens.
Click here to book your Aboriginal Heritage Walk
Tae Rak Guided Cultural Walk, Lake Condah
Known for its ancient aquaculture systems, as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is one of Australia's most significant national heritage regions.
Walking along raised boardwalks to preserve the precious natural environment, join knowledgeable Gunditjmara guides and take in the pristine surroundings of this magnificent and important landscape.
As you walk, listen and learn about the Gunditjmara peoples' expertise and use of the aquaculture systems used to trap kooyang (eels). Observe the Tae Rak wetlands, ancient stone kooyang traps, lava tunnels and significant places sacred to the Gunditjmara people.
Click here to book your Tae Rak Guided Cultural Walk
Fun Indigenous family activities in Queensland
Hands On Country Eco Tour, Cairns
Begin your day at the Cairns Reef Terminal and climb aboard to begin your cruise across the gorgeous Trinity Inlet. Engage in an authentic Mandingalbay Yidinji welcome and cleansing smoking ceremony, before visiting a culturally significant site and home to the Djunbunji Land and Sea Rangers.
At the base of Greys Peak National Park, witness the region's abundance of native food and medicine as you wander through the Mandingalnbay Yidinji, bush "supermarket and pharmacy".
Before returning to your ferry, relax and enjoy a delicious selection of coconut damper and fresh local fruits as you sip a calming cup of tea amidst a chorus of native birds in this pristine Country.
Click here to book your Hands on Country Eco Tour
Pamagirri Mini Mob, Far North Queensland
The award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park is located in Kuranda’s World Heritage rainforest in Tropical North Queensland and is home to Pamagirri Aboriginal Experiences.
These family friendly Indigenous led experiences introduce the whole family to the world’s oldest living culture. Walk through the rainforest, watch a traditional dance performance, see a spear presentation, be blown away by a didgeridoo performance and try out your boomerang throwing skills.
Parmingarri offer a special family's only experience, Pamagirri Mini Mob, a fun and interactive experience specifically designed for children and their family.
Click here to book Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout
Fun Indigenous family activities in Western Australia
Traditional Aboriginal Art Workshop, Perth
Join Nyungar Wadjuk man and celebrated artist Justin Martinfor a fun and informative art workshop in Perth.
Take a seat and pick up your tools ready to begin as you listen to the culture, history and creation stories that inspire Justin’s artworks which can be seen dotted throughout Perth as spectacular public murals.
Learn about the significance of specific symbols, stories and colours used in Nyungar art, as you try your hand at creating your own masterpiece based on techniques passed down to Justin from generations before him.
Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tour, Dampier Peninsula
Head north and relax and with the family. Terry Hunter from Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tours will help you make magical memories with your loved ones.
A Bardi man and fourth generation pearler, Terry will take you and the family on a journey of discovery at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. Explore mangroves, creeks and tidal flats, forage for oysters and bush foods and learn how to find fresh water.
Learn about the Bardi people’s special connection to the land and sea, hear traditional stories and experience the unique Aboriginal culture of the Dampier Peninsula. Enjoy time as a family in the glorious Kimberley sun.
Click here to book your own Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tour
Fun Indigenous family activities in Northern Territory
Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours – Culture and Jumping Crocs, Darwin
Scare yourself and the kids silly! Enjoy hearing the kids squeals of delight as huge wild crocodiles leap into the air on the Adelaide River during this one-hour guided cruise.
More than just jumping crocodiles, you will also learn about crocodile biology, territorial habitats and their value to the ecosystem.
After the cruise, Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours will take you down by a billabong and keep the kids busy learning basket weaving and dilly bag making. Have a go at throwing a spear, blowing a didgeridoo and playing the clapsticks while learning about bush foods and medicines.
Click here to book a Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural tour
Fun Indigenous family activities in South Australia
Port Elliot Ratalang Ngarrindjeri Tour, Fleurieu Peninsula
Join Mark Koolmatrie for an intimate coastal cultural experience on Ngarrindjeri Country in the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia. Mark has used knowledge passed down by his ancestors over thousands of years to ensure the strength of his culture. “I have post graduate qualifications but I am most proud of my cultural standing which is higher than any of the degrees I have. Our Country awaits to be shared in a cultural setting and we look forward to sharing this with you.” explains Mark.
Across his tours, Mark offers the opportunity to gain an understanding of the history and knowledge of the local tribes of southern South Australia. Learn how First Nations knowledge and science come together to deliver powerful benefits socially, culturally, environmentally, and economically at Yundi Nature Conservancy. See the footprints of Nurrunderi the Dreamtime Creator, the sights of significance along his journey, bush foods and bush medicines and their importance to Mark's people, their story and their survival.
Click here to book your own Port Elliot Ratalang Ngarrindjeri Tour
Keen to see more family-friendly Indigenous experiences?
- New South Wales family-friendly Indigenous experiences
- Victorian family-friendly Indigenous experiences
- Queensland family-friendly Indigenous experiences
- Western Australia family-friendly Indigenous experiences
- Northern Territory family-friendly Indigenous experiences
- South Australia family-friendly Indigenous experiences
This piece was made in partnership with Welcome to Country, your guide to experiencing Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Australia.
Click here for more family-friendly Indigenous tourism ideas.
