With a heritage dating back 60,000 – 70,000 years, Indigenous culture in Brisbane (Meanjin) is recognised through sites and attractions across the city, celebrating their history and traditions.
This list is the perfect way to discover Indigenous culture in Brisbane.
Meanjin, or Brisbane, was founded upon the homelands of the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. Meanjin is derived from the Turrbal word for the spike of land that Brisbane sits on.
Opening image: Black Card tours. Tourism and Events Qld.
Birrunga Gallery
Brisbane’s only Indigenous-owned art gallery, Birrunga Gallery offers exhibitions, tours and classes which explore the rich Indigenous culture found in Brisbane. The cafe also uses native ingredients from Australian suppliers to create a unique dining experience. Founded by a Wiradyuri man, Birrunga Wiradyuri, the gallery is dedicated to supporting native art and exploring ideas of culture and spirituality through creativity.
Spirits of the Red Sand
A breathtaking live theatre experience, Spirits of the Red Sand is an unforgettable event that can be undertaken both during the day and at night. By day, Welcome to Country helps visitors discover stories of the Dreamtime as they participate in boomerang painting and bush tucker sampling. By night, the award winning roving dinner and theatre tells the unforgettable story of three Indigenous brothers and their families, taking guests on a journey from the Dreamtime through 1800s Australia to the present day.
Nyanda Cultural Tours
Led by Traditional Owner guides, and located only 25 minutes from the heart of Brisbane, Nyanda cultural tours take guests on an exploration of how Indigenous people connect with, and use, the land. Visitors will participate in a traditional smoking ceremony, learn Yagara language words, and try spear throwing, all while gaining a deeper appreciation of our First Nations history.
Dreamworld Corroboree
Australia’s first theme park attraction dedicated to Indigenous culture, Dreamworld Corroboree is not to be missed. Opened in 2014, it’s first and foremost an animal sanctuary, featuring native animals and displays highlighting their associated traditional stories. The nearby Corroboree Theatre presents the creation story of the Gold Coast through film, also including artworks, photos, and interactive displays which explore the prominence of Indigenous culture.
QAGOMA
The Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art houses a permanent Indigenous Australian art collection, and the largest culmination of Indigenous fibre art in Australia. Their focus is on modern art, with a collection drawn from all over the country featuring paintings, sculptures and photography telling the story of Indigenous heritage.
BlackCard cultural tours
Located in the centre of Brisbane, BlackCard culture tours let visitors learn about Brisbane’s Indigenous history with an Indigenous guide. They seek to help all Australians acknowledge our shared obligation to the land, and to each other, in order to grow as a country.
Riverlife Mirrabooka
Part of the stunning Riverlife Adventure Centre, Riverlife Mirrabooka allows visitors to immerse themselves in First Nations culture. Watch and participate in traditional song and dance, play Indigenous instruments, and listen to educational talks about Indigenous history. This experience is designed to create an understanding of the spiritual connections between culture and country.
Nurri Millen Totem trail
Developed in 1996 by Indigenous artist Ron Hurley and six other First Nations artists, Nurri Millen is a trail of 18 totems commemorates the Indigenous Dreaming, as well as Indigenous connection to the plants and animals within the Boondall wetlands. The totems stand as lasting symbols of traditional culture, celebrating the stories and customs of the region.
Enjoyed reading about Indigenous culture in Brisbane and keen to learn more? Why not explore more of our country’s amazing Indigenous history and experiences?
