In Queensland, over 100 First Nations language groups share 65,000 years of ancestral knowledge, stretching from the outback to the tropical isles of the Torres Strait.
In fact, Queensland has two distinct First Nations Peoples: the Aboriginal language groups of the mainland, and the Torres Strait Islander peoples situated between Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea.
To learn more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures that call this land home, check out these top Indigenous experiences in Queensland. From experiential learning tours to performances and museums, there’s something for every type of traveller.
Culture in Cairns
The Mandingalbay Yidinji people are the Traditional Owners of the Country on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef and amongst the Daintree Rainforest. To explore this area with an expert and discover the traditional experiences of its First Owners, join a guided tour with Mandingalbay.
On a three-hour Hands On Country Eco Tour, you will cruise from Cairns Marina to Hills Creek, keeping an eye out for salt water crocodiles. Entering one of 82 Indigenous Protected Reserves, you will join an Indigenous Rangr along the Magi Bugan Rainforest Trail, discovering native foods and bush medicines, as well as Indigenous history and customs along the way.
For a sunset cruise like you’ve never seen before, join a Deadly After Dark Sunset Cruise and take off from the Cairns Marine on the covered river cruise boat to explore the wetlands of East Trinity Reserve. This two-hour tour includes a traditional welcome to country, a tour of the area with a Mandingalbay Yidinji guide, light canapés, and a cruise along the waterway at sunset.
Spiritual snorkelling
If you are already planning on exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef up-close, book a tour with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel for the full Australian experience!
Your expert guides will choose the best reef diving site based on the weather conditions, before you set off on an unforgettable adventure. Once on board, Indigenous cultural guides will share the Great Barrier Reef creation story and perform a Welcome to Country while you speed towards the diving spot. The team is also comprised of experienced Marine Biologists, who are happy to teach you all about the creatures waiting in the water below. Make use of the complimentary snorkels and fins, spend the morning diving and swimming, and then head back to dry land while your guides perform traditional dances, play the didgeridoo on the boat, and teach you to use clap sticks.
A rainforest adventure
Also in Tropical North Queensland, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience is an authentic tour company located in Rainforestation National Park. Over one hour, you will wander the all-weather walkway modelled after the Rainbow Serpent, where an Indigenous guide will share Dreamtime stories and point out native flora and fauna. Then, head to the rainforest amphitheatre to watch a traditional Pamagirri dance, which depicts animals, hunting techniques and cultural practices central to Indigenous culture. During the performance, the Pamagirri dancers will explain how didgeridoos are made and used in performance, before playing the instrument to mimic the sounds of classic Aussie animals.
If you’re hoping for a closer look at Queensland’s First Peoples, step into the Pamagirri Cultural Centre to try your hand at boomerang throwing, watch spear throwing demonstrations, and ask friendly guides all your burning questions.
At the Pamagirri Gallery, you can browse artworks and artefacts handmade by local Indigenous craftsmen and painted by the guides.
Indigenous outback wonders
Further inland, Outback at Isa is Mount Isa’s major tourism facility and an excellent heritage centre exploring traditional uses of native flora. Wander the on-site botanical garden and fish hatchery, learn about the deep significance of Indigenous artworks and artefacts at the museum, and join a guided bush tucker experience to discover the traditional methods used to make tools, medicine and food in the bush.
Boasting over 70,000 visitors each year, the Carnvarvon Gorge is home to one of the most significant collections of ancient artworks in Australia. Stand atop the white sandstone cliffs and look out at the lush rainforest below. On the sandstone overhangs, you’ll find ochre stencils, rock engravings and freehand paintings telling the story of Australia’s Indigenous owners. The main gorge track is a must do, winding 19.4 kilometres on a return trip into the canyon and past Aboriginal art sites. Beneath the towering cliffs, you’ll find side gorges, sandstone formations and plenty of important historic spots.
Just west of the ghost town of Betoota, in the traditional lands of the Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi tribe, the Betoota Serpent is one of three sculptures designed by local Indigenous artists. The serpent is a legendary creature in Creation stories, said to be the giver of life as it represents the streams and rivers connecting the Diamantina Shire to Channel Country. When the sun sets, locals believe the serpent’s mythical presence is awakened, mixing with the shadows of the outback and bringing the region to life with rain.
Renowned rock art
Jarramali Rock Art Tours offer immersive outback tours guided by a Traditional Owner. On a full-day or multi-night tour, you will jump into a 4WD or fly on a helicopter to hidden rock art sites in and around Laura. This rural town contains the largest collection of prehistoric rock art in the world, including Quinkan Rock Art, which is regarded by UNESCO as one of the 10 most important rock art sites internationally.
On a two night experience, you wil depart Laura and head for Jarramali Camp, where your guide will lead you to incredible rock art locations, ancient cliffs, and other outback wonders. As part of the experience, all food and accomodation is taken care of, so you only need to focus on soaking up the wonder around you.
Culture on the Gold Coast
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is the Gold Coast’s only dedicated Aboriginal cultural centre, fully owned and operated by the local Aboriginal community.
On a Jellurgal Walkabout tour, you will embark on a two-hour guided walk of the iconic Burleigh Headland, learning about sacred sites, traditional practices and Dreamtime stories connected to the area. Your guide will also demonstrate survival skills such as fishing and hunting, pointing out native flora used in medicine and food.
For another unique experience, sign up for a Cruise with Culture, and step aboard a luxury Kokomo vessel. On this tour, you will travel through the Gold Coast Broadwater while your guide shares important cultural sites, ways of living in harmony with the land, and welcomes you into a yarning circle on Wave Break Island, where you’ll have the chance to engage with your guide, ask questions, and gather new wisdom.
For more information on the best places to stay and eat in Queensland, click here!
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