Aboriginal Australia

For those that seek a greater understanding of Australian Aboriginal culture

Australia’s indigenous culture is ancient and rich. Rock art is its most visible manifestation; however, time spent with Aboriginal people in their country will reveal something of the complexity of their heritage and the challenges they face in modern society.

The sandstone caves of Arnhem Land, the Kimberley and the Laura plateau harbour some of the finest rock art in the world.  These paintings date back as much as 50,000 years and record not only people’s spiritual beliefs and values but also climatic changes and a different perspective on Australian history. 

In learning of Aboriginal life and ancient art you will hear much of the “Dreamtime”.  This usually refers to the time when all things were created.  The “Dreaming” is central to the existence of traditional Aboriginal people for it determines their values, beliefs and their relationship with every living creature and every feature of the landscape. 

Aboriginal Australia developed as a network of independent groups speaking hundreds of languages and dialects yet this did not prevent communications across the groups or the ages.  Stories are passed along by word of mouth, totemically, via rock paintings, ceremonial dances (corroborees) and secret rituals.    All events and life processes are imprinted in the memory of the land and ancestral spirits live in the indigenous world of today, in the form of animals, rocks, stars, hills and other sacred places and objects.

In a handful of experiences across Australia it is possible to share the world's most ancient, living culture through contemporary and / or traditional interpretation and expressions -

Spirited Land - Australian Aboriginal culture is deeply connected to the land and there is no better place to discover this than in Arnhem Land.  Options here include comfortable camping safaris, arranged exclusively for you and hosted by a colourful local guide or a fly-in safari to a remote bush camp. Either way the accommodation is simple but the experience exceptional for this is a place of billabongs, Barramundi, ancient Aboriginal art and an abundance of wildlife and bush tucker.  

Tales Worth Sharing - In Far North Queensland and at Uluru (Ayers Rock) Aboriginal people share their insights into an ancient land through art, story-telling, dance, music and the land itself.  On guided walks learn about Aboriginal spirituality, the Dreamtime, tradition, ceremonies, bush foods and medicines

Living Traditions – in one of Australia’s most remote wilderness regions an Aboriginal clan will host your daily activities while you live aboard a 40 ft cruising launch.  Life here is simple yet the traditions are rich and you learn this as you spend time with your hosts – checking the honey hives, fishing, motoring along the rivers spotting crocodiles or sitting by the campfire.

Contemporary Traditions - learn about modern Aboriginal culture in Australia cities and the outback through galleries, cultural centres, dance performances and personalised touring experiences.