This National Reconciliation Week we have plenty of activities to engage the whole family, places where you can just let kids be kids and the whole family can have fun learning about First Nations cultures. Here are our picks of the best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activities the whole family can participate in this National Reconciliation Week.
Western Australia
Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tour
Kids in the Kimberley! Head north, relax, learn and play with the kids. Terry Hunter from Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tours will help you make magical memories. A Bardi man and 4th 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 together, 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.
Ngilgi Cave Cultural Tour
Take the kids to an ancient battleground. Watch Aboriginal history and culture come to life. Ngilgi Cave in the Margaret River region, takes its name from the good ocean spirit who ousted the evil spirit, Wolgine, restoring water and food to the local Wardandi people. Join Josh “Koomal” Whiteland from Koomal Dreaming on the Ngilgi Cave Cultural Tours and get the kids off the couch and out into the bush. Discover the Wardandi Dreamtime, forage for bush foods and medicines then experience fire-making and didgeridoo playing. Then venture into the cave, get your kids climbing and crawling around twists and turns to discover a treasure trove of spectacular cave formations.
Northern Territory
Jumping Crocs
Scare yourself and the kids silly! Enjoy hearing the kid’s squeal with delight as huge wild crocodiles leap into the air on the Adelaide River. On this hour-long guided river cruise you will see a range of different sized crocodiles as they leap spectacularly into the air. More than just jumping crocodiles you will also learn about crocodile biology, territorial habitats and their value to the ecosystem.
Dot Painting Experience
Take your little budding artist to Maruku Arts to create their own Dot Painting masterpiece. This fun, organic and hands-on art workshop is taught by a local Anangu artist. During the workshop you will learn dot painting techniques as well as Anangu traditional art symbols, tools and language. By the end of the workshop our little artist will have learnt about Anangu culture and connection to Country; and walk away with their very own artwork ready to impress friends!
New South Wales
Bouddi Aboriginal Walking Tour
Girri Girra’s Bouddi Aboriginal Walking Tour is the perfect introduction for older children to Aboriginal history, culture and art. Beautiful Bouddi National Park is rich in Aboriginal culture, your journey through the park begins with an Acknowledgement of Country, then hear creation stories and participate in a traditional smoking ceremony. Then walk in the footsteps of Australia’s first people and feel their living connection to the 21st century. See original rock carvings and feel the power of connecting with this beautiful Country.
Gumbaynggirr Cultural Stand-Up Paddle Tours
Looking for a fun, physical outdoor activity? Burn some energy and learn about Gumbaynggirr Cultural with Wajaana Yaam on their Gumbaynggirr Cultural Stand-Up Paddle Tour. The experience starts with a short SUP demonstration and safety briefing to keep your kids safe. Then it’s time to set off on your paddling adventure. As you paddle through the Coffs Harbour Marine Park your Aboriginal guide will teach Gumbaynggirr language, tell stories and stop along the way to see and taste local bush foods. So much cultural paddling fun in the sun!
Victoria
Guided Bush and Cultural Walk
Fire up your kid’s imagination this National Reconciliation Week with an adventure into a volcano. Walk through the bush into the crater of a dormant volcano with Worn Gundidj at Tower Hill. Your Aboriginal guide will explain the volcanic history of the Tower Hill and local Aboriginal culture. You’ll see thousand-year-old artefacts, search for and taste bush tucker and encounter emus, koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and more native wildlife. The kids will even get a chance to learn how to throw a boomerang!
Discover Narana Guided Cultural Tour
Learning is fun and the Discover Narana Guided Cultural Tour offers the perfect learning environment. Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre’s cultural display, performance building, art gallery and native gardens will ignite your kid’s interest in Aboriginal culture. Through your exploration of the beautiful grounds you experience an introduction to Aboriginal culture. Your guide will illuminate key elements of culture; learn about connection to Country, see Aboriginal artworks and cultural artefacts, enjoy a guided garden walk, taste bush foods and interact with native Australian animals.
Queensland
Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel
Discover the blue world! The Great Barrier Reef is definitely a must do Australian travel experience but when you add First Nations cultural knowledge it elevates discovering the reef to a life changing experience. On this day tour you will cruise the outer reefs with Indigenous sea rangers learn about the world’s oldest living culture and see some of Australia’s most amazing marine life. The rangers share stories on Gunggandji sea country including the reef creation story as well as song, dance and music. You will visit two spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef sites, Milln and Flynn Reefs. Dreamtime even offer guided snorkel tours perfect for beginners, these small groups are led by a Marine Naturalist and explore a sheltered coral lagoon with expert snorkelling assistance and instruction available at all times.
Spirits of the Red Sands Experience
Give your kids a front row seat to history. Spirits of the Red Sand is a must do Reconciliation Week activity, this Aboriginal live and interactive theatre and storytelling experience takes you back to 1800s Queensland when British and Aboriginal ways of life collided. The story is told through song and dance and follows the lives of three Aboriginal brothers. From the start of the live theatre experience to Indigenous song and dance, a 3 course dinner and the final meet and greet of cast and crew – this is a completely immersive and interactive evening that the whole family will enjoy.
South Australia
Kaurna Country Weaving Workshop
Engage in Aboriginal culture by practicing the skills and techniques used to complete the art of traditional Aboriginal weaving! Working with local Aboriginal Elders, discover the joy and cultural significance of weaving in this 90-minute interactive workshop. This experience will give you the opportunity to discover traditional basket weaving, an integral skill to the First Nations people of Australia used in the creation of baskets, jewellery, and nets.
Yundi Nature Trail
Journey through time as you discover bush foods, medicines and the Warki way of life. 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.
Now there’s no excuse not to have a First Nations experience this National Reconciliation Week.
To learn more or see all our experiences click here
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