3 unique Indigenous experiences in Australia

Australian Indigenous experiences offer immersive, life-changing moments which makes your travel memorable. Australia is home to the oldest living culture on Earth and Indigenous guides across the country offer a real connection to the place and a new way of experiencing it.

Every part of Australia is Indigenous country and every part of that country has a series of stories and experiences that are unique to it. You will find the Indigenous guides are warm, welcoming and extremely generous of spirit. They are keen to share their story and give an insight into their culture. They bring the landscape to life allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of Australia.

From stargazing and yarning circles to camping, storytelling, hot springs and fishing, North West Queensland is home to a plethora of Indigenous tourism experiences for all ages. Feed your mind, body and soul and unplug in the beauty of the outback to learn about our country’s rich history and heritage from Australia’s Traditional Owners.

Whether you are moved by a yarning circle, feel the power of Talaroo’s healing waters or delve into the world of traditional fishing practices, no matter the experience, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of our history.   

Talaroo Hot Springs – The Savannah Way

Talaroo Hot Springs. Credit: Talaroo Hot Springs

The Savannah Way’s newest tourist attraction – Talaroo Hot Springs – combines the culture and hospitality of Ewamian people with one of North West Queensland’s most unique and globally significant geological wonders.

Talaroo’s recently opened outback caravan park and campground offer 16 powered and 14 unpowered sites around purpose-built amenities and a camp kitchen – set just 200 metres from the beautiful Einasleigh River and a stone’s throw from the spectacular Hot Springs.

Talaroo is a magical landscape alive with culture, nature, history and breathtaking beauty and guests are encouraged to make the most of “Talaroo time” by connecting with Ewamian traditional owners, joining the exclusive guided tours, experiencing the healing waters of the hot springs or private soaking pools, enjoying a walk to the Einasleigh River and experiencing a yarning circle.

Ewamian Elder and cultural advisor for Talaroo’s tours and experiences, Jimmy “JR” Richards, is passionate about sharing Ewamian culture and knowledge with visitors and has a unique connection to his country. In his youth, JR worked as a stockman at Talaroo Station and went on to become the first indigenous tour guide at the Undara Experience before developing some of Queensland’s most iconic indigenous ranger programs, including the program at Talaroo. His wealth of knowledge and deep cultural insights have formed the heart of the Savannah Guides training program and he is inspiring the team of new guides to share Talaroo’s great stories with visitors

Yagurli Tours – Burketown

Yaliya Stories Stargazing Tour. Credit: Yagurli Tours

Yagurli Tours is an Indigenous-owned business and operated by the Gangalidda and Garawa Peoples. The Gangalidda people are the traditional owners of the land in and around Burketown and are part of Australia’s rich cultural heritage that dates back more than 70,000 years.

Located in Burketown North West Queensland, the company provides incredible experiences for travellers looking to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture.

From the Yaliya’s Stories Stargazing Tour, the Gambumanda Sunset Cruise, Marrija 4WD Cultural Tour through to Malara Fishing Charters and hot air ballooning, Yagurli Tours are bucket list experiences not to be missed.

Yaliya, meaning ‘sky’ in the local Gangalidda language, is a tour that focuses on Indigenous storytelling under the stars on some of Australia’s largest salt pans. Here, you can discover the beauty of an outback night sky through state-of-the-art telescopes in wide-open plains for a once-in-a-lifetime and exclusive adventure.

Fishing more your style? The Malara Fishing Charters will help you develop an appreciation for traditional fishing practices and the cultural heritage associated with river systems. Get ready to take in the beauty of the waterways and the diversity of wildlife in the Barramundi Capital of Australia.

Delta Downs Station – Normanton

Delta Downs. Credit: Kurtijar Aboriginal Corporation

Established in 1889, Delta Downs station is one of Australia’s most successful Indigenous-run enterprises.

The Kurtijar People are the owners of the Delta Downs station who share the land and history with travellers seeking to enjoy the beauty of bush and beach.

Boasting the title of Australia’s first cattle station run by traditional owners, Delta Downs is a working cattle property at heart while also offering pristine beaches, turtle hatcheries, abundant fishing and bird watching.

Limited camping and fishing permits can be purchased through Kurtijar Aboriginal Corporation.

Kate Webster is a world traveller, ocean lover and conservation warrior who is determined to make every moment count for not only herself but the world around her. This has inspired Kate to translate those moments and share them through her storytelling. A dedicated David Attenborough and Jane Goodall fan, Kate has delved into the world of wildlife and conservation travel to bring awareness.

kate@capturedtravel.com