Tap Into Mother Nature And Experience Our Rich Culture With These 14 Aboriginal Experiences

Here in Western Australia, we are incredibly lucky to share our state with traditional landowners who have had a deep connection with the land for over 50,000 years. That makes it the world’s oldest living culture, and a culture that is essential to understand for those of us that call this land home.

For those of us who have not yet experienced this rich history and culture firsthand, it might be tricky to choose where to start simply because there are so many different options. No matter which direction you set your compass, WA is home to so many authentic Aboriginal experiences that will arm you with a much deeper appreciation for our land and the generations of people who have taken care of it.

Catering to adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, foodies, nature lovers and everyone in between, here are 14 fantastic ways for you to experience Western Australia's rich culture.

Camping With Custodians

There’s something really special about gathering around a campfire for a yarn to conclude the day’s outdoor adventures. And when those outdoor adventures include tours of local caves and coastal areas led by Western Australia’s traditional landowners, it makes everything that extra bit special. Unique to Western Australia, Camping With Custodians campgrounds are owned and operated by the local community who offer a variety of cultural activities to their guests. 

During your stay you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of WA’s ancient history as you discover Dreamtime legends, explore awe-inspiring prehistoric rock art galleries and more. 

Imintji Campground And Art Centre | gibb river road

Bring your camera and your bathers if you’re planning a stay at the Imintji Campground And Art Centre on the iconic Gibb River Road. On your way, drop into the stunning natural attractions like Bell Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge, and while they’re photogenic all year round, they’re even more picturesque—and perfect for swimming—just after the wet season. The Imintji people will welcome you to this shady wilderness campground, and they’ll share all kinds of stories about the folded rock formations of the nearby Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges.

Mimbi Campground | Fitzroy Crossing

Built in 2017, Mimbi Campground, east of Fitzroy Crossing is home to 15 secluded camping sites which are situated near the 350-million-year-old Mimbi Caves. The caves are carved into an ancient Devonian Reef system that today has special significance for local Aboriginal people. Embark on an unmissable tour of these brilliant formations led by a Gooniyandi guide, who will share stories that have been passed down through generations about how the caves and freshwater pools were created. 

Peedamulla Campground | Near Onslow

At this nature-based campground located on historic Peedamulla Station,  you’ll be able to choose from 20 oversized powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites, and there are plenty of modern amenities. Stay a few days and fill your schedule with adventures to Onslow or journey to the remote and isolated coast. At the end of each day’s activities, plonk yourself down around the communal campfire and share a yarn or two under the endless Pilbara night sky.

Violet Valley Campground | bow river halls creek

Picture towering trees, wide open grasslands and an abundance of wildlife and you’ve got Violet Valley Campground, which holds an incredibly important place in the history of Gija country and the East Kimberley. Camping With Custodians experiences at Violet Valley enable the Baulu-Wah community to share their connections of the area. 

Doon Doon caravan Park And Campground | Kununurra

Simply watching the sun set over Doon Doon Campground is enough to warm your heart and fill you with appreciation for our stunning country. When you stay here you’ll be directly supporting the small Woolah community. 

Dampier Peninsula

Set off on a 200km-long trip from Broome town via the now fully-sealed Cape Leveque Road to the Dampier Peninsula. Use your 4WD to access white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters that create the perfect backdrop for the cultural and coastal adventures that await you. 

You’ll see the land, water, and skies through the eyes of the local Bardi Jawi and Nyul Nyul people, who invite you to discover their traditional fishing, mud crabbing, and sustainable hunting methods, and cultural stories and songs. And when each memorable day draws to a close, you can retreat to beautiful natural settings to reset and recharge. Check in with the Broome Visitor Centre on any COVID-19 restrictions for Aboriginal communities before you head up.

Narlijia tours

Join Bart Pigram from Narlijia Experiences Broome and tour Yawaru country, from the historic Roebuck Bay to the pristine waters of Cable Beach. Born and bred in Broome, Bart started the tours in 2015 and has a passion for telling the complete story of life in Broome, drawing on knowledge gained from living a saltwater lifestyle as well as professional training as a curator. 

Kooljaman At Cape Leveque

Stunning sunsets, pindan cliffs towering over white sandy beaches, and relaxing wilderness—Kooljaman at Cape Leveque has it all. No matter your budget, this quiet slice of paradise is the perfect place to stay as they have a range of safari tents, charming cabins, budget units, and shady campsites where you can rest your head at night. As for daytime activities, you’ll want to dedicate several days to check out as many beaches, snorkeling spots, and cultural tours as you possibly can. From Kooljaman you can take your 4wd on a tagalong tour with iconic tour guide Brian Lee, or learn about local bush foods and medicines with Bundy.

Southern Cross At Lullumb Coastal Walk

Embark on a three-hour-long journey through mangroves, paperbark forests, salt plains and creeks while Bardi-Jawi man Bolo Angus talks you through all kinds of exciting cultural stories, songs, and hands-on experiences. The Southern Cross Cultural Walk is a family-friendly tour that will leave your mind full of knowledge of Bardi Jawi culture, including the traditional hunting and gathering methods they’ve passed down through generations, and it will leave your belly full of the delicious seafood that you’ve collected during the tour plus some fresh Kimberley damper cooked on the camp fire. Yum!

Borrgoron Coast To Creek Tours

Slide on some reef shoes and join fourth-generation pearler and proud Bardi man Terry Hunter on a walking tour of Cygnet Bay, the remote coastal landscape he and his ancestors have called home for many generations. You’ll be truly captivated as Terry tells stories of how Bardi people have practiced traditional ways of caring for the land and different sustainable hunting and fishing methods. Plus, if you’ve always wanted to learn how to forage for oysters, the Borrgoron Coast To Creek Tours are particularly exciting thanks to their hands-on nature.

Lombadina Aboriginal Corporation

This hidden gem gives visitors a seriously unique opportunity to experience the Bardi people’s local and traditional way of life. Lombadina has accommodation options to suit everyone, from deluxe cabins to campsites. You can relax at Lombo's awesome white sandy beach, get involved in an Aboriginal Ancient Footprints tour or head out on a fishing charter. If fresh, local food is your thing, try your luck at catching a mud crab before heading to the community’s local bakery. 

Discover Aboriginal Experiences

Through their deep connection to the land, Aboriginal guides are able to offer unique insights not only into their culture but into all of Australia’s landscapes. So if you’re craving an immersive, life-altering tour that will make you even more appreciative of our country’s incredible history, your best bet is to head off on one of these Aboriginal experiences. Prepare yourself to meet guides that are warm, welcoming, and full of spirit as they impart their knowledge to you.

Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours & Experiences | Perth

Why wait for a holiday to learn more about the traditions and culture of the Whadjuk people? You don’t even need to hit the road to jump on a tour with Noongar guide Walter from Go Cultural Tours & Experiences. Learn the first stories from Perth’s iconic locations such as Goomup (Elizabeth Quay), Karrgatup (Kings Park), Goologoolup (Yagan Square), and Wadjemup (Rottnest Island). 

Koomal Dreaming | Margaret River Region

Start planning that trip to Margaret River so you can join Cultural custodian Josh Whiteland for a day to be remembered with Koomal Dreaming. You’ll learn to see the South West through the eyes of the local Wadandi people, and learn about the traditional six-season Noongar calendar, which is still instrumental to daily life with the past and present ever intertwined. Also an artisan, musician, and storyteller, you’ll enjoy a magical experience as Josh shares his connection to country with you; whether it’s on the windswept coast, in the sheltered bushland or the echoes of Ngilgi Cave.

Dale Tilbrook Experiences | Swan Valley

Learn how to incorporate native edibles such as fruits, nuts, herbs, spices and peppers into your everyday cooking under the guidance of Dale Tilbrook, a Wardandi Bibbulmun woman with a passion for Aboriginal bush tucker. Each of Dale’s bush tucker talks and tastings provides fascinating insights into Aboriginal agriculture practices, and they give you the chance to sniff, touch and taste a variety of fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, and leaves. Remember, the Australian bush is just one big supermarket!

Ngurrangga Tours | Roeburne, Pilbara

Lucky enough to head up to the red gorges and lush waterways of the Pilbara? Become immersed in the culture of the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi people through the eyes of a traditional owner of the land. Clinton Walker formed Ngurrangga Tours to educate people and to encourage understanding of the Pilbara Aboriginal culture and country. From rock art through to bush tucker, it’s a truly special way to experience the magic of the Pilbara. You can even play 4WD tag along if you’ve got a four-wheeled sense of adventure.

Wula Gura Nyinda | Shark Bay

A popular destination for WA travellers, the Shark Bay area holds immense cultural and ecological significance to the region’s first people. Take a tour with guide Darren ‘Capes’ Capewell and his business Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures. A descendant of the region’s Nhanda and Malgana people, his cultural tours operate in the Shark Bay area, including tours around Monkey Mia, Francois Peron National Park, and Dirk Hartog Island. Perfect for those that like to have a bit of active adventure, you can even SUP or kayak your way through a day with Darren.

Are you ready to hit the road and embrace Australia’s rich culture? Explore our beautiful backyard and Wander Out Yonder this year. To find out more about Western Australia’s awe-inspiring Aboriginal experiences, click here.