UPSKILLING
Ultimate
Discover aboriginal Experiences
Showcasing the world’s oldest living cultures.
UPSKILLING
Ultimate
Discover Aboriginal Experiences
Showcasing the world’s oldest living cultures.
The home of Aboriginal cultures that date back at least 65,000 years, there is nowhere else in the world that can claim a cultural legacy like Australia. The Discover Aboriginal Experience collective of 49 member businesses enables guests to choose from more than 200 authentic, engaging experiences led by Australia’s First Peoples.
Learn More ABOUT DISCOVER ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCES
Since its inception in 2018, the Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective has been part of the Signature Experiences of Australia program that caters to the passions and interests of travellers. The collective not only provides genuine experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, but has been designed to support the Aboriginal tourism industry and contribute to the preservation of First Nation cultures.
Discover Aboriginal Experiences Executive Officer Nicole Mitchell says demand for authentic cultural experiences is continuing to grow.
Experience the unique culture of the Tiwi Islanders.
‘People want a real connection to the place they're visiting, and to know that the people who own the stories tell the stories. There's an element of respect and desire for authenticity that was already very strong in our European markets, but we are seeing a lot of growth from the Americas as well as Singapore and New Zealand, and we have experiences that suit every market and type of traveller,’ Nicole says.
‘People are realising
that an Indigenous guide brings the landscape to life. The storytelling adds a layer and depth to our beautiful natural assets, our wildlife, our coastal waters and our bush and outback.’
Discover Australia's ancient rock art galleries.
The collective is helping educate travellers about the variety of Aboriginal cultures that saw more than 250 languages spoken across Australia, with 110 languages still spoken today.
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CLICK PLAY TO see uluru from above
‘The traditions are different, the customs are different, which provides a great diversity of experiences. Aboriginal guides are warm, welcoming and extremely generous of spirit. They are keen to share their stories, provide insight into their culture, and allow visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of Australia. Adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, foodies, and nature lovers will all benefit from the extensive knowledge and insights an Aboriginal guide can provide,’ Nicole says.
‘Every part of Australia is Aboriginal land with a different story to be told. For example, just under Sydney Harbour Bridge there's a place where you can find ochre paint that can be collected for traditional ceremonies. I think people also often think that an Aboriginal guide is just going to take you on a history tour but, whilst history is critically important, this is a living culture that you become immersed in as part of the tour experience.’
expanding perceptions of what an Indigenous Australian experience looks like
The collective’s
Nine thematic journeys:
expanding perceptions of what an Indigenous Australian experience looks like
The collective’s
Nine thematic journeys:
1/ Urban Culture Experiences
Dreamtime Southern X's Illi Langi — The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour.
‘People used to come to Australia and do one Indigenous experience and what the collective has shown is that you should include many Indigenous experiences, using them to flavour your itinerary. So, if you're coming to Sydney, you can do an Aboriginal walking tour around the harbour then go up to Port Stevens and jump on a quad bike to view historic cultural living sites before heading to Uluru. And when you're at Uluru, you really want to ensure that you connect with the Indigenous people of the region by doing a dot painting art class with Maruku Arts, or going out on Country with SEIT Outback Australia.’
Benefits to trade
The collective provides trade with a one-stop shop for updated information on the available experiences and provides support to select tours or tailor them to meet client needs. Tour operators can also be assured of the quality of the experiences with collective members required to meet and maintain a high level of service, including offering appropriate commissions and responding to agent queries within 24 hours.
Experience the taste of traditional bush tucker foods.
There are two opportunities to upskill in the collective and learn more about Aboriginal cultures through the Aussie Specialist platform, including how to create itineraries that include bookable and commissionable Indigenous experiences.
‘For example, if you're going to Western Australia and you're booking the Ultimate Wineries Experience at Mandoon Estate, you can also add on a Dale Tilbrook bush tucker experience,’ Nicole says.
A new Discover Aboriginal Experiences website was launched in 2023 to assist distribution partners search for experiences and download a wealth of itineraries and resources through a trade and media portal.
Understand the symbolism and stories behind the dots.
The future
‘I think the future is really bright for Discover Aboriginal Experiences. Today’s culturally-aware traveller is increasingly looking for a real connection to the land and sea, and a new way of experiencing it – exactly the kind of life-changing and immersive experience that Aboriginal tourism can provide,’ Nicole says.
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