welcome to country

EXPERIENCE, LEARN AND SHARE ON THESE SPECIAL FIRST NATIONS TOURS

Words Matt Castell curatedtravel.com.au

While domestic tourism is thriving, most Australians tend to book a hotel and maybe a trip to a theme park and don’t pay too much attention to day trips or experiences – and we’re missing out.

Australia has arguably the oldest and most interesting culture(s) on the planet, thanks to the First Nations People, who have been and still are, custodians of this land. Tourism and education can go hand-in-hand and there are heaps of great opportunities around NSW and further to learn about local customs, stories, and traditions.

If you have a few days to spare over the coming months and want to try something different than your favourite weekend spot, check out these operators in NSW and support a local business. Here are a few to investigate…

Ngaran Ngaran Cultural Awareness Tours

Operating since 2011 on the South Coast on Yuin Country, near Narooma, this Aboriginalowned business was founded by Dwayne Bannon-Harrison, who is also a member of the NSW AboriginalTourism Council. He runs workshops and on Country experiences, where you stay in permanent tents and participate in traditional wellness sessions, dance, yidaki (didgeridoo) and yarning circles.

You’ll meet, talk, and learn from knowledgeable First Nations guides and experience several significant sites onYuin Country. Guests will also indulge in local dishes, such as river mint snapper in paper bark, finger lime butter freshly shucked oysters and muntire marrang wattleseed splat.

Prices start at $880 per adult and $440 per child for a two-night experience, including accommodation, experiences and meals. www.ngaranaboriginalculture.com

Aboriginal Blue Mountains Walkabout

This multi award-winning Aboriginal walkabout adventure in the Blue Mountains will provide you with ancient wisdom that will change your life, providing a deep connection to Country and culture.

Spend a day living the life of a Darug language group local, learning what life was like before contact in 1770, as you travel back in time to become part of ‘The Dreaming’.You’ll learn traditional methods, and bushwalk a walkabout song line of sacred sites via spectacular rainforest, while hearing stories about natural land, art, and ceremonial sites.

Bushwalks are $95pp and start at Faulconbridge station. www.bluemountainswalkabout.com Explore Byron Bay

Far too many people visit the Byron Shire and miss out on learning more about what makes the land so magical and special. Join Delta Kay, a proud Arakwal Bundjalung custodian, who is committed to working in genuine partnership with the local community to promote awareness and mutual respect between Aboriginal and nonAboriginal people.

Delta runs small group, two-hour tours (all ages welcome) of Broken Head and Cape Byron, where you’ll learn a bit of Bundjalung language and facts about bush tucker, natural weapons, tools, and artefacts. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins, whales, and other wildlife on her informative adventures.

If your tastebuds do more guiding than your feet, check out the Bangalow bush tucker tour and keep your eyes out for turtles and platypuses before finishing with a tasty treat and a cuppa.

Guided walks and bush tucker tours start at $59pp. www.explorebyronbay.com

Bundyi Culture Tours

If you find yourself out Wagga Wagga way, check out the different styles of trips offered by Mark Saddler, professional guide, and proud Wiradjuri man. He’ll get you off the beaten track to learn about the world’s oldest people, with over 60,000 years of stories and culture to share.

Trips can be tailor-made to suit your needs, or you can book from their not-so-standard offerings, which range from guided bushwalks and bush tucker tours to winery and motorbike trips around spectacular Wiradjuri Country.

Day trips range from $88-440pp. www.bundyiculture.com.au