When summer rolls around, it's time to get out and find adventure! And while we know travel plans are tricky at the moment, there are plenty of fun, educational and exciting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural activities you can do with family, friends or going solo. Whether it's beach adventures or elegant adults only evenings, here are our picks of the best summer activities.
Sand Boarding Quad Bike Tour with Aboriginal Culture, Stockton Beach, NSW
Take the kids school holiday activities to the next level and release their inner adrenalin junkie with Sand Dune Adventures! Go quad biking and sand boarding on the southern hemispheres largest sand dunes. Experience the magnificence of riding from bush to beach and through the dunes take in the glorious views of the sweeping Port Stephen’s coastline and learn about the Aboriginal history and culture of the land. The freedom, speed and thrills are bound to be fun for the whole family and a highlight of the holidays.
Turtle Discovery Ecotour, Hervey Bay, QLD
Did you know the Great Sandy Biosphere on the Fraser Coast is one of the most significant ecological and cultural sites in the world? Take a marine odyssey and learn about biology and culture surrounded by turquoise water and white sand. The Biosphere includes K’gari (Fraser Island) and the Great Sandy Strait and was highlighted by UNESCO in 2009 in the same class as the Galapagos Islands, the Central Amazon and Uluru.
And who better to show you the spectacular and complex environment of the marine park than the regions Traditional Owners the Butchulla? Visit coral reefs, see turtles, dolphins, seabird colonies, reef sharks and dugongs. Absorb the local Butchulla culture of the region. Discover the Butchulla names and meanings of local landmarks and visit culturally significant sites and hear the Butchulla creation stories.
Pamagirri Mini Mob, Kuranda, QLD
Located in the the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda’s World Heritage rainforest in Tropical North Queensland, Pamagirri is where you can learn about the world’s oldest surviving culture. Walk through the rainforest, watch a traditional dance performance, see a spear presentation, be blown away by a didgeridoo performance and try out your boomerang throwing skills. Parmingarri offer a special family’s only experience, Pamagirri Mini Mob, a fun and interactive tour specifically designed for children and families. And the kids get to paint and take home their very own didgeridoo!
Flinders Ranges Sunset Spectacular, SA
Spread out your rug, pop open some bubbles and indulge in a decadent cheese board as you experience a sunset spectacular like no other. Sit and watch the sunset over Wilpena Pound and the Ikara – Flinders Ranges, see the colours change from golden to umber then ochre before a thousand stars shine in the night sky. Listen to the Dreaming of the Adnyamathanha, hear the story of how the Akurra (serpents) formed Ikara and Wilpena Pound.
Aboriginal Rainforest Dining Experience, Mowbray Valley, QLD
Treat yourself to a decadent night of fine dining and cultural entertainment in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest. Listen to the tree frogs and night calls of the rainforest as you dine under an illuminated silk lined marquee. The pairing of local Kuku Yalanji culture with an abundant, locally sourced, seven dish degustation is the perfect combination. Aboriginal culture is infused into every delicious bite and every traditional Kuku Yalanji story, didgeridoo performance and song.
Kayak and Wildlife Adventure, Shark Bay, WA
Have your kids got energy to burn? Looking for a fun, physical outdoor activity? Burn some energy and learn about magnificent Shark Bay World Heritage Area with its crystal clear turquoise waters. The area is teeming with wildlife and the kids will love seeing turtles, manta rays, dolphins and dugongs in the wild.
A kayaking and wildlife adventure is the perfect way to experience this aquatic wonderland for up close wildlife encounters. The kids will also learn about the local Nhanda and Malgana culture and history as they paddle the bay and lagoon and why this area is a ‘strong spiritual place’.
To learn more or book ones of these sensational Summer experiences visit Welcome to Country.
