Cultural Experiences
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we live, work and play, and their continuing connection to Country.
Australia's New South Wales isn't just a land of stunning beaches and vibrant cities; it's also home to a rich tapestry of Aboriginal culture and history. Exploring the cultural Aboriginal experiences in NSW offers a profound journey into the ancient traditions, stories, and landscapes that have shaped this region for thousands of years.
Discover New South Wales through the eyes of Aboriginal guides with over 60,000 years of local wisdom. Experience immersive tours and cultural events that bring Australia's rich heritage to life. Explore ancient landscapes, join outdoor adventures, and uncover hidden gems.
Whether you're a history buff or nature lover, New South Wales promises an unforgettable journey filled with stories and experiences that'll stay with you long after you leave. So pack your sense of adventure and get ready to soak up the beauty and culture of this incredible state!
Bundjalung Country - Far North Coast Region
This stunning, iconic coastline offers a wealth of cultural experiences to fully immerse yourself in, in this rich and diverse region. The historical home of the Bundjalung people, there are a wealth of ways to experience the culture.
The Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre at South Tweed Heads offers a glimpse into the preservation of the land, while Explore Byron Bay offers Aboriginal tours from Cape Byron or Broken Head, with a tour guide, who is passionate about sharing her culture.
Aboriginal Culture Concepts, near Ballina, offers half-day, full-day or multi-day cultural experiences, where guests visit middens, Bora rings, fish traps, hunting areas, and much more.
Nearby parks & accommodation: Reflections Brunswick Heads, Reflections Massy Greene, Reflections Ferry Reserve, Reflections Byron Bay, Reflections Ballina & Reflections Shaws Bay
Gumbaynggirr Country - Coffs Coast Region
The Coffs Coast is a tranquil haven where coastal blends with the enchanting beauty of lush rainforests. The pristine turquoise coastline boasts remarkable breaks and sandy shores awaiting discovery. Inland attractions draw you to explore more with serene rainforest trails, and waterfalls, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the native koalas leisurely in the treetops.
Located right at the heart of Corindi Beach NSW, is the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a community centre aimed at sharing the history and cultural values of the area. Visitors can join the art and craft workshops, and monthly bushtucker and medicine tours, and the Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery exhibits traditional and contemporary artworks from First Nation artists from all over NSW, and Jalumbo Cultural Heritage Keeping Place houses a large collection of cultural artefacts from the last 4000 years.
If you are looking for cultural tours in the Coffs Harbour region, Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience offers cultural experiences at “Niigi Niigi”. While Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours - Moonee Beach, offer an adventure paddle to the Coffs Harbour’s Solitary Islands Marine Park on the NSW Coffs Coast. Finally, Unkya Cultural Eco Tours offer tours promoting the unique Gumbaynggirr spirituality and culture in the Scotts Head region.
The final stop on this beautiful coastline are near Boambee Creek; is a caffeine-fix stop. Nyanggan Gapi Cafe & Catering is a great social enterprise providing training and employment opportunities for young people.
Nearby parks & accommodation: Reflections Corindi Beach, Reflections Moonee Beach, Reflections Scotts Head & Reflections Coffs Harbour
Birpai Country - Mid-North Coast Region
The Birpai Country includes the northern part of the mid north coast of NSW. Not just about the natural beauty—the Mid North Coast is also rich in culture and history, with Aboriginal heritage sites, charming heritage-listed buildings, and vibrant arts communities waiting to be explored.
The Spirit of the Land, Port Macquarie, is a captivating permanent exhibition at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. It immerses visitors in the rich Aboriginal culture of the Birpai Country, showcasing the region's national parks through interactive displays and visual arts. Featuring audiovisual presentations and digital sand performances of Birpai Aboriginal stories, such as The Legend of the Three Brothers and Birpai Dreaming, the exhibition offers a unique glimpse into local traditions. Guests can also create their own "sand story" in the sand play lightbox. The Centre also organizes Aboriginal Cultural tours, providing further opportunities for cultural immersion and learning.
Nearby parks & accommodation: Reflections Bonny Hills & Reflections North Haven
Worimi Country - Min-North Coast Region
Two fascinating natural places of cultural significance are the Bulahdelah Mountain Aboriginal Place near Seal Rocks and Dark Point Aboriginal Place near Hawks Nest.
Bulahdelah Mountain Aboriginal Place, recognises the cultural, spiritual and historical significance of the area to the Worimi people. It's imposing rocky tors were and are important to the Traditional Owners of the land.
Dark Point Aboriginal Place has a rich cultural history and has been a gathering place for the Worimi people for over 4000 years, making it well worth a visit.
Also in the Hawks Nest/ Jimmys Beach region are a range of cultural activities like:
- Murrook Culture Centre, which runs cultural activities,
- Living Strong Nature Journaling, offering bush workshops
- Speaking in Colour who offer weaving workshops, Aboriginal dance and culture workshops, and
- Midnight Dreaming, who share Aboriginal culture through contemporary art and dance.
Finally, we recommend checking out Koori Colours Art Gallery (Jason Russell) at Tanilba Bay and Tyson Jolly, a local artist, for your art fix.
Nearby parks & accommodation: Reflections Jimmys Beach & Reflections Hawks Nest
Yuin Country - South Coast NSW
This beautiful coastline has an abundance of cultural activities to experience.
Muladha Gamara Cultural Centre, an hour north of Bermagui, offers cultural tours, traditional dance, and performances upon request. Just 45 minutes north of Bermagui, Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness introduces stories of Aboriginal history, lore, and spirituality, with workshop and performance offerings.
Explore the Aboriginal Dreaming trails within Eurobodalla National Park through a guided excursion led by Minga Aboriginal Cultural Services. Engage in cultural experiences and immerse yourself in the wisdom of the Yuin People.
Near Nowra, Djiriba Waagura provides cultural activities and workshops, including traditional dancing, singing, traditional artifacts, and more).
Southbound Escapes, Narooma, offers tours with a local Yuin guide, and includes a winery lunch.
Reflections Bermagui cabins feature artworks from Cheryl Overton (Walbanga Yuin Nation), who works from Mungala Bugaali Gallery & Gift Shop.
Nearby parks & accommodation: Reflections Bermagui, Reflections Pambula & Reflections Eden
Kamilaroi Country - Country NSW
Stretching from the edge of the Hunter Valley to the Queensland border, Kamilaroi Country is the second-largest Aboriginal Country.
The countryside stretches as far as the eye can see. Imagine rolling green hills, sleepy little towns, and winding country roads that lead to hidden gems around every corner. You'll find yourself surrounded by lush forests, and pristine rivers, making it the perfect playground for outdoor adventures.
Close to Tamworth NSW, explore the Kamilaroi region on a cultural tour with Len Waters Cultural Tour.
Nearby park & accommodation: Reflections Lake Keepit
Wonnarua Country - Country NSW
Wonnarua Country encompasses the Upper Hunter Calley, a postcard come to life, with its sprawling vineyards, golden fields, and meandering rivers painting a picture-perfect scene.
Think quaint little towns dotted with historic buildings, charming cafes, and friendly locals who are always up for a chat. And let's not forget about the majestic mountains looming in the distance, adding a touch of drama to the already stunning landscape. It's the kind of place where time seems to slow down, and every moment feels like a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Near to Singleton NSW, you'll find Warren Taggart Walkabout Tours, a local who shares his cultural knowledge, experience and stories passed down from his family on local Aboriginal culture and history.
Not far from Wollombi is the Wollombi Aboriginal Cultural Experiences offering tours and immersion camps.
Nearby park & accommodation: Reflections Lake Glenbawn
Wiradjuri Country - Country NSW
Wiradjuri Country is the largest Aboriginal Country in NSW, stretching across a wide expanse of Central NSW. This region is like a big patchwork quilt of awesome landscapes and fascinating history. You've got everything from wide-open outback plains to rugged Blue Mountains views. It's dotted with cute little country towns, each with its own vibe and stories to share. Think rolling hills, charming villages, and towns like Bathurst and Orange that are bursting with old-school charm and interesting stuff to see.
Head to Mudgee, near Lake Keepit, for a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of Australian native foods, botanicals, culture and rituals at Warakirri Dining Experience on a 5-course degustation dinner.
Not far from the shores of Lake Burrendong, the Maliyan Cultural Centre in Wellington NSW is committed to presenting, delving into, and honoring the extensive cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples of the area.
While in Wellington, Made with Marrumbang specialises in beautiful, unique items that have been handcrafted, and they also offer weaving workshops.
Dinawans Connection, near Dubbo, offers traditional dances, interactive art workshops and bushwalks.
Nearby parks & accommodation: Reflections Cudgegong River, Reflections Lake Burrendong, Reflections Mookerawa Waters, Reflections Grabine Lakeside & Reflections Wyangala Waters
Ngunawal Country - Country NSW
Encompassing southern New South Wales and the ACT, the Ngunawal Country is a region of pristine natural beauty and an abundance of things to see and do. From the iconic landmarks of Canberra, including the Parliament House and Australian War Memorial to the wide open spaces of the Yass Valley (think of the emerald reserves of Wee Jasper), this area is just waiting to be explored.
Just outside Canberra, Thunderstone Aboriginal Cultural Services is dedicated to enlightening the broader community about Aboriginal culture and heritage, particularly focusing on the culture, history, and narratives of the Ngunawal people from Canberra and its surrounding region. They offer guided tours, language courses and bushtucker experiences.
Nearby parks & accommodation: Reflections Burrinjuck Waters & Reflections Wee Jasper Campground
We seek to embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ wisdom in Caring for Country, to guide how we care for the ecologically rich nature reserves, and identify opportunities to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across our parks and reserves.
Each year we welcome 2 million guests, reaching a significant number of Australians and international visitors. We have an opportunity to introduce them to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and contribute to greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and wisdoms.
Nick Baker, CEO and Wendy Machin, Chair
Kangaroos can't move backwards
In 2023, we launched our first Reflections Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
It explores how we will use our sphere of influence to advance respect, relationships and opportunities, contributing to more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, now and for future generations.
It's about preservation and celebration
Engaging in Aboriginal cultural experiences in New South Wales goes beyond mere tourism; it's about preserving heritage and celebrating rich traditions for generations to come. By participating, you not only sustain Aboriginal communities and their cultural practices but also gain insights into the deep spiritual connections Aboriginal people have with the land. From storytelling to traditional bushwalks, these experiences offer a profound appreciation for the natural world and Aboriginal culture's significance.
Moreover, these encounters foster greater cultural exchange and understanding, promoting reconciliation and mutual respect in society. They provide authentic, meaningful connections to Aboriginal culture while directly supporting Indigenous communities' economic development.
By acknowledging past injustices and listening to Aboriginal voices, visitors contribute to the ongoing journey of reconciliation in Australia, leaving with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Aboriginal culture's richness and diversity.