The Indigenous Australian culture is one of the oldest and most fascinating on Earth. Dating back tens of thousands of years before European settlement, Aboriginal people roamed the Australian landscape, living in harmony in a nomadic partnership with nature.

The Australian Aboriginal population is a diverse group of people, living vastly different lifestyles in each corner of the country. There are up to 700 traditional societies and hundreds of different languages, customs and laws; each woven together to tell a story that is more than 40,000 years old.

These diverse societies are however united in their unique bond with the land based on the ancient mythical laws of the “Dreaming”; and whilst only 1% of the Australian population today is Aboriginal, indigenous communities dotted through central and northern Australia maintain their rich culture, with many continuing to practice their traditional customs and lifestyle. Elsewhere across the country, their culture may be observed in numerous museums, galleries and cultural centres. “Dreamtime” legends told through dance, art and story telling convey the tales of the creative activities of ancestor figures and keep the essence of their culture alive.

Listen to the tales of the Dreamtime unfold to the rhythm of the didgeridoo as you watch a traditional aboriginal corroboree – around the campfire at an outback cattle station, in an electrifying performance at the Tjapukai Cultural Centre or at your unique rainforest wedding ceremony!

Create your own Aboriginal inspired personal souvenir under the guidance of local artists at one of many aboriginal art and cultural workshops offered by specialist accommodation places and cultural centres.

Let your body, mind and soul go “walkabout” as you enjoy a unique and pampering spa treatment based on Aboriginal ingredients and enchanting rituals, soothed by the sounds of a rainforest stream. Or learn about your ‘spiritual guides’ on life’s journey with a Spirit Reading in the outback.

Discover the sacred dimensions of the land on a guided walk in the Daintree or at the base of the iconic Uluru. Your indigenous guides will unveil the grocery stores, medicine chests, tool sheds and churches hidden amongst the ancient vines of the rainforest and the barren landscapes of the red centre. Many of the national parks, including Kakadu and Uluru (Ayers Rock), are owned and jointly run by their traditional owners with opportunities to join indigenous guides on interpretative tours which unlock the mysteries of these breathtaking landscapes and give meaning to their otherwise intangible beauty.

If you are looking for a more complete indigenous experience there are some very special opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the aboriginal culture:

Join a personalised safari tour through the remote wilderness of Arnhem Land, an area rich in aboriginal history - where communities still practice traditional lifestyles and rock art hangs in spectacular natural galleries. Much of this area is as yet unexplored, promising undiscovered treasures. It is impossible not to be humbled by a visit to this breathtaking landscape and an introduction to its people.

Or, for the ultimate authentic indigenous experience, stay as a guest within a remote aboriginal community. Watch the sun rise over the Simpson Desert from the veranda of your deluxe safari tent. Spend your days with the traditional land owners for an unparalleled insight into their culture and learn their fascinating survival techniques in these harsh outback conditions. Enjoy a unique taste sensation of western style meals infused with local bush tucker accompanied by stories of the community elders told around a campfire, before sinking into a hot relaxing bath gazing up at the clear night sky.

No matter where in Australia your travels may take you, there are opportunities to learn about the captivating culture of the aborigines. From ancient rock art to intricately patterned dot paintings, exhilarating dance performances to quiet nights shared around a campfire. In the Art Galleries of Sydney and the remote wilderness of Arnhem Land, in the heart of the Red Centre and in the lush green rainforests of the Daintree, the mysteries of the Dreamtime unfold.

Note: visitation to and photography of certain sites may be restricted at times for cultural reasons. Travellers should always check with local guides.