Cultural touring around Australia: Discover Indigenous experiences and quirky festivals

Discover Indigenous sites and year-round quirky festivals, elevating your tour across Australia from ordinary to extraordinary.

Indigenous experiences

Before European settlement there were more than 500 different Aboriginal nations around Australia, each with their own beliefs and cultures and many with unique dialects.

All around the country you can find ancient Aboriginal artwork and sacred sites that echo generations of Dreamtime beliefs, locations that carry thousands of years of spiritual wonder.

Baiame Cave, NSW

The Hunter Valley’s Baiame Cave features a depiction of a large male figure which represents the most important figure in local Aboriginal beliefs. Baiame, the creator god and sky father in Dreaming of several Aboriginal peoples of south-eastern Australia, stands with his arms outstretched, looking out over the area of the Wonnarua people. It’s a rare example of this kind of pigment artwork in the wider region, linking the cave to traditional creation narratives. Remarkably, though a little faded, the cave paintings are believed to be in original condition. The land on which the cave is situated is now privately owned, however visitors are able to view the paintings from a small viewing platform at the entry to the cave.

Burrup Peninsula, WA

Murujuga, otherwise known as the Burrup Peninsula, is home to the world’s largest collection of ancient rock carvings, or petroglyphs. There are more than a million catalogued examples of the rock art in the area, produced by the Jaburara people. It’s believed that as much as 24 per cent of the rock art has been destroyed by industrial development since the mid-60s, although the figures vary dramatically depending on who you ask. The imagery dates back tens of thousands of years, depicting local people’s hunter gatherer lifestyle, including a number of images showing the now extinct Tasmanian Tiger.

Grampians, VIC

Victoria’s Grampians Mountain range rises dramatically over the surrounding plains. The Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali Aboriginal people were drawn to the area, which is known to Indigenous Australians as Gariwerd, for its abundant shelter, food and water. The sandstone caves and escarpments house an astonishing 90 per cent of Victoria’s known rock art, some of which describes the significance of the land in the Dreaming and its creation by the great ancestor spirit Bunjil. Throughout the area there are numerous residential and sacred sites, some documented, others not. Be careful not to disturb any significant sites and always show respect to sacred land.

Willandra Lakes, NSW

Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Willandra Lakes region holds immense significance for both its cultural and natural history. Its unusual geological features show the remains of a fossilised lake system, dating back millions of years, while evidence shows of human occupation in the area going back almost 60,000 years. Fireplaces, tools and animal bones have given researchers a rare insight into the cultural evolution of Australia's indigenous people, with the world's oldest ritual cremation site being one of the major discoveries. For thousands of years the region acted as a meeting place for the Nyiampaar, Muthi Muthi and Barkindji people, and continues to hold great significance to this day.

Ban Ban Springs, Qld

More than just a valuable water source to the Wakka Wakka people, this sacred site is also a significant location to the Dreaming. It’s believed to be the spot where the Rainbow Serpent first appeared, speaking to local elders and giving them instruction on the uses of the sacred water. Unlike many sacred sites which hold ritual significance to either male or female, Ban Ban Springs is important for male, female and combined purposes.

Small town spectacles

So many of Australia’s small towns and regional centres have their own quirky cultural celebrations that you’d be remiss not to consider scheduling in a few back-road festivities along your journeys. There are hundreds of events around the country each year that celebrate the delights of country life, with strange traditions, local character and endless creativity; here’s a small sampler of what our wonderful country has to offer.

Nati Frinj Biennale, Natimuk VIC

Natimuk is a small town populated by around 500 people, surrounded by the vast emptiness of Victoria’s Wimmera Region. The nearby rock-climbing mecca of Mount Arapiles has drawn an eclectic mix of residents over the years, which has resulted in a community of farmers, artists, nomadic climbers and retirees. Once every two years the community lets loose the true colours of its eccentricity by staging their very own fringe festival. Check out the popular Mardi Gras Parade known as the Hay and Thespian Parade, view and crochet art show that pays tribute to the nether regions of celebrities (aka The Clitterati), watch the spectacular aerial show that lights up the silos with projections and acrobatics, take part in workshops, dance, drink, eat – you’re not short of options. Start making plans for the next Nati Frinj Biennale.

Bloom Festival, WA

The Bloom Festival is spread out over 19 towns in southern WA, which makes it an excellent touring itinerary for any horticulturally inclined travellers. The festival is an initiative of Great Southern Treasures, who showcase regional destinations with a focus on the things that make them special. Visitors can see impressive wildflower displays, take a guided orchid tour, join in on a workshop, sample local fare and discover arts and crafts from the region. Not surprisingly, the festival takes place in spring each year, and more information about upcoming events can be found here.

Cardwell UFO Festival, Qld

Encounter an astronomical spectacular at the annual Cardwell UFO Festival. Each year a fleet of believers touch down in the beach-side town to celebrate all things extra-terrestrial with a weekend of wacky and wonderful activities. All are welcome to enjoy markets, scavenger hunts, food, music, costume competitions, parties and much more. Or, if you're down to dig a little deeper into the unexplained, you can check out the UFO forums and discussion events that feature some of Australia's premier voices on all things unknown. And who know, you may come away with stories your friends just won't believe. Head over to the festival website to find out more.

Broken Heel Festival, Broken Hill, NSW

The Australian outback knows nothing more glamorous than the annual Broken Heel Festival in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Three days of drag, music, performance, food, cocktails, comedy and cabaret, all put together in honour of the cult classic film Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Everyone’s welcome to take part in the fabulous festivities and celebrate Australia’s diverse community. This festival of ‘desert, disco and divas’ it’s a must for anyone with a risqué appetite for fun. Dust off the feather boa and get your tickets now.

Chocolate Winterfest, Latrobe, Tas

Australia’s southernmost state embraces cold weather indulgence each winter to snuggle up with the Chocolate Winterfest, Latrobe. The thought of being all rugged up on a chilly afternoon with a mug of hot chocolate is a classically comforting image, and it’s that feeling which lies at the heart of the festival. There are more cocoa-centric activities on offer than you could poke a Twix at, including chocolate sculpting, chocolate-inspired fashion, Smarties mosaics, a chocolate appreciation master class and even chocolate-themed poetry. For those who’d rather explore Australia’s desserts than Australia’s deserts, this is the event for you. Head to the festival website for all the details on the event, which takes place annually on the second Sunday of August.

Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, SA

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, one of Australia’s longest running food and wine festivals is worth adding to the itinerary. Each May the region shines a spotlight on its award-winning wineries and renowned local food, with more than 40 wineries putting on their own special events to fill the resplendent region’s event calendar. Visitors can indulge in the consumption of food and wine, take part in cooking demonstrations and winery tours and learn all about what it is that makes the Clare Valley such a world-class gourmet destination. Start planning your weekend of decadence now.

Beanie Festival Alice Springs, NT

The Alice Springs Beanie Festival celebrates the culture, creativity and community of Aboriginal women in remote communities. Exhibitions showcase the creations of artists from surrounding areas with the goal of developing artistic and entrepreneurial skills, giving visitors the opportunity to walk away with a one-off piece of wearable art. There are also workshops and demonstrations of indigenous spinning and basketry techniques, which help to pass on important cultural knowledge and crafts. Learn more about the non-profit event and the story behind its inception here.