Must-do Indigenous experiences in and around Brisbane

Destinations like Cairns and Cape York might be synonymous with Indigenous experiences in Queensland, but you don’t need to put over 1700km between you and the south-east corner to find an authentic experience with the oldest living cultures on earth.

South-east Queensland is home to a rich Indigenous history of its own, and its master storytellers are ready to host you through a range of immersive experiences that bring the culture to life in a way no history book or museum display ever could.

Whether you’re wanting to delve deeper into the history of the First Nations people, meet Indigenous artists or use your tastebuds to discover this ancient culture, you’ll find these must-do Indigenous experiences within 100km of Brisbane.

Birrunga Gallery & Dining

If you’re looking to explore Indigenous culture through both its art and cuisine, you’ll want to make a detour between Queen Street and Eagle Street to see Birrunga Gallery & Dining, the only Indigenous-owned and operated venue within Brisbane’s CBD.

The gallery located at basement level displays original artworks by First Nations people, with an exhibition and event schedule that keeps this space constantly evolving.

The principles of the gallery are simple – to promote and advocate for the artists who might not otherwise have the opportunity to display their works, but for Birrunga Gallery & Dining.

Adding to its immersive experience, you can dine at the onsite café, which features native bush tucker ingredients and Australian proteins like kangaroo and crocodile across the menu.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary 

The Gold Coast’s most popular tourist attraction, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, might be best known for its wallabies, koalas and rainbow lorikeets, but there are more reasons to spend the day at this icon on the southern Gold Coast.

The Aboriginal Culture Show was one of the city’s best-kept secrets, until the man who leads it, Luther Cora, showed the world what he’s been doing at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for 20 years during his performance at the 2018 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

Join him and the local Yugambeh people who celebrate the first people of the Gold Coast through local language, dance and stories at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s daily Aboriginal Culture Show.

Ticking off all the shows at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary already requires a full day of exploration, but you’ll want to feed the lorikeets early so your afternoon is clear to enjoy this celebration of Indigenous culture every day at 3.15pm.

Yura Tours

Leave the mainland for Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), a ferry ride away from Brisbane, and learn about the local indigenous culture and history with Yura Tours. A 100% Aboriginal owned and run business, Elisha and her family share their love for the island across a three-hour adventure. Experience a moving Welcome to Country at Bummiera (Brown Lake), visit local makers and art galleries, learn more about sacred sites around the island,  and take away a deeper understanding about the Quandamooka people’s customs, food and creation stories.

Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Beside the beaches of Burleigh, there is a cultural experience that will make the history books you’re used to seem modern: Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Wearing the title of the Gold Coast’s only dedicated cultural centre, Jellurgal is run for and by the local Indigenous community.

Its signature tour, Jellurgal Walkabout, covers Burleigh headland over approximately two hours on foot, following coastline from Tallebudgera Creek around to Burleigh Point.

You’ll see this surf-haven in new light as you hear the story of “Dreaming Mountain” AKA Jellurgal and uncover its symbolic meaning as a feasting ground for Indigenous travellers through the region.

BlackCard Cultural Tours

Explore Meeanjin (Brisbane City) on foot with BlackCard Cultural Tours, who will take you back in time as you follow the footsteps of Brisbane’s first people.

Their three walking tours aim to change the way people see the CBD, with routes covering the city itself, Kurilpa and Parklands across 90-minute and three-hour formats.

If you’re familiar with Brisbane, chances are you’ve been walking past artworks by Albert Namatjira, Lilla Watson, Tony Albert, Fiona Foley, Judy Watson and Clifford Possum to name a few along with spiritual sites, you probably didn’t even know existed.

Running daily, you’re guaranteed to see a new side of the city with BlackCard Cultural Tours whether that be the history, culture, flora and fauna or public art works that reflect Brisbane’s rich indigenous culture.

Nyanda Cultural Tours

Just fifteen minutes from the city, you’ll find Nyanda Cultural Tours in the north Brisbane suburb of Nudgee.

You’ll need to book in advance for this cultural experience which primarily caters to groups whether that be schools, conference or corporates but does private tours on appointment.

The immersive 1.5-hour tour, close to Brisbane Airport, includes a smoking ceremony, fire making, bush tucker and bush medicine lesson, so you’re guaranteed to leave with a few new Yagara words as your souvenir from this experience.

For those who prefer to engage with history rather than hear it, you’ll have the opportunity to turn your hand at boomerang and spear throwing and native bush food tasting at this Indigenous experience.

Yarriba Dreaming  

Head out to the lush surrounds of the Scenic Rim (1.5 hours drive from Brisbane’s CBD) to experience cultural immersion while deep in nature with Yarriba Dreaming: a three-day journey led by the Mount Barney Lodge and local Indigenous guides through the foothills and forest of rugged Mount Barney, the second highest peak in South East Queensland.

Learn traditional ways of living, share stories, walk through Country and camp among the bush - a unique way to consider your own place in nature while connecting with our oldest cultures.