Indigenous Australian culture
Photo: Sardaka, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Many travellers to Australia are interested in the culture of Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
Indigenous Australians practise the oldest continuing human culture in the world.
Before the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, more than 250 Indigenous language groups existed in Australia, with some of the languages still being spoken today. Unfortunately many have been lost, though they are being revived.
UnderstandAustralia had been home to many indigenous ethnic groups prior to the arrival of the British.
DestinationsThere are a large range of places all around Australia that have sites that reflect the full array of the indigenous experience of the last two hundred years.
TalkLike other Australians, the vast majority of Indigenous Australians are fluent in English.
Do
LearnIn all of the capital cities and towns with significant Aboriginal populations (such as Cairns and Alice Springs), there are plenty of workshops and lessons where you can immerse yourself in indigenous culture.
BuyAboriginal arts and crafts are among the most sought-after souvenirs when overseas tourists visit Australia.
EatThe food and cuisine of Aboriginal Australians, and for that matter any dish made from native Australian ingredients is known as bush tucker.
RespectThe best way for a traveller to contribute to the well being and dignity of the people is to support indigenous-run tourism and cultural ventures and to treat individual indigenous people with respect.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Indigenous Australian culture" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Sardaka, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons