Natasha Dragun explores “Indigenous tourism in Australia: Why First Nations experiences are redefining travel” for The Nightly.
This article highlights how First Nations experiences are increasingly the heartbeat of what many travellers seek: immersive, meaningful connections with living culture, custodianship, land and story. Rather than superficial or token gestures, the emerging model places First Nations people at the centre — leading experiences, benefiting economically and socially, and using tourism as a vehicle for sustaining culture, environment, and community. The article gives examples from the Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective such as restoring ancient knowledge in food, art and performance, and highlights how land agreements and Indigenous governance are reshaping how travel works.
El Questro Homestead in Western Australia’s Kimberley is spotlighted: after a 2022 Indigenous Land Use Agreement that returned 165,000 hectares to the Wilinggin people, the Homestead remains a luxury tourism property under a 99‐year leaseback. What distinguishes it now is that guests can participate in Injiid Marlabu Calls Us, an experience led by traditional owners that blends storytelling, connection with country and visitor in profound, culturally grounded ways.
In the Daintree / Kaba Kada of Queensland — the world’s oldest living rainforest — Silky Oaks Lodge works with Walkabout Cultural Adventures to introduce travellers to Kuku Yalanji perspectives of reef and forest before bedding down in style among ancient, sky-scraping trees along Mossman Gorge.
To read the full article, click here.
To view First Nations experiences at the lodges, click here.
For more details, view the lodge website or contact the lodge directly below.
