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Best Gold Coast Indigenous experiences

The storytelling of the First Nations peoples of Australia casts back tens of thousands of years. Interweave some of Queensland’s most ancient cultures in your own family story. The best way to experience local tradition is through Indigenous-led tours and performances, so check out these Gold Coast Indigenous experiences for your family.

The Yugambeh dancers share their stories on the Gold Coast. Credit: Chris Proud

Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Escape the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast and immerse yourself in the culture of the region’s first inhabitants at the magical mountain, Jellurgal. Embark on a journey of discovery of Aboriginal culture with a guided walk along a picturesque beachside rainforest walkway in Burleigh Heads National Park. Learn about the Aboriginal history and culture of the Gold Coast, meet a traditional landowner and hear the dreamtime stories associated with the creation of Jellurgal. Hear about traditional life pre-contact, bush tucker, fishing, hunting and important ecological practices.

Follow the family Oceanview Track in North Burleigh. Credit: Supplied.

Spirits of the Red Sand

Spirits of the Red Sand is an award-winning authentic Aboriginal storytelling experience that takes you beyond Dreamtime to 1800s Australia when the British and Aboriginal ways of life collide.  A first of a kind experience on the Gold Coast, Spirits of the Red Sand is a true cultural awakening that will open your eyes to the history, beauty and vibrancy of the Aboriginal people. 

Spirits of the Red Sand is a wonderful way to learn by seeing and interacting. Credit: Supplied.

Spirits of the Red Sand also offers groups a daytime interactive Welcome to Country experience which includes fire lighting, smoking ceremony, bush tucker tastings and boomerang painting. 

Dreamworld Corroboree

Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritages, cultures, wildlife and stories at Dreamworld Corroboree. Learn the ancient craft of fire making, face painting, weapon shaping, and music, and get up close to our native koalas, kangaroos and crocodiles. Corroboree is a unique place to explore and an appreciation for our land, ancestors, people and native animals.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary hosts a daily Aboriginal Dance show presented by the traditional Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers. Celebrate the rich Indigenous culture embedded in the Gold Coast region and enjoy a small taste of Yugambeh language, dance and stories.

David Fleay Wildlife Park

Encounter Yugambeh’s dance and song in the wildlife park. Credit: Daniel Foster

Ancient stories come alive in David Fleay Wildlife Park’s open-air amphitheatre under the stars. Discover one of the oldest living cultures in the world together with The Yugambeh Aboriginal dance troupe—as they take you on a mesmerising journey of storytelling, song and dance. 

Join local Indigenous Ranger Clinton on a tour around the park and discover the traditional customs, crafts and stories of the Kombumerri people that live in the area. 

Summer holiday exclusive event: Join Indigenous artist, Arthur, for an hour of fun in an immersive art lesson learning about Indigenous art styles and creating your own masterpiece, inspired by native wildlife.

*Indigenous experiences available during school holiday periods. 

Credit: Daniel Foster

Tropical Fruit World

Tropical Fruit World is a family owned heritage business that seeks to educate share and unlock nature’s secrets with visitors, community and family alike. Join guides for a tour around the farm and learn about the native fruits from our land and their connection to local Indigenous people.

READ MORE:

Top 12 Indigenous Experiences in north Queensland

The best things to do on the Gold Coast with a baby or toddler

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