Travel Information

Indigenous Culture

Experience a culture 40,000 years in the making.
Visitors to Queensland can enjoy learning about the state’s indigenous heritage and culture in a variety of interesting and fun ways. Be entertained at the many festivals, theatres and galleries. Be excited by the fascinating tours and excellent shopping for authentic souvenirs. Be relaxed the most comfortable accommodation and beautiful camping sites in the world.

Learn about "Bush Tucker" and the natural medicines that have supported Indigenous cultures for centuries. Take a trek into an ancient rainforest. Take a canoe ride through a tranquil lagoon or learn to craft spears and catch fish in the traditional way.

Discover the colours of the earth in the traditional rock art sites around Queensland. Preserved for thousands of years, these sites record the stories of the Dreamtime and give visitors a unique insight into the ancient way of life.

Special permission to visit Indigenous sites.
Queensland law protects Indigenous sites and access to many sites is by permit only. Tour operators will have the appropriate permits for the sites they visit. Access to all indigenous sites if managed by the Department of Natural resources and Mines (DNRM) and additional information can be obtained by visiting their website: www.nrm.qld.gov.au

Taking photographs
Visitors should remember that taking photographs may disrupt or interfere with a person’s day to day life and maybe regarded as an indignity. Please show restraint and courtesy when taking photographs and always seek permission. Photographer intending to take for photos for professional use or publication should negotiate with the community council and residents.

Modern Masters of Ancient Crafts
Queensland has many Art Galleries and shops supplying a wide range of locally made Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works of art and souvenirs. Most of the products in the shops are hand made by local communities - guaranteeing that traditional crafts are kept alive and handed down, and that you take home an authentic piece of Queensland’s Indigenous culture. The Galleries are full of an interesting mix of traditional and contemporary Indigenous artworks - created using a variety of mediums.

Recognising authentic Aboriginal artefacts
Discussions with individual artists and retailers about the background stories and legends of the artwork are one way to ensure its authenticity. Original works should feature the artists signature.

Celebrations and festivals
The spirit of Queensland’s Indigenous cultures comes alive through the celebrations and festivals of its people. Special events such as the National Aboriginal and Islander week, the Laura Aboriginal Dance and Cultural festival and the Torres Strait Cultural Festival aim to promote cultural awareness.

Experience the Torres Strait
The Torres Strait Islands are situated between mainland Australia and Papua New Guinea, the Torres Strait Islands are the only part of Australia sharing a border with another country.

Mostly descended from the early pearlers and tribes people off the Prince of Wales Island, the culture is quite distinct from mainland Aboriginal culture. This is most obvious in their music, dance, language and lifestyles.

Thursday Island has all the facilities of a well established community transport networks, banks, satellite television, radio services, general stores, restaurants, churches, etc. It has a variety of accommodations and tours. The rich history of Thursday Island has many a landmark and interesting story. Some of the points of interest on the island are: the Cathedral of All Souls, Green Hill Fort, the Torres Strait Museum, Rosies Shop, Mona’s Bazaar, the cultured pearl operations and the crayfishing industry.