Aboriginal Life and Culture

In Western Australia, indigenous experiences of Aboriginal life and culture are generally associated with the Outback regions. It comes as some surprise to visitors that they can in fact experience Aboriginal life and culture right in the capital city of Perth and its nearer environs,

A number of local Aboriginal-owned and Aboriginal-operated tourism businesses now make it easier for locals and visitors alike to participate in their unique indigenous experiences through Aboriginal arts and crafts and a range of Aboriginal tours on offer.

Metropolitan Perth

In the metropolitan Perth area, for instance, Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery offers an insight into the wealth of Aboriginal culture through paintings and hand-painted objects such as glassware and the more traditional items of boomerang, didgeridoo and clapping stick.

In Fremantle, more like a suburb of the sprawling Western Australia capital than a separate city, the Fremantle Aboriginal Heritage Walking Tour walks you through the mists of Aboriginal history along Fremantle landmarks that still exist today.

North and south of Perth

An hour north of Perth, Yanchep national park provides actual experiences of Aboriginal life and culture where you can Share the Dreaming in an Aboriginal village and become part of a didgeridoo and dance celebrateion. These experiences of Aboriginal life and culture re-echo south of Perth in Kwillana Dreaming whose river and bush tucker tours observe native wildlife, sample indigenous tucker, demonstrate boomerang and spear throwing and look at the environment from an Aboriginal perspective.

Cruising the Swan River

With the help of Aboriginal guides, Captain Cook Cruises offers a Swan River trip and guided walk through native bushland. These cruises are designed to give an insight into the richness of Aboriginal, its ancient heritage and knowledge of local legend, flora and fauna.

More information at the Captain Cook Cruises website.

• Aboriginal Life and Culture: Indigenous Experiences in Perth
• Fremantle Aboriginal Heritage Walking Tour
• Kwillana Dreaming: Aboriginal Culture Tours
• Maalinup: Perth Aboriginal Gallery
• Share the Dreaming at Yanchep National Park