The Originals: The living history and Aboriginal culture in Western Australia
Take a lesson in living history and learn more about the Aboriginal culture in Western Australia.
When it comes to experiences, Western Australia (WA) has it all: natural sights, bright city lights, and a taste for adventure. It can also be an educational experience if you immerse yourself in the history and culture of the WA Aboriginal people. Travel is, after all, part of gathering worldly knowledge—so why not go on an enriching journey to uncover the world’s oldest living culture in WA? Here are three excellent ways to learn more about them.
GO ON AN ABORIGINAL-LED TOUR
Who better to educate you on the Aboriginal culture than one of the indigenous people? Aboriginal-led tours are not difficultto come by and are one of the best ways to learn more abou their history through their eyes. Aboriginal people practice oral traditions, meaning that their culture and history are passed down through stories and language from generation to generation. Hear all about their Dreamtime stories—unique stories and beliefs of different Aboriginal groups—in the outback as you walk the paths the ancient people used on their nomadic routes.
These Aboriginal-led tours will also bring you on a journey to discover ancient rock art and paintings and forage for native plants to concoct natural medicine. You’ll learn all the wisdom passed down for generations, keeping the ancient culture alive. To ensure that you’re getting the most of these tours, sign up with a company owned and operated by the Aboriginal people, such as Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences Warrang-Bridil, and the Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tour.
STAY WITH THE ORIGINAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND
What better way to connect to the ancient land than by staying the night with the original custodians? There’s nothing quite like having a meal, sitting under the stars by the fire, listening to Dreamtime stories, and experiencing the local way of life. Many accommodations are available, from roughing it out at the camps to a luxurious glamping experience. Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat is one of the more upscale accommodations on the heritage-listed Dampier Peninsula in WA. Enjoy ocean views from your room and head out to the private beach for a swim. Within the accommodation are two eco tents, a two-bedroom chalet, and an open-plan sleeping accommodation, all of which fits 24 guests at a time for privacy.
Karijini Eco Retreat is another accommodation on native land that is perfect for you to experience Aboriginal culture comfortably. Located in the Savannah Campground within the Karijini National Park, this is the most upscale accommodation in the area, offering deluxe furnished eco tents with en suite bathrooms. Within the grounds is also an alfresco restaurant open all day for delicious bites featuring quality local ingredients. Make this your haven to retreat for the day after an adventurous day out, exploring the national park and witnessing the Aboriginal l Karijini Eco Retreat and firsthand.
VIEW ANCIENT ABORIGINAL ART AT NATIVE GALLERIES
There’s something truly spectacular about viewing the roots of the land’s people eternalised in the grand museum of arts—and when it comes to Aboriginal art, there are plenty of ways to appreciate it. Within the city is the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) in Perth, showcasing amazing art depicting the stories and history of the indigenous people. The rooftop section, particularly the 34-metre Aboriginal art, is a star piece.
Also in Perth is the WA Museum Boola Bardip, which translates to “many stories” in the traditional Nyoongar (one of the Aboriginal people of WA) language. Old and new come together in this museum to depict the ancient history of the Aboriginal people through stateof- the-art technology and interactive exhibitions. Sticking to the oral tradition of passing down stories, the museum practices a “people-first” approach by putting the perspectives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their exhibitions.
While civilisation may continue to evolve and the world is eventually taken over by technology, it’s crucial to keep ancient cultures alive, so we never forget our roots in humanity. Learning and spreading knowledge help keep this ancient culture alive in our world—and you are part of the process.
