The Dreamtime is Australia’s oldest form of storytelling. It is how Indigenous Australians understood the creation of the world, a sacred oral collection of legends passed down through the ages. Dreamtime continues to be an important part of Aboriginal life. It is a great way for travelers to connect with Australia’s rich heritage through the medium of ancestral storytelling and makes every second of the journey down under feel worthwhile. Here are 4 ways you can engage with this special experience.
• Guided Dreamtime walks in Mossman Gorge: Situated close to Port Douglas and Cairns, Mossman Gorge is an area of stunning natural beauty that has belonged to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people for thousands of years. Your Dreamtime walk will begin with a traditional smoking ceremony. You will then embark on a guided walk through the lush rainforest where you will hear about the local myths and stories while learning about Aboriginal traditions, including bush soaps and ochre painting. Plan a few hours for the whole experience.
• Wukalina walk: This award-winning Aboriginal experience takes place over 4 days and 3 nights and takes you through beautiful bushland and along the coastline of wukalina, also known as Mt William National Park, and larapuna, or Bay of Fires in the Northeast of Tasmania also known as lutruwita in the palawa language. Owned and guided by the local First Nations palawa community, wukalina walk is a meaningful way to learn about local culture and traditions. The walk is peppered with fantastic stories, cultural activities, as well as opportunities to meet community elders.
• The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming tour: This engaging walk with Dreamtime Southern X takes you around Sydney Harbour, where you will learn about the spiritual connection of the Aboriginal community to the local waterways. It is a great opportunity to learn about the history of Dreamtime as well as some of the language thanks to knowledgeable Aboriginal guides. You will also participate in a cultural acknowledgment of Earth Mother using clap sticks.
• Uluru Dreamtime tours: Uluru must be experienced in person to understand the sheer monumentality of this sacred monolith. A Dreamtime tour is a wonderful way to connect with one of the most important sites of Indigenous culture. Dreamtime tours can be booked for a single day or as a multiday experience.
