Sydney isn’t just about what you see on the shiny surface, it’s a city built on stories and traditions that have shaped this land for millennia.
We the found tours and performances that offer more than just a way to spend a few hours but a doorway to understanding and experiencing the connection between the land and its custodians.
1. Summoning the whales
This whale-watching tour turns the ocean into a deep blue canvas for ancient stories. The Aboriginal Whale Watching Experience aboard the Ocean Dreaming II is a 2.5-hour journey guided by an Elder and cultural expert, where you’ll learn about Gurawil the whale and its significant place in Dreaming stories. The experience becomes even more magical as you participate in an ancient whale song ritual of summoning the whales. It’s a tour that connects past and present in a deeply moving way, offering a fresh perspective on Sydney’s coastline.
Where: Departs Darling Harbour
When: During the peak of the northern migration and NAIDOC Week; 8:30am and 1pm.
Price: $109 per person
whalewatchingsydney.com.au
2. The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour
Wander through the historic streets of The Rocks and find yourself transported into the Dreamtime with the Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour. This 90-minute walkabout invites you to explore the saltwater heritage of Sydney Harbour through the eyes of Aboriginal guides. As you get a feel for this storied landscape, you’ll hear how Dreaming stories weave into the city’s modern fabric, creating a bridge between ancient traditions and contemporary life. For example, did you know that anywhere you dig in Sydney you will likely reach sandstone?
The Gadigal people were known as saltwater-sandstone people, so the sandstone was really important to the way of life for Aboriginal people back then; things like carving, grinding food, grinding tools, and ochre came from sandstone. The headland which is now Barangaroo reserve was quarried by convicts for sandstone to build the foundations of Sydney city.
Where: The Rocks
When: Daily departure times: 1.30pm – 3pm (except Christmas Day and Good Friday)
Price: A$99.00 for adults, A$65.00 for children (5-15 years), and A$19.00 for kids (3-5 years). Private group rates are also available.
dreamtimesouthernx.com.au
3. Fine dining at Bush in Redfern
For a taste of Australia that goes beyond the ordinary, visit Bush in Redfern. This restaurant, where native ingredients and innovative cuisine meet, offers a unique dining experience that explores Australia’s rich culinary heritage. Chef-owner Grant Lawn’s menu features wild Angasi oysters, mussels in saltbush, red pepper roo tail and Rosella and green ant pavlova. The ambiance, adorned with stuffed marsupial toys and native flora, creates a setting that’s both welcoming and distinctly Australian.
Where: 55 George St, Redfern NSW 2016
Contact: 0466 566 534
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday (5pm – 10pm
bush-group.com
4. Bangarra Dance Theatre
Spending any time in Sydney without seeing a performance at the Bangarra Dance Theatre is a mistake. Named after a Wiradjuri word meaning “to make fire,” Bangarra ignites the stage with its powerful contemporary dance. This Sydney-based company brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to tell stories that are both deeply rooted in tradition and relevant to contemporary themes. Their performances are not just entertaining but profound explorations of identity, culture, and connection.
Where: Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000
my.bangarra.com.au
5. Royal Botanic Gardens Aboriginal heritage tour
For a more intimate connection with the land, take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney with their Aboriginal Heritage Tour. This 60-minute journey through the gardens reveals how the Gadigal people interacted with the local flora. As you wander through the verdant spaces, you’ll discover the uses of native plants, from medicinal to culinary. It’s a serene and educational experience that highlights the deep bond between Aboriginal people and their environment, offering a refreshing perspective on how nature and culture are intertwined.
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Price: $30 for adults, $20 for children (7-15 years old), and free for kids under 7 years
botanicgardens.org.au
6. Wyanga Malu half-day tour
The Wyanga Malu Half-Day Sydney Sightseeing Tour offers a heartfelt exploration of Aboriginal Sydney. This experience starts with a traditional welcome to country and continues with a scenic drive over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, followed by visits to significant Aboriginal rock engravings and boundary sites. You’ll be introduced to how traditional knowledge intersects with modern life, and enjoy a contemporary Aboriginal lunch amidst beautiful views. This tour is a careful mix of cultural education and natural beauty, providing a deep connection to the land and its stories. Definitely one of Sydney’s best indigenous guided tours.
Where: This experience operates at various locations throughout metropolitan Sydney.
Price: $255 per person
wyanga-malu-half-day-sydney-sightseeing-tour
