8 family-friendly Indigenous experiences in Canberra

Join a Murumbung Aboriginal Ranger as they guide you on a walk through one of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve’s cultural sites, where they'll share their knowledge of the rich history of the Ngunnawal people's continuous connection to Tidbinbilla, a 45-minute drive South-West of Canberra. Archaeological excavation and carbon dating sites in Tidbinbilla and Namadgi National Park confirm the Aboriginal presence in the Australian Capital Territory region 25,000 years ago. You'll hear about traditional sustainable land management practices, such as cultural burning, and learn about the local native plants used for foods, medicines and toolmaking.

If you’re keen to see Aboriginal rock art, the Canberra region has some easily accessible options. Dhawura Tours takes you to sites of cultural significance, including places where you can see grinding grooves, a canoe tree and a shield tree. Experiences range from two-hour to full-day tours, including a swim at Flea Creek in Namadgi National Park. They also offer the chance to learn how to speak the Ngunawal language, participate in a traditional weaving workshop or join a bush tucker cooking class. Some tours are only suitable for children 12 and older.

Take a self-guided walking tour along the pathway that tells the story of progress towards becoming a reconciled nation, with thought-provoking artwork along the way. Originally known as ‘Reconciliation Square’, the project was announced by then-Prime Minister John Howard in 2000 as a symbol of the Government's commitment to the ongoing reconciliation process. It was built in the National Triangle, at the junction of Walter Burley Griffin's Land Axis and the pedestrian cross-axes between the National Library of Australia to the west and the High Court of Australia to the east. The location places the reconciliation process physically and symbolically at the heart of Australian democratic and cultural life. The 1.1-kilometre tour takes around one hour to complete.

Hear the stories of our Indigenous parliamentarians, explore the site history of Parliament House, gain insights into how Australia's First Peoples are participating in the nation's democratic processes, and see significant artworks from the Parliament House Art Collection by celebrated Indigenous artists. The tour includes the Great Hall Tapestry, The Great Hall Embroidery, The Barunga Statement, The Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples, The Yirrkala Bark Petitions, recent portraiture commissions, and significant pieces from Indigenous artists from the Parliament House Art Collection. The free 50-minute tour runs daily at 12.45 pm. Bookings are essential.