October 3rd, 2009
Experiencing Aboriginal Australia
As part of your trip to Australia, you must make sure you experience some Aboriginal Culture
Before the British and European settlers arrived to Australia, the only inhabiters were Aboriginal. The word Aboriginal or Aborigine means Indigenous to Australia.
Believe it or not, there were more than 300,000 Aboriginals in Australia before the European Settlement. With settlement, brought Old World diseases which the Aborigines could not cope with so many died. To make matters worse, they weren’t awarded any rights to the land so they were pushed out to make way for the Europeans.
Nowadays, Aborigines account for just 3% of the Australian population and many suffer from alcohol and poor health problems. But there are pockets within Australia where you can still see their old values and traditions which are very interesting indeed. There are certain places, such as Ayers Rock, that are very sacred to the Aboriginal community. These are key places to learn more about Aboriginal culture and beliefs.
Aboriginal Culture is complex with many beliefs and hidden layers to explore. Music and Art are however the most well known aspects. Did you know that the Didgeridoo is only used by those from the East? It is the clapping sticks which are more widely used by the Aboriginals.
For the oldest Aboriginal Art, you need to find Rock Art. They are common is sacred Aboriginal areas such as Kakadu National Park and Ayers Rock. Probably the most popular souvenir for tourists are their dot paintings. They can be found throughout Australia in art galleries and tourist malls.
Where To Experience Aboriginal Australia
There are plenty of places to experience Aboriginal Culture but which are the best? There isn’t room in this article to tell you about all of them but a firm favourite is Arnhem Land This is one of the only places left where Aboriginals still live and breathe the old traditions. The numbers of tourists allowed to this area is heavily restricted. This means you are guaranteed a much more authentic experience. Not only will you see the ladies dot painting and making small crafts, you also get an overall appreciation and understanding of these great people. It’s easy to add on a day trip to Arnhem Land from either Darwin or Kakadu National Park.
If you’d rather experience Aboriginal Culture as part of your trip to Sydney then I can recommend two great tours. The first is The Blue Mountains Walkabout Tour and the second is The Rocks Half Day Dreaming Tour. They are both excellent but the second is taken by an Aboriginal Elder who is very knowledgeable.
A trip to Australia just isn’t complete without an understanding of this spiritual race.