Aboriginal Culture in Outback NSW

Explore the fascinating history, culture and identity of the oldest living culture in the world. In the spectacular setting of Outback NSW, learn about the indigenous connection to their traditional lands and waters, from fascinating guided tours in national parks to ancient Aboriginal rock art and contemporary art galleries.

Stones in the Barwon River that form the ancient Aboriginal Brewarrina Fish Traps

Brewarrina

Discover ancient Aboriginal fishing techniques in Brewarrina, and take a guided tour of the extraordinary, heritage-listed Aboriginal Fish Traps. Estimated at over 30,000 years old, they’re one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. Combine with a visit to the fascinating Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum.

Spectacular outback landscapes showcasing the Walls of China in the World Heritage Mungo National Park

Mungo National Park

The spectacular Mungo National Park holds great significance for the local Aboriginal people. It was here that the remains of Mungo Woman and Mungo Man were found, thought to be from the oldest known ritual cremation in the world at over 40,000 years old.

The wider Willandra Lakes Region is a World Heritage area, full of stunning moon-like landscapes and dried salt-water lake beds, including the stunning Walls of China. Take a tour with an Aboriginal Discovery guide and learn about the cultural history of the area and the traditional owners.

Artwork - S Smith at Bourke Aboriginal Art Gallery in Bourke, Outback NSW

Aboriginal art

See a collection of contemporary works by leading Aboriginal artists such as Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Emily Kame Kngwarre and Michael Nelson Tjackamarra at Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery. Established in 1904 in the heritage-listed Sully Emporium, it’s the oldest regional gallery in NSW.

Take an unforgettable Outback tour with Tri State Safaris, and visit a privately-owned sheep station with one of Australia’s most extensive groupings of Panaramitee rock engravings. There are over 18,000 recorded motifs, some of which date back over 10,000 years.

Mutawintji National Park tour guide Keanu Bates showing visitors Aboriginal rock art at Mutawintji Historic Site

Mutawintji National Park

North east of Broken Hill is Mutawintji National Park, a ruggedly beautiful landscape and one of Australia’s most sacred Aboriginal Historic Sites. Join an authentic cultural guided tour with local indigenous guides, listen to traditional Dreaming Stories and see superb ochre hand stencils and rock engravings.

Aboriginal rock art located at Gundabooka National Park in Gunderbooka, Outback NSW

Bourke & Gundabooka National Park

Explore the Mulgowan (Yappa) Aboriginal Art site walking track in Gundabooka National Park and see rock art in pristine bushland. Or take a tour with Cultural Walks, and enjoy a guided walk along the Darling River bank, learning the real history of Aboriginal people in Bourke.

Aboriginal Culture Highlights