Make a new connection to Australia’s ancient Aboriginal culture in Outback New South Wales. From walking in the footsteps of the first Australians to admiring Aboriginal art in galleries both modern and ancient, discover plenty of places to soak up Aboriginal history and culture on a thrilling adventure across the state.

See ancient Aboriginal fish traps at Brewarrina

Marvel at one of the oldest man-made structures on the planet in Brewarrina, almost 100km east of Bourke in northwest NSW. Known locally as Baiame’s Ngunnhu, the National Heritage-listed network of stone walls and holding ponds located on a bend in the Barwon River are estimated to be at least 40,000 years old. Take a 45-minute tour with an Aboriginal guide from the Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum to appreciate the ingenious design of the ancient fish traps. This was sustainable fishing at its finest, with no more than about 30 per cent of the spawning golden perch and Murray cod caught each season. Head up to the museum to discover how the river banks were a meeting place for 10 Aboriginal groups to trade, share traditions and conduct ceremonies.

Hear the real story of Mungo National Park

Step into one of the world’s most culturally significant landscapes at Mungo National Park, part of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area 1,000km west of Sydney. Seize the opportunity to explore the national park’s famous Walls of China on a walk guided by a NPWS Aboriginal ranger. Learn how these compacted sand and clay formations are rich time capsules, gradually releasing historical treasures such as megafauna skeletons and remnants of ancient kitchen fires. Gather at Mungo Meeting Place to hear Dreaming stories from three intersecting tribal groups: the Paakantyi/Barkindji, Ngiyampaa and Mutthi Mutthi. And learn about eye-opening finds across the area, such as 20,000-year-old fossilised human footprints found on a clay pan, which scientists believe belonged to hunters stalking their prey.

Be prepared for visiting remote outback NSW national parks, including Mungo, by checking the latest updates from the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service before you set off.

Browse and buy Aboriginal art

Admire the passion and creativity of Aboriginal artists in the state’s northwest at Moree’s Yaama Ganu gallery. This social enterprise showcases contemporary consignments of artworks from both local Kamilaroi Nation and Aboriginal-managed art centres in Central Australia, with proceeds going straight to the artists. Then indulge in sweet and savoury treats from on-site Café Gali, prepared by some of Moree’s hottest young culinary talents.

Make another inspiring stop at the Bourke Aboriginal Art Gallery in central Bourke, which showcases a wide range of Aboriginal paintings and carvings created in the Bourke area. And get the ultimate dose of Aboriginal art in Broken Hill, the unofficial capital of Outback NSW. Take your time exploring the Broken Hill City Art Gallery, which hosts notable touring exhibitions but also boasts an impressive permanent collection, featuring works from Central Desert masters such as Emily Kame Kngwarreye and Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri. Don’t miss the collection of prints and sculptures from local artist and Barkindji Elder Badger (William Brian) Bates, including the giant Ngatyi (Rainbow Serpent) sculpted from a single piece of river red gum.

Gaze at spectacular rock art

Lace up your boots for a short but memorable bushwalk northwest of Cobar, in the heart of Outback NSW, to the Mount Grenfell Historic Site, a dense collection of human and animal figures and hand stencils painted in rich red, yellow and ochre pigments. Be awed by the three ancient galleries in the Mount Grenfell overhangs, near a waterhole of great significance to its Ngiyampaa Traditional Custodians.

Sense the cultural significance of the Pilliga Nature Reserve, 170km north of Dubbo, as you walk in the footsteps of the Gamilaraay people on the Sandstone Caves walking track, known for its ancient rock engravings. Complement your experience with a visit to Timmallallie National Park, 40km west, where the Sculptures in the Scrub Walking Track features artist–Elder collaborations that tell stories of local Aboriginal history and culture.

Seek out more al fresco art south of Bourke on a walk through serene bushland in Gundabooka National Park to the Yapa (Mulgowan) Aboriginal art site, a ceremonial area for the Ngemba and Paakandji peoples. Gaze in awe at paintings of emus and dancers and hand stencils under the shady sacred rock face.

Embrace the ease of accessing a highlight of Mutawintji National Park, around two hours’ drive northeast of Broken Hill, via the wheelchair-accessible Thaaklatjika Mingkana Walking Track. It leads to Thaaklatjika (Wright’s Cave), where you’ll see engravings, stencils and animal paintings significant to the Malyankapa and Pandjikali peoples. Learn more about the history, culture, flora and fauna of this ruggedly beautiful landscape on an exhilarating tour with Mutawintji Heritage Tours, whose passionate and experienced guides know this Country (traditional lands) inside out. You can also arrange thematic workshops focusing on bush tucker discovery, Aboriginal arts, bird-watching, Aboriginal astronomy and more.

Take part in an Aboriginal festival

Immerse in Outback NSW Aboriginal culture in a new way at the two-day Mutawintji Cultural Festival, held in August in Mutawintji National Park. Get to know the local community and hear stories of their land and people as you enjoy traditional dance and Wiimpatja music, hand-on workshops, guided tours and more, with tickets including camping, cultural tours and activities. Visiting dance groups from around Australia also perform traditional dances from their group’s homelands, offering a rich taste of First Nations cultures at this alcohol-free event.

Participate in a new Aboriginal experience in the Menindee Lakes region

Gain a fascinating glimpse into Barkindji occupation, cultural heritage, sustainability, and medicinal and food plants surrounding the Menindee Lakes (Wontanella) and Darling River (Baaka) region of far western NSW — also known as the last stop for ill-fated colonial explorers Burke and Wills. While local Aboriginal-owned tour company Wontanella may still be young, having launched in 2023, its enthusiastic guides have more than 45,000 years of history and culture to share with you on a range of tours and experiences, including the delicious Taste the Baaka Aboriginal gourmet dining experience.