Forge an unforgettable connection to Australia’s Aboriginal culture in Outback New South Wales. From walking with Indigenous rangers to learn the secrets of the deserts to encountering Aboriginal art hanging in galleries and inscribed on ancient rocks, there are plenty of ways to immerse in the oldest continuous living culture on Earth across this iconic region. 

See ancient Aboriginal fish traps at Brewarrina

Marvel at one of the oldest man-made structures on the planet in the town of Brewarrina, almost 100km east of Bourke in northwest NSW. A system of fish traps 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. Gain insights into the ingenious design of the ancient traps on a 45-minute tour with an Aboriginal guide from the Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum. Listen in amazement as you learn 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. Then head up to the museum to discover how the river banks were a meeting place for 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 UNESCO World Heritage-listed Willandra Lakes Region 1,000km west of Sydney. Seize the opportunity to explore the national park’s famous Mungo lunette (Walls of China) on a walk guided by a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Aboriginal ranger. 

Take a closer look at Mungo’s dramatic landscape of compacted sand and clay formations as you learn they are rich time capsules, gradually releasing historical treasures such as megafauna skeletons and remnants of ancient kitchen fires. Fire your imagination as you absorb Dreaming stories from three intersecting language groups: the Paakantyi/Barkindji, Ngiyampaa and Mutthi Mutthi. And develop an understanding of some of the 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

Be inspired by the passion and creativity of Aboriginal artists in the state’s northwest at Moree’s Yaama Ganu gallery. This social enterprise – and Indigenous Art Code member –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. 

As an unexpected coad to your visit to Yaama Ganu, indulge in sweet and savoury treats at the gallery’s Café Gali, prepared by some of Moree’s hottest young culinary talents. You can also take the opportunity while you’re in Moree to join Gomeroi/Guumbraay woman Kerrie Saunders’s scheduled Yinarrma Bush Tucker Tours to taste bush fruits straight from the source, or book ahead to arrange a cultural workshop for a hands-on experience of traditional food practices.

Deepen your understanding of Aboriginal art when you view the wide range of paintings and carvings created in the Bourke area at the Bourke Aboriginal Art Gallery in central Bourke.

Lose yourself in the incredible Aboriginal art on display in Broken Hill, the unofficial capital of Outback NSW. Soak up works from Central Desert masters such as Emily Kame Kngwarreye and Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri at the Broken Hill City Art Gallery, which also hosts notable touring exhibitions. Don’t miss the collection of prints and sculptures from local artist and Barkindji Elder Badger (William Brian) Bates, including the giant Plesiosaur and Ngatyi 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. Look up 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. Follow the track to Thaaklatjika (Wright’s Cave) and take in the intriguing engravings, stencils and animal paintings significant to the Malyankapa and Pandjikali peoples. 

Take part in an Aboriginal festival

Immerse in Outback NSW Aboriginal culture in a unique 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, hands-on workshops, guided tours and more, with packages including camping, cultural tours and activities. Visiting dance groups from around Australia also perform traditional dances from their homelands, offering a rich taste of First Nations cultures at this alcohol-free event.

Share an Aboriginal experience in the Menindee Lakes

Enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the Barkindji peoples’ lives and cultural heritage in the Menindee Lakes (Wontanella) and Darling River (Baaka) region of far western NSW. Walk with local Aboriginal-owned tour company Wontanella’s enthusiastic guides as they share more than 45,000 years of history and culture with you on a range of tours and experiences. You can also dine with Elders as Wontanella’s guides prepare food their ancestors ate during the immersive Taste the Baaka Aboriginal three-course dining experience (note that you’ll need to book ahead and have a party of at least 10 guests).

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