A new partnership between the Australian government and First Nations tourism representatives will benefit Aboriginal-owned businesses and visitors alike.
Cultural experiences are often a top priority for visitors travelling to and around Australia. And with over 250 Indigenous Nations within the country, there’s an incredible diversity and richness of Aboriginal culture to learn about and experience first-hand. Now, a new First Nations tourism partnership is set to champion Aboriginal tour operators and open doors for visitors to connect with Indigenous culture.
What is the First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership?
The First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership is a collaboration between the Australian government and First Nations tourism representatives from every state. The partnership sees the establishment of an independent First Nations tourism body to provide leadership and guidance on Aboriginal tourism offerings.
When leading tours, Victor Cooper draws on his 25-plus-year tenure as one of Kakadu’s original park rangers. (Image: Tourism NT/Ayal Aboriginal Tours)
“The partnership is about working collaboratively to provide a unique, potentially life-changing experience for travellers that they’ll remember forever," says Paul Ah Chee, a Yankunytatjara, Wankangurru and Arrernte man and director of NT Major Events. The partnership will focus on developing and promoting First Nations tourism products across Australia. “It will build on entities that already exist, providing more opportunities and support for First Nations tourism operators," says Paul.
Indigenous tourism is a strong part of the tourism economy, and demand for it is only growing. In fact, the Indigenous tourism sector is projected to contribute $67BN USD to the global economy by 2034, according to The World Travel & Tourism Council. The goal of the partnership is to distribute this demand across Australia, enriching communities and offering visitors a more diverse range of cultural experiences.
Guide Rosanna Angus of Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours won Top Tour Guide in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards 2023. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
“[The tourism offerings] can be broadened out, says Paul. “In the NT, we’ve got a really functional Aboriginal tourism committee. Other states and territories are in a bit more of an infancy stage [in terms of the structures to support First Nations operators]. So the partnership can really provide broader and higher level advocacy for Aboriginal tourism on a national scale".
Some examples of Aboriginal tours to have on your radar include: an art walk on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island with Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins ; a tour of Garbalgu billabong in the NT with former Kakadu park ranger Victor Cooper of Ayal Aboriginal Tours ; and a tour of WA’s Oolin Sunday Island with Rosanna Angus, winner of the Top Tour Guide in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards 2023.
Artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins showcases artwork at her shop. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
“We want visitors to not just stay in the capital cities, but spread out around Australia. That’s why we need to develop a lot more Aboriginal and First Nations products in remote and regional Australia," Paul says. “We have the ingredients for a fantastic tourism experience, that only we can deliver as First Nations people".
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.
As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.
Slip, slop, slap.
And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.
Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.
1. Underwater worlds
Get a chance to swim with the locals.
There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.
Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.
Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.
2. Farm-to-table dining
Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)
Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.
The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection, is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.
Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.
3. Water wellness
Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)
You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.
4. Restorative seaside stays
Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.
The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.
While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.
5. Tasty drops
Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)
The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.
6. Rail trail adventures
Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.
Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.
7. Linger longer
Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.
Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.
Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.
