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".
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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.
From coast to coast and everywhere in between, our collective backyard offers unforgettable nature experiences for every kind of traveller.
Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or prefer to while away the day at the beach, Australia has some of the most incredible landscapes in the world (and some epic Hilton stays to return to after each day of exploring). Slow down, breathe in, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure, and these destinations are perfect for a nature escape.
1. Albany, WA
Climb the Granite Skywalk fora unique nature experience. (Credit: Tourism WA)
Albany, in regional Western Australia, is a paradise for nature lovers, best known for its dramatic, rocky coastline and endless swathes of white-sand beaches. Explore it all from Hilton Garden Inn Albany, with a gorgeous waterfront location and close proximity to some of the most iconic natural landscapes.
Head to Torndirrup National Park, where you can venture out onto a see-through platform to watch the waves batter the shoreline below – if you dare. Further north, marvel at Porongurup National Park’s Castle Rock, an imposing granite range over a million years old that you can scale via the Granite Skywalk.
Between May and December, Albany becomes a whale watchers’ paradise as humpback whales, southern right whales, and even blue whales journey north towards the Kimberley. Pack your binoculars; there’s a good chance you’ll spot them from the shore.
2. Alice Springs, NT
Return from your explorations to enjoy views of the MacDonnell Ranges.
Surrounded by dusty red desert, rolling spinifex dunes, and eerie ghost gums, Alice Springs sits upon a landscape so unique it’s otherworldly. From here, plan a day trip to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, where you can take in the unrivalled majesty of Uluru. While there, check out The Olgas, a cluster of 36 impressive rock formations perfect for hiking. Walking trails offer a mix of easy strolls and trickier hikes that wind through gorges and creek beds.
Other bucket-list-worthy experiences in the area include Stanley Chasm Angkerle Antwatye in the MacDonnell Ranges, best seen at midday for a spectacular view of the sun passing through its crevice, and the rim walk at King’s Canyon, which will leave you feeling breathless as you take in views of the desert from the top of 300m high sandstone walls.
Nestled on the banks of the Todd River with views of the MacDonnell Ranges, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs offers the ideal spot to relax and recharge after a day of adventuring.
3. Busselton, WA
Watch the sunset reflect onto the endless blues at Busselton Jetty. (Credit: Tourism WA)
For a deeply relaxing nature getaway, look no further than Busselton. This charming seaside city is the gateway to the Margaret River Region, where you’ll find no shortage of lush greenery, winding coastlines and unique marine life. Start the day with a stroll and a swim at Busselton or Dunsborough beach, and plan for a sunset walk along the Geographe Bay Foreshore to drink in the changing light. How’s the serenity?
If you’re visiting Busselton in Spring, don’t skip a nature walk through Ambergate Nature Reserve, which is bursting with wildflowers of every colour once the weather begins to warm.
A stay at Hilton Garden Inn Busselton puts the Margaret River region on your doorstep. Sitting on the pristine shores of Geographe Bay, it’s just a handful of steps from Busselton Jetty and underwater observatory, where you can see the vibrant marine life up close without getting wet.
4. Cairns, Qld
Check into Hilton Cairns and soak in the beauty.
There’s no shortage of natural wonders to marvel at from Cairns. Get up close and personal with the underwater wildlife by diving or snorkelling through Australia’s underwater playground, the world-heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
Head away from the shore to the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest surviving rainforest and home to iconic fauna like the cassowary, as well as infamous plants like the Stinging Tree.
Wherever you go, Hilton Cairns or DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns make the perfect home base for a Cairns adventure. Both sit so close to the ferry terminal to get out on the reef, and offer easy access to dining and bar options to top off an amazing day.
Australia’s northernmost city has plenty to offer nature lovers. Day trip to Litchfield National Park and hear the thunderous roar of Florence Falls, take in the mangroves at Charles Darwin National Park, or head to Mary River Wetlands to marvel at the rare birdlife that call the wetlands home.
It might be known for being a literal paradise for surfers – it’s in the name, after all – but there’s more to the Gold Coast than initially meets the eye. Check into Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences to take advantage of direct access to iconic beaches, coastal wildlife and the best of Surfers Paradise.
But the hotel is also an easy drive away from the world-heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, a hinterland treasure teeming with walking trails. Make a day of it by stopping off at some of the local food producers that abound in the Gold Coast hinterland.
