Intrepid Travel X Welcome to Country – Walking tour © Salty Dingo 2023
To celebrate Indigenous Business Month, Intrepid Travel has joined forces with Welcome to Country, a not-for-profit marketplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism experiences, to deliver a number of free First Nations tourism experiences across Narrm (Melbourne) and Warrane (Sydney).
In recognition of this year’s Indigenous Business Month theme ‘To Gather, Together’, each experience will see guests connecting to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through immersive activities delivered by First Nations business owners.
Sydneysiders can enjoy a stroll through The Rocks in the heart of Warrane and learn the history and Dreaming of Eora Country, while Melbournians can flex their creativity in a jewellery making workshop with Wiradjuri mixed media artist Ange Jeffrey. There are 100 free spots available in each city, encouraging Aussies to engage in a First Nations experience during Indigenous Business Month.
Managing Director ANZ at Intrepid Travel, Brett Mitchell said, “Australia is home to the oldest living cultures on earth, and tourism experiences designed, led or owned by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people offer travellers an immersive way to engage with the rich stories and experiences that are unique to this land.
“We’re excited to partner with Welcome to Country to elevate First Nations tourism businesses and celebrate their immense contribution to the Australian travel industry.”
Welcome To Country CEO, Desmond Campbell (Jangala/Gojok), a proud Gurindji and Ngalakan man, said, “As we continue to grow the relationship between Welcome to Country and Intrepid Travel, this offering is a perfect addition to our already fruitful partnership and showcases the impressive First Nation owned businesses within our community. With Australia’s travel industry now recovering post-pandemic, this is a timely opportunity to boost Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island tourism and ensure First Nations experiences are at the top of the list for international visitors and Aussies travellers alike.”
This activity is an extension of Intrepid and Welcome to Country’s existing partnership which focuses on cross-industry initiatives to grow economic opportunities in Australia’s First Nations tourism sector and further cultural understanding through the joy of travel.
Intrepid Travel X Welcome to Country – Walking tour © Salty Dingo 2023
Participants can book their First Nations experience here. Learn more about the activities on offer across Sydney and Melbourne below.
Sydney: The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour – Illi Langi
Dates: 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th October
Time: 10am
Duration: 90 minutes
This leisurely walkabout around The Rocks, on the edge of Sydney Harbour uncovers the authentic history of the Aboriginal people’s saltwater heritage within Sydney Harbour. Their land and water use and their spiritual connection to the adjoining waterways and foreshores. First Nations guides will demonstrate how the place we now know as Sydney continues to weave the Dreamtime Southern X text into its heremodern, built up environment. Get set to discover how to experience contemporary Aboriginal culture right in the heart of cosmopolitan Sydney.
Melbourne: Jewellery making workshop
Dates: 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th October
Time: 10am
Duration: 90 minutes
Immerse yourself in the creative experience during a jewellery making workshop with Wiradjuri mixed media artist Ange Jeffery. Combining cultural learning and creative practice, participants will learn basic jewellery making techniques, using natural materials such as seeds, nites and shells to create unique pieces.
