How To Experience Aboriginal Australia
No trip to Australia is complete without an understanding of the Aboriginal Culture
Aboriginal (or Aborigine) means Indigenous to Australia. They were the sole inhabiters of Australia before it was occupied by the British and other Europeans
It is estimated that before the colonisation of Australia there were more than 300,000 Aborigines. The European settlers brought with them old world diseases that wiped out thousands of the Aborigines. On top of that, the laws gave them no claim to the land which pushed the Aborigines out.
Only 3% of the Australian population is Aboriginal and many are or poor health or have alcohol related problems. There are areas however where you can still experience the traditional culture and beliefs of the Aboriginals. This is a must do as part of your trip. Head to the areas that are sacred for the Aboriginals as these are the best places to discover their heritage and beliefs. Ayers Rock is a good example of a sacred Aboriginal place.
The Aboriginal Culture is made up of many beliefs and stories. Two well known aspects are music and art. The didgeridoo is well known but is actually only used by those Aborigines that are from the East of Australia. It is the clapping sticks that are more widely used in fact.
Aboriginal Rock art is the oldest form of Aboriginal Art in Australia. You can find them in sacred areas such as Kakadu National Park and Ayers Rock. The dot paintings are well known throughout the world and can be found all through Australia. They are very popular souvenirs for tourists.
Where To Experience Aboriginal Australia
There are lots of places you can go to learn about the Aboriginal Culture. There is not room in this article to explore them all. Arnhem Land which is near Darwin in the top end of Australia is in my opinion the best place to go. Numbers are restricted to this sacred area so you can guarantee a less touristy approach. You really do get to appreciate the real culture and see real Aboriginals dot painting and making crafts. You can easily incorporate a day trip here as part of your trip to Darwin or Kakadu National Park and I highly recommend it. Remember that this area has defined seasons so only come here between May and October.
If you want to incorporate some Aborigine experience into the more visited areas try the blue mountains walkabout as part of your trip to Sydney. The Rocks Half Day Dreaming tour which is taken by an Aboriginal Elder, Margaret Campbell is also very good.
Make sure your trip to Australia incorporates an Aboriginal Experience. It really will give you a whole new perspective of this beautiful country.