Visiting Aboriginal Lands

Being A Responsible Traveller
Travelling in a responsible way includes respecting your tour host and their country. In the same way we act with courtesy when visiting someone's home, we should respect the land and the people who have important connections with it. Many Aboriginal communities or lands require permits to enter - this helps ensure people's privacy. You may need to organise permits with land of community councils well in advance.

If you are visiting an Aboriginal community, wait until you are invited to approach homes or groups of people.  Funeral and cultural ceremonies are times of extreme privacy - please use extra sensitivity in communities at these times.

Respecting Restrictions
There maybe places that are closed to visitors because of their cultural significance - heed advice if you are asked not to enter an area. In some places it is culturally inappropriate to swim or fish in waterways, waterholes and/or sea waters. Some places can only be visited by men or women. Please respect these protocols where they apply to non-Aboriginal people. When in doubt, it is good practice to ask first.

The possession or consumption of alcohol is restricted in some Aboriginal communities - these restrictions also apply to visitors.

Talking to Aboriginal People
If you are talking with an Aboriginal person, recognise that they may communicate differently to non-Aboriginal people - English may be a second or third language. Access to specific cultural knowledge or stories may not be open to everyone. It is best to avoid direct questions about matters that could be sensitive, unless invited to do so. Dress etiquette applies when visiting some Aboriginal communities. If in doubt avoid wearing short skirts, short shorts or other revealing clothes.

Taking Photographs and Video
Always ask before filming or taking a photo of a person, a group of people or cultural activity.  Photographing and filming some places and objects may be restricted for cultural reasons - please respect this important request by traditional owners.

If you intend to use your photographs in a publication or for other commercial purposes, you will need to seek copyright permission for the people featured in the photo.

Taking Home Mementos
Locally produced Aboriginal art and craftwork make excellent souvenirs of your visit. If possible, choose items designed and made by Aboriginal people. Look and ask for items that have a label of cultural authenticity. When you buy an item from Aboriginal people through respected outlets, it helps create economic support for people in communities where there may be limited opportunities for employment.

Please do not remove rocks or other objects from Aboriginal land or waters without the permission of traditional owners. Disturbing cultural sites is prohibited by Australian law.