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Weekend on Country: cultural events to experience

January 16, 2026

Several Indigenous cultural events and experiences are available across Australia this weekend.

New South Wales

Walk on Country – With GULAGA Join a guided cultural journey with Warren Foster of Yannaga Yoowaga Tours at Wallaga Lake (Tilba Tilba, NSW) on Sunday, January 18 at 9:30 AM. This two-hour experience explores the deep significance of the region, including bush tucker foraging and Dreamtime stories. Cost is $80 per person; family packages are available.

Bullanginya Dreaming Experience – A nighttime outdoor event combining contemporary art with Indigenous heritage at Barooga (NSW), available on Friday, January 16. The walking track features multimedia installations sharing stories of the land and local history. Tickets are $27 for adults.

The Bogong’s Song – A children’s theatre production at PHIVE, Parramatta Square (Parramatta, NSW) on Saturday, January 17 at 11:00 AM, using storytelling, puppetry, and dance to explore connection to Country.

Northern Territory

Kakadu and East Alligator River Tour – Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Top End with a tour including ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and a cultural cruise on the East Alligator River with an Aboriginal guide. This multi-day experience is available from January 16.

Queensland

Aboriginal Cultural Experience – With Mooks At the Rossville Retreat, join Mooks, a Kuku Nyungkul elder, for an immersive cultural experience. Activities include a Welcome to Country ceremony, traditional smoking ceremony, bush food and medicine walk.

Multi-State Ongoing Experiences

Wupa@Wanaruah Aboriginal Art Exhibition and Trail – A self-guided, free trail in the Hunter Valley Wine region (NSW) featuring exhibitions of Aboriginal art that share the history and culture of the land.

Aboriginal Cultural Experience & Art Workshop At Standley Chasm (NT) – Participate in a Welcome to Country ceremony and learn traditional painting techniques to create your own artwork inspired by Dreamtime stories.

Peter Rowe

Peter Rowe leads First Nations News as Editor, with over three decades of experience across international newsrooms, digital platforms and media strategy roles. For the past 20 years, he’s worked in Australia – reporting, editing and advising on stories that shape public debate.