If you are planning a trip to Australia then you really should ensure you experience some Aboriginal Culture.
Before the British and European settlers arrived to Australia, the only inhabiters were Aboriginal. The word Aboriginal or Aborigine means Indigenous to Australia.
There were over 300,000 Aboriginals in Australia before the settlers arrived. With them, they brought Old World Diseases which simply wiped out thousands of Aboriginals. As well as this, they were not given any rights to the land which pushed them out.
Nowadays, Aborigines account for just 3% of the Australian population and many suffer from alcohol and poor health problems. But there are pockets within Australia where you can still see their old values and traditions which are very interesting indeed. There are certain places, such as Ayers Rock, that are very sacred to the Aboriginal community. These are key places to learn more about Aboriginal culture and beliefs.
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.
For the oldest Aboriginal Art, you need to find Rock Art. They are common is sacred Aboriginal areas such as Kakadu National Park and Ayers Rock. Probably the most popular souvenir for tourists are their dot paintings. They can be found throughout Australia in art galleries and tourist malls.
Where To Experience Aboriginal Australia
Unfortunately there isn't room in this article to tell you about all the best places to learn about Aboriginal Culture. One of the best places is Arnhem Land This is in the top end of Australia not too far from Darwin. Remember that this area has distinct seasons so you can only really come here between May and October. Arnhem Land is one of the few places that still has Aboriginals living in their villages with their old traditions. Numbers of tourists are strictly limited to this area and so you are guaranteed a much more authentic experience. You will see dot painting and get a broad understanding of these wonderful people. This is an easy day trip to incorporate into your Darwin or Kakadu experience.
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.
Before the British and European settlers arrived to Australia, the only inhabiters were Aboriginal. The word Aboriginal or Aborigine means Indigenous to Australia.
There were over 300,000 Aboriginals in Australia before the settlers arrived. With them, they brought Old World Diseases which simply wiped out thousands of Aboriginals. As well as this, they were not given any rights to the land which pushed them out.
Nowadays, Aborigines account for just 3% of the Australian population and many suffer from alcohol and poor health problems. But there are pockets within Australia where you can still see their old values and traditions which are very interesting indeed. There are certain places, such as Ayers Rock, that are very sacred to the Aboriginal community. These are key places to learn more about Aboriginal culture and beliefs.
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.
For the oldest Aboriginal Art, you need to find Rock Art. They are common is sacred Aboriginal areas such as Kakadu National Park and Ayers Rock. Probably the most popular souvenir for tourists are their dot paintings. They can be found throughout Australia in art galleries and tourist malls.
Where To Experience Aboriginal Australia
Unfortunately there isn't room in this article to tell you about all the best places to learn about Aboriginal Culture. One of the best places is Arnhem Land This is in the top end of Australia not too far from Darwin. Remember that this area has distinct seasons so you can only really come here between May and October. Arnhem Land is one of the few places that still has Aboriginals living in their villages with their old traditions. Numbers of tourists are strictly limited to this area and so you are guaranteed a much more authentic experience. You will see dot painting and get a broad understanding of these wonderful people. This is an easy day trip to incorporate into your Darwin or Kakadu experience.
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.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in traveling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers practical information for planning your trip to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more information on Aboriginal Australia
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