First Nations Outdoor Experiences

Honouring Country Through Adventure

Australia’s landscapes have been walked, cared for, and understood by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for tens of thousands of years. These lands are more than just scenic destinations—they are living cultural landscapes, filled with knowledge, Dreaming stories, and sacred places.

At Outventure, we believe that adventure isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you connect with the land and its stories. Every mountain, river, and desert has significance, and by exploring with awareness and respect, we can honour and learn from the world’s oldest continuous cultures.

Explore. Learn. Respect. Leave No Trace.

First Nations-Led Outdoor Experiences

One of the most immersive ways to connect with Country is through Indigenous-led experiences. Across Australia, First Nations guides offer unique outdoor adventures that blend history, ecology, and culture. Whether you're hiking ancient pathways, listening to Dreaming stories, or learning about bush survival, these experiences offer a deeper perspective on the land beneath your feet.

Featured Indigenous Outdoor Experiences by Region

Daintree Rainforest (Kuku Yalanji Country, QLD)

Uluru & Kata Tjuta (Anangu Country, NT)

  • Experience the Tjukurpa (traditional law & creation stories) while walking around Uluru with Anangu guides. Cultural Experiences

Grampians (Gariwerd, VIC)

  • Learn about sacred rock art sites, wildlife tracking, and the history of Aboriginal custodianship in the region. Brambuk Cultural Centre

Blue Mountains (Dharug & Gundungurra Country, NSW)

Kakadu National Park (Bininj/Mungguy Country, NT)

  • Explore one of the world’s greatest cultural and ecological treasures, home to 65,000 years of Indigenous heritage. Kakadu Tours

Explore these places through the wisdom of their Traditional Custodians.

Exploring with Respect: First Nations Principles for Outdoor Adventures

1. Learn the Traditional Name of the Land You’re Exploring

Every place in Australia has an Indigenous name and cultural significance. Recognizing these names is an important step toward deeper understanding and respect.

Before your next adventure, find out whose land you're on: Map of Indigenous Australia

Example: Instead of just saying "I'm hiking in the Blue Mountains", say:
"I'm exploring Dharug and Gundungurra Country, home to ancient rock shelters and Dreaming stories."

2. Follow Leave No Trace & Indigenous Land Ethics

First Nations people have practiced sustainable land care for over 65,000 years. Many of these principles align with modern conservation efforts, and we can all adopt them when exploring nature.

What We Can Learn:

  1. Take only memories, leave only footprints.
  2. Respect sacred sites—not all places are meant to be climbed or disturbed.
  3. Listen to Country—observe the land’s natural rhythms and respect its needs.

Example: Uluru was closed to climbers in 2019 at the request of the Anangu people. Respecting these wishes is part of responsible adventuring.

3. Support Indigenous Tourism & Businesses

When planning your next adventure, consider supporting Indigenous-owned businesses and experiences.

Ways to support First Nations outdoor tourism:

  • Shop Indigenous Outdoor Brands – Look for Aboriginal-owned outdoor products, gear, or art.
  • Stay in Indigenous-Run Accommodations – Experience eco-friendly and cultural stays.
  • Hire Indigenous Guides – Gain a richer perspective on the land.
  • Explore Indigenous Tourism Australia 

First Nations Stories & Outdoor Insights

We welcome stories, tips and adventure ideas highlighting First Nations adventures, and perspectives on the outdoors.

  • Bushcraft & Survival Skills from Indigenous Perspectives
  • The Role of Fire in First Nations Land Management
  • How Aboriginal Astronomy Connects to Outdoor Navigation

Search our Adventure Ideas and Blogs

Join Us in Exploring with Respect

By embracing First Nations perspectives, we not only become better adventurers, we connect more deeply with the land, its history, and its future.

Have an Indigenous-led outdoor experience to recommend? Let us know!

Want to learn more? Check out our blog for stories from First Nations adventurers.

Adventure with Purpose. Respect the Land. Leave No Trace.