Sydney Aboriginal Heritage

Long before Europeans arrived in Sydney, the area had been occupied by a thriving and diverse network of Aboriginal communities. They formed three principal language groups: the Darug, Dharawal and Guringai.

Over tens of thousands of years, these people left a rich cultural legacy. Ancient stone engravings and rock paintings are still scattered throughout the Sydney region. Passed down through the ages, their customs, stories and wisdom endure through their descendants.

Visit some of the attractions below, and learn more about some of the world's oldest and most fascinating civilisations.

Housed in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Yiribana Gallery contains Australia's largest and most varied collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

The Gallery is renowned for its outstanding collection of traditional artefacts gathered from all over the country. These range from ceramics and jewellery to ceremonial objects, including a set of Pulumani grave posts from northern Australia.

There's also an extensive selection of contemporary Indigeous art, including paintings, prints, drawings, photographs and sculptures. The permanent exhibition displays works by some of Australia's leading Aboriginal artists. Travelling exhibitions also feature regularly.

The Gallery offers free guided tours each day from Tuesday to Sunday.

Immerse yourself in 40,000 years of history and culture at Muru Mittigar. Interact with members of the local Indigenous community, learn about their traditional customs and participate in a wide range of enriching activities.

The Cultural Centre showcases art exhibitions, artefacts and stories of the local Darug people, as well as the diversity of Indigenous cultures throughout Australia. Learn about tribal territories, beliefs and culture. Hear ancient dreamtime stories from Aboriginal storytellers.

See traditional tools and weapons being crafted in the woodowrk shop. You can also learn about Aboriginal art in the Koori art workshops, and paint your own souvenir boomerang.

The guides will teach you the secrets to boomerang throwing, and the boomerang's importance in Aboriginal culture. They'll also play tunes and animal sounds on the didgeridoo and explain the instrument's origins and significance. Watch or take part in traditional dance performances in the outdoor ampitheatre.

Venture into the bush and discover the traditional material, medicinal and culinary uses of native plants. Then enjoy some tasty bush tucker - damper, wattle seed pikelets with native jam and barbecued kangaroo or emu - in the company of new friends.

See Sydney Harbour from a totally different perspective. Set sail on the 'Deerubbun' or 'Tribal Warrior' to experience Australia's famous waterway through the eyes of its traditional owners.

Relax on a unique, cultural two hour cruise around the harbour, Circular Quay and beyond. Learn the history of the area, from an Aboriginal point of view. Your Indigenous guide will recount ancient stories and explain the Aboriginal names and meanings of various Sydney landmarks. Explore tiny beaches and rocky foreshores, and discover rock carvings and old Aboriginal settlements. Learn about traditional fishing methods and food gathering techniques.

Enjoy some light refreshments and visit Clark Island in the middle of the harbour, where Aboriginal dancers will treat you to an authentic welcome ceremony.

Embark on a journey of discovery through Sydney's magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens. Follow your Aboriginal guide, who will explain the Gardens' rich heritage. Discover the site's significance to the Cadigal, the original inhabitants of the Sydney city area, and its importance to today's Aboriginal community.

Learn about Aboriginal culture's reliance on plants and powerful connection to the land. Sample bush food and discover traditional uses of plants. Experience traditional music, dance and artefacts.

Tours depart at 2pm Fridays, and run for approximately an hour and a half. Phone bookings are essential.