Make sure you travel with a responsible tour group who don’t gloss over Aboriginal ancestry. Your guides might not be of Aboriginal descent themselves, but they should still be able to address topics sensitively and with honesty. Visit Indigenous cultural centres exhibiting ancient archaeological artefacts as well as honest information about how Aboriginal people have been treated.
For example, there’s a traditional Aboriginal meeting hut and trail at Cape Otway Lighthouse designed and built by Richard Collopy, Traditional Owner in Gadubanud/Gulidjan Country. Here, you can meet and chat to guides who are happy to share their personal and ancestral stories and knowledge of the land as well as teaching kids about bush tucker.
Ask questions and do your research beforehand so you’re equipped with facts. Build visits to Indigenous cultural centres into a tailor made itinerary or join a small guided group which have these sorts of sites already included as part of a tour.
Some areas, such as
Budj Bim Heritage Landscape near Portland, can only be experienced in the company of an Aboriginal guide. Make sure you travel with tour guides who respect this. Not only will you be providing employment for local guides, but you’ll also be contributing to rural economies in remote regions away from the tourist hot spots.