Always Was, Always Will Be. 

NAIDOC week will be observed from 8-15 November, and there are plenty of opportunities to join in the celebrations. This year’s NAIDOC theme celebrates how First Nations people have lived here and cared for the land for over 65,000 years, and will continue long into the future.  

Here are some experiences that are available year-round that you can take part in to continue celebrating Indigenous culture over NAIDOC week and beyond. 

Spirits of the Red Sand in Beenleigh 

An award-winning storytelling experience that has been voted the best tourism experience in Queensland, the show will transport you back in time to the 19^th century where you can experience life viewed through the eyes of indigenous people as their worlds collide with the British inhabitants.  

Consisting of seven live theatre sets, guests are taken through this interactive experience as the story is masterfully woven around them using song, dance, storytelling, and effects, and finishes with a warm damper dinner in the dining hall with members of the cast.

Spirits of the Red Sand also offers daytime experiences such as the interactive Welcome to Country which includes fire lighting, smoking ceremony, bush tucker tastings and boomerang painting. 

Dreamworld  

Dreamworld also offers an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience, which is an unmissable part of the day when visiting Australia’s biggest theme park.

Highlighting Indigenous culture, wildlife, and stories, this walk-through experience offers insight into fire-making, face painting, creating weapons and music, along with an incredible story about the creation of the Gold Coast that was gifted by a respected Yugambeh elder.

Gain an increased appreciation of Australia’s heritage, culture, and wildlife. You can purchase tickets to Dreamworld from the Airtrain ticket counter for added convenience. 

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary 

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-see destination on the Gold Coast. Along with gorgeous bushland and incredible animals, the Sanctuary hosts a daily Aboriginal dance show, which is presented by the traditional Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers.

You’ll come away with a deeper respect and knowledge of the local Yugambeh language, dance, and stories. You can purchase tickets to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary from the Airtrain ticket counter for added convenience.  

Riverlife Mirrabooka 

Along with plenty of adrenaline-filled experiences such as kayaking and abseiling, Riverlife offer an Aboriginal cultural experience set in the natural bushland of the beautiful Kangaroo Point cliffs.

Including educational talks and demonstrations of cultural practices as well as songs, dance, and music, share in the deep spiritual connections of the people whose ancestors have lived here for countless generations. 

Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre 

Located on the Gold Coast, the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre offers guided walks of the Burleigh Heads National Park and meetings with traditional land owners who share dreamtime stories along with dance and musical performances.

Learn about traditional life before European contact, including food gathering, hunting, fire-making, and important ways the local inhabitants cared for the environment.  

QAGOMA Indigenous Art Collection 

With its focus on contemporary Indigenous art from all regions of Australia, the QAGOMA Indigenous Art collection showcases the unique and diverse cultures and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. 

With a range of media and themes, the collection is both significant and moving, with many different examples of artistic expression and insight into the world of Indigenous Australians.  

Getting to your Destination 

If you’re on your way to these experiences or the many other cultural events that will make up the NAIDOC week celebrations, you can get there easily and on time with Airtrain. While you’re there, check out our handy guides on some unmissable ways to spend your time in the Gold Coast or Brisbane.  

Brisbane is easily in reach from the Brisbane Airport, with Airtrain services running run every 15 minutes on-peak and every 30 minutes off-peak. Your journey to Brisbane City will take only 20 minutes, and you can disembark at your chosen city station – Airtrain runs direct from the Brisbane Airport, but stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations. 

If the Gold Coast is your destination, Airtrain run express to the Gold Coast but stops at all Gold Coast stations, including Ormeau, Coomera, Helensvale (connects with G:link tram at Helensvale station), Nerang, Robina, and Varsity Lakes. From there, trams and buses provide connecting services to other locations around the Gold Coast, or you can take advantage of our AirtrainConnect (Train & Transfer) service. 

Travelling with Airtrain 

Airtrain acknowledges and celebrates the First Nations people as the Traditional Owners of the land we are on today, and we join with them in celebrating this important week.  

This NAIDOC week, immerse yourself in culture and make the most of the opportunity to celebrate the unique and diverse heritage and cultures of Australia’s indigenous people with one of the many incredible opportunities in Brisbane or the Gold Coast.  

If you’re travelling from the Brisbane Airport to Brisbane City or the Gold Coast, no matter the occasion – get there on time and in comfort with Airtrain.  

Photo from Tourism and Events Queensland