NAIDOC Week, celebrated annually in the first week of July, is a nationwide event in Australia that commemorates and acknowledges the history, culture, and accomplishments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It provides an opportunity for all Australians to engage with and learn about the rich traditions and ongoing contributions of the oldest living cultures in the world, encouraging participation in various activities and events to support and connect with local Indigenous communities.

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia (UWEA) features a range of Aboriginal experiences that provide visitors with an opportunity to engage with and learn about Aboriginal cultures, traditions, and history. These experiences include guided tours led by Aboriginal guides who share their knowledge of the land, its significance, and the stories associated with it, cultural activities such as bush tucker tastings, and wineries that showcase Aboriginal art and craftsmanship.

In Perth's Swan Valley, traditional lands of the Noongar people of the Wadjuk tribe, Mandoon Estate offers the chance to experience Indigenous food and culture on one of Dale Tilbrook's Bush Tucker Tastings. On this experience, you will taste traditional bush food with Wardandi Bibbulmun woman Dale Tilbrook, and listen to stories from decades past about Indigenous farming methods and the history of the Noongar peoples from this ancient land. 

Also at Mandoon Estate, you will find Maalinup Gallery where visitors can explore a diverse range of Indigenous artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts, whilst also learning about the stories, traditions, and heritage behind each piece.

At Gemtree Wines in the McLaren Vale, traditional lands of the Kaurna people, Ngarrindjeri Elder Mark Koolmatrie guides visitors along the Gemtree Eco Trail on a Wuldi Cultural Experience, sharing the ancient stories of his people and emphasising the importance of environmental stewardship and our connection to nature. Experience the land through a cultural lens, followed by a relaxed conversation, a native food plate, and the option to enjoy a flight of Gemtree biodynamic wine amidst the stunning beauty of the Eco Trail.

Tahbilk Winery, situated on the traditional lands of the Taungurung People, recognises and respects the Traditional Custodianship of the land by preserving and protecting the environment through their conservation efforts and commitment to sustainability. On A Day At Tahbilk experience, take a guided winery tour and wine blending class, indulge in a two-course lunch with matching wines and finish the day with a Guided Wetlands Ecology tour. On this walk though the wetlands trail you will learn of the restoration work that has been completed, the work being done to save the endangered species that live in the wetlands, and Tahbilk's commitment to preserving the land for future generations so that we can continue to learn and grow in our understanding of Australia’s First Peoples. 

Feature image credit: South Australian Tourism Commission