Camplify, Australia’s leading peer-to-peer RV rental platform, has partnered with Walkabout Cultural Adventures - an Aboriginal Cultural tour company based in the Port Douglas Daintree Region - to raise awareness around First Nations tourism.
Speaking to Juan Walker, founder of Walkabout Cultural Adventures, First Nations tourism has been defined as ‘an Aboriginal-owned and operated business, where visitors can learn about the First Nations cultures. This can be through walking tours, camps, food, dance and art’.
Following on from NAIDOC Week, Juan shares the following tips for travellers, to enable them to stay respectful while exploring the First Nations Heritage the Country has to offer.
Pay Respect To The Land and Water
First Nations people hold a deep connection to Country, as traditional custodians of the land and waters of Australia, Juan recommends travelling with the intention to learn, admire and respect the land and water around you. A good way to do this is to engage in activities that support and honour the local First Nations communities.
Leave a Positive Impact
In line with respecting the Land and Water, it is important for travellers to leave a positive impact when travelling to preserve for future generations. Juan recommends leaving no trace when road tripping, ensuring all rubbish is taken with you when you leave your destination.
Book Experiences with Local First Nation-owned Businesses
Juan also suggests booking tours operated and owned by First Nations people, as this way travellers will experience a genuine education for the heritage of the Country. He recommends using the Welcome To Country website as a resource, which allows tourists to find and book a number of tours or activities, allowing travellers to support local First Nations businesses.
Educate Yourself Beforehand
Before setting out, approach your travel with an open mind and a desire to learn. This allows all travellers to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of First Nations cultures to foster respect and promote cultural exchange. Participate in cultural experiences and allow yourself to listen, ask questions and show a genuine interest. Easy ways to do this include visiting cultural centres, museums and Aboriginal art galleries to enrich your travel experience.
By following Juan’s tips, travellers will ensure their journeys across Australia are respectful, enriching and impactful. The partnership between Camplify and Walkabout Cultural Adventures is an important step to foster a more inclusive and culturally aware organisation, celebrate diversity and promote harmony within Australian society.
AGFG acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea, and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, to the Elders past, present and emerging.
