QAGOMA’s First Artists: Cultural Experiences

Celebrate and connect with First Nations art and culture at QAGOMA’s (Queensland Gallery of Modern Art) immersive First Artists: Cultural Experiences program. Developed in collaboration with Brisbane-founded Blaklash Creative, the program offers two unique and enriching experiences that hero First Nations art, music, native food, dance, culture, and storytelling. The Exceptional Indigenous Art & Dining Experience begins with a powerful Welcome to Country and a private after-hours tour of the gallery’s artworks with a First Nations storyteller, artist, and curator before hosting a dinner created by Koori Chef Chris Jordan in collaboration with QAGOMA’s Head Chef, Aaron Holt. The Evening Indigenous Experience also features a private tour and culinary delights from the two chefs as well as an interactive, hands-on activity led by a local First Nations artist. 

Yarriba Dreaming

Reconnect in nature on a three-day immersion tour of Mount Barney Lodge in the Scenic Rim, a destination recently crowned by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 Regions in the World to Visit. Led by Gurruhmun ‘Old Man Kangaroo’, a Ugarapul and Bidjara Man, the tour offers a rare opportunity to participate in cultural practices and experiences including a traditional smoking ceremony, storytelling around an ancient birthing water hole, bush tucker sampling and hunting skills including spear and boomerang throwing. Visitors will leave with a greater understanding of First Nations Australian culture and practices and a spiritual connection to the idyllic landscape.

Delvene Cockatoo Collins Art

Proud Quandamooka woman and artist Delvene Cockatoo Collins creates art and designs textiles and clothing to express the stories of her family’s lived experiences on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah. Delvene’s artwork, handprinted homewares, sculptures and ceramics can be viewed and purchased from her retail store and studio in Dunwich/Goompi. Experience Minjerribah through the artist’s eyes with a three-hour cultural experience that includes a walking tour of the Island’s public art and a workshop where you can create your own art to take home. 

Nyanda Cultural Tours

Tour Nudgee Waterhole Reserve under the knowledgeable guidance of members of the Jagera people and experience First Nations storytelling, a smoke ceremony, weaving and cultural demonstrations. Sample traditional bush foods including wattle seed damper with rosella, wild lime, and lilly pilly jams and Nyanda’s special lemon myrtle cordial. Through hands-on experiences, traditions, and customs, you can forge a strong connection to First Nations culture and understand the significance of the waterholes to the Jagera people. Tours operate daily by appointment between 9am and 4pm. 

Dreamtime Kullilla‑Art

Dreamtime Kullilla-Art is a family-owned and operated art gallery in the Redcliffe Peninsula fostering respect and appreciation for First Nations culture through art and craft. The store has a range of authentic products created by local artists and craftspeople such as boomerangs, books, medicines, bush tucker, digeridoos, and accessories available for purchase. Resident artist Michael Connolly is often in-store, crafting his range of beautiful artworks on canvas, didgeridoos, bark, and other items and is always happy to spin a story or offer an exclusive tour of his studio space. Open Monday to Saturday. 

Blackcard Cultural Tours  

Walk in the footsteps of First Nations ancestors through the heart of Brisbane City with Blackcard Cultural Tours. Choose from one of its three unique tour offerings: the 90-minute Brisbane Aboriginal Cultural Tour, Kurilpa Point and Cultural Precinct Walking Tour or the three-hour Cultural Tour and Weaving Session with Bush Tucker Tasting. Learn about Brisbane’s public collection of First Nations art and discover hidden gems on these memorable and eye-opening tours. Wear comfortable walking shoes and don’t forget your drink bottle, hat, and camera.

Yura Tours

Embrace the rich First Nations culture at North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah on one of three packed Yura Tours itineraries. Engage in the Sand Beneath my Feet Cultural Walk and follow in the footsteps of the Island’s Quandamooka ancestors as you learn about their traditions. The tour takes you on an easy walk along the beach to Adder Rock for the South‑Passage Dreamtime Story. The Minjerribah Cultural Experience - Driving Tour begins with a beautiful Welcome to Country before exploring the Island and connecting you to Country. Learn about Minjerribah creation stories and its beautiful flora and fauna on the Land-Based Cultural Walking Tour. Depending on the time of year, you may spot the magical yallingbilla (whale) on their annual migration or spy native dolphins, kangaroos, and turtles. 

Aboriginal Art Co.

Located in South Brisbane near the Cultural Precinct, Aboriginal Art Co. is a First Nations led and managed space that encompasses a retail shop, boutique gallery, outdoor courtyard, and artist-in-residence studio. The one-of-a-kind multi-purpose space and meeting place invites visitors to connect with First Nations art and artists and explore the rich diversity and authentic history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture and artistic expression. First Nations art, prints, sculptures, gifts, and clothing, you’ll find it all in the one location. 

Cultural Experiences with Matt Burns

Matthew Burns exudes a profound bond with Quandamooka Country, driven by his passion to pass on its stories and wisdom. With a heart devoted to sharing his culture, Matt enlightens over 7,000 individuals annually across North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah and the Redlands Coast/Quandamooka. His offerings cater to all ages, featuring engaging activities like boomerang workshops, traditional smoking ceremonies, Goompi trails, and more, which unveil the cultural treasures of North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah. Join Matt on a journey of discovery, where each experience promises to deepen your connection to Quandamooka Country's rich heritage and timeless spirit. 

Djawun “Home Country” Tour 

Experience an enriching tour with artist and traditional Custodian of Jinibara Country, Jason Murphy. Discover the land's cultural history as Jason shares insights during this eight-hour adventure. After pickup, enjoy coffee and sparkling iced tea at Cubby House Coffee before travelling to Mt Mee Lookout for breathtaking views. You will then learn about traditional hunting and gathering practices at D'Aguilar National Park. Finally, savour a two-course culinary experience at Ocean View Estate, which is inspired by native ingredients. This incredible adventure fosters a deep connection to First Nations culture, inviting you to embrace the essence of Jinibara Country.