First Australians Tour: Experience the Oldest Living Cultures at National Museum of Australia
4.8
11 Ratings
Canberra
Immerse yourself in the world's oldest living cultures at the National Museum of Australia. Join the First Australians Tour for a captivating exploration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, spirituality, and connections to country.
Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • National Museum of Australia - The National Museum of Australia is where Australia’s stories come alive and is a must see for every visitor to Canberra. Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the stunning architecture of the Museum provides an extraordinary place to explore the rich and diverse history and culture of Australia and its people.

Present your ticket at the Information Hub on arrival to join the First Australians Tour (departing at 3pm daily). This 1 hour guided tour will take you on a journey through the world’s oldest living civilisation as our expert guides provide insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ history, cultures, spirituality and connections to country.

After the tour, spend some time exploring the Museum. With an exciting calendar of world-class touring exhibitions, events, school holiday programs and festivals, there is always something unique to see and do. Discover fascinating and surprising objects in our collection, visit the Garden of Australian Dreams, explore our stunning location and admire the building’s impressive architecture, relax at our popular lakeside caf or indulge in our one-of-a-kind shop.

What's Included
  • Explore the rich heritage of the First Australians
  • Guided tour through ancient landscapes
  • Authentic storytelling by Aboriginal guides
  • Visits to significant cultural sites
  • Hands-on traditional activities
  • Interactive exhibits and demonstrations
  • Learn about Australia’s indigenous plants and their uses
  • Includes entry to galleries and museums
  • Opportunity to purchase authentic Aboriginal art
  • Supports the preservation of Aboriginal culture
What's Not Included
  • The listed price does not include a parking fee, payable at the time of arrival to the Museum car park.
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

The FIRST AUSTRALIANS TOUR sets off daily at 3pm.

Embark on a journey through the National Museum of Australia, and delve into the oldest existing cultures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The First Australians Tour will enlighten you about the history, cultural practices, spirituality, and territorial affiliations of both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, especially centered around the First Australians exhibit.

To fully appreciate and grasp the essence of the National Museum of Australia, guided tours are recommended. Our expert guides breathe life into the artifacts by narrating the intriguing history and tales attached to them. For guided tours in non-English languages, advanced notice is required. Please send your requests to [email protected]

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Present your either printed or electronic voucher (e-vouchers) with photo ID to matching the booking name in exchange for your activity. Without proof of purchase and photo ID, the Museum reserves the right to charge visitors for the cost of the tour per person.
  • On arrival proceed to the Information Hub to redeem your voucher
  • Wheelchairs, prams and motorised scooters are available for hire from the Information Desk
Location
National Museum of Australia
Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(11 Ratings)
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Antawn_k
Jan 1, 2024
Truly Phenomenal! - Fantastic! Alphie (Not sure if I’m spelling it right), was AMAZING!! He was so passionate, friendly and informative. The hour felt like 10 minutes. I wish there was a 2 hour option lol. Separately, the museum staff was FANTASTIC and it was truly an outstanding experience. I would most definitely recommend this tour. I’ve actually went to the museum on my own and there’s something about having someone expanding on what you read on the exhibits.
Review provided by Viator
M7328salaurav
Sep 21, 2023
Beautiful, highly recommend! - Fascinating stories, beautiful museum. Amazing, knowledgeable guide. I would highly recommend! I even got emotional and afterwards just sat next to the water contemplating for a while!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_b
Feb 9, 2023
Don’t miss this one - Jacob is a great, well-informed guide on past and present Aboriginal issues in Australia. He explained many important aspects about the displays which might have lost their significance without the background he provided. In such a short amount of time, visitors will understand so much more about Australia’s past and current social fabric.
Review provided by Viator
Bernardes_m
Dec 28, 2022
Great tour bev]cause of the perfect guide. - The guide (Nick) was een very well informed, enthusiast guide en showed us the most important things en told stories we couldn’t heave known if he had not told these stories.
Review provided by Viator
Roslyn_j
Dec 4, 2022
USA, learn from Australia - The United States should take a lesson on how to respect and revere the first inhabitants of the land. I learned a lot about how a nation can integrate yet honor the First Nations.
Review provided by Viator
Barbara_n
Nov 4, 2022
A visit with friends to learn more - The First Australian guide who was excellent, very informed and welcoming 👍 We leant a great deal about our Australian Indigenous history and culture 😊
Review provided by Viator
619jeffry
Sep 1, 2022
People and events that made the nation - The National Museum of Australia is a unique building, built in deconstructivist style, representing a number of circular knots, which includes Dreamtime themes. The National Museum explores the social history of Australia, and the people and events that made the nation, The Museum has the world's largest collection of Aboriginal bark paintings, and an extensive collection of stone artifacts.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Newton2910
Dec 7, 2020
More than meets the eye - I was only filling in a short time slot but I certainly will be back to this really interesting place. Because of Covid there are no regular group tours, but one can wander around for hours looking at the intriguing and interesting displays in his place. In the First Australians exhibition there was a message wall, which had some profoundly moving words, a reminder of the strong connection to Country of our First Nations People. On my way out there was a lady - a guide outside who explained the Garden of Dreams. Wow! She was very informative! There is much more than meets the eye, is all I will say.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebecca
Sep 10, 2019
Excellent cultural tour - If you enjoy history and culture you'll love this place! Canberra as a whole is spectacular however this museum was my favourite
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bengt_b
Mar 19, 2024
Not the best guide. - We were unlucky to have a guide that spoke to fast and to low although we told him. The guide used unneccesary time in the ordinary museum instead of concentrating on first nation People.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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