Aboriginal Dreaming Tour for Kids and Teens

Educating others about the Aboriginal Dreamtime and the cultural significance of Sydney landscapes is the main focus of Aboriginal-owned tourism company Dreamtime Southern X.

With this walking tour, we hope to engage school groups with the world's most ancient human culture and offer students a new perspective of the city of Sydney.

Developed by Aboriginal Elder, Margret Campbell, a Dunghutti-Jerrinjah woman, the Illi-Langi (homeland) walking tours are led by Aboriginal guides, with permission to share Margret's cultural knowledge.

Over an hour and a half, students will discover that ancient Aboriginal Dreamtime is still alive within the modern Sydney landscape and gain an understanding of how the areas we explore continue to influence how Aboriginal people live today.

By the end of the tour, students will have gained a new understanding of the city that is touching, enlightening and very informative. Our tour is perfect for students studying relevant HSIE or History topics.

What the students will learn:

• Experience a local Aboriginal greeting and learn some of the language spoken.
• Meet knowledgeable Aboriginal guides.
• Participate in a Sydney cultural acknowledgement of Earth Mother using clapsticks.
• Opportunity to view cultural objects and materials.
• Learn about the Aboriginal DreamTime, its origin, history and culture.
• Understand the connection between modern Sydney and the Aboriginal Dreaming.

Tour highlights:

• Cadman's Cottage: the meeting point for the tour. Here we will begin with an introduction, acknowledgement to Country and a traditional clap stick welcome.
• Argyle Cut: Earth Mother's ochre colours can be seen in the sandstone rock of Argyle cut. During this part of the tour, you will learn the meaning of the colours in the Aboriginal flag.
• Hicksons Reserve: overlooking the harbour itself, you will be able to step back in time and imagine the Eora Clan's reaction to strange visitors landing in Wocconmagulli, which is today known as Bennelong Point and Circular Quay.
• Campbell's Cove: here we will experience the amazing views of Sydney Harbour. We will focus on the Aboriginal saltwater lifestyle and the spiritual importance of Aboriginal sites in the area.

Duty of Care: teachers have a duty of care for their students on this tour. We request that there are two teachers or accompanying responsible adults per group. We generally have a ratio of 25 students with each guide (i.e. group). A risk management plan is sent with your booking confirmation.

Please note:
Dreamtime Southern X is a NSW registered Covid-Safe business. We generally send our Covid-safe plan after bookings have been confirmed, but just let us know if you'd like to view that before booking and we'll send you a copy.

Ideal for primary and secondary students.
 

• Please bring a face mask and hand sanitiser.
• Students and supervisors should wear comfortable walking shoes as we will be travelling a lot throughout the tour.