For thousands of generations, First Nations people have been connected to land, sea and sky Country, and hold a deep sense of cultural responsibility to care for Country.

First Nations peoples are the traditional custodians of Country. In some places, First Nations peoples culture—and its complexities and connectedness with Country—is shared with visitors through information, stories, art and tours.

Here are just some of the places where you can learn more about, and connect with First Nations peoples and Country in Queensland’s parks and forests.

Rainforest peoples

Venture onto the elevated walkway to Din Din Barron Falls lookout in Barron Gorge National Park and along the way learn about the culture of the Djabugay people and their strong connections with the rainforest.

Head to the Mossman Gorge Centre in Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park (CYPAL), and take part in a guided Dreamtime Walk through the rainforest. Immerse yourself in the enchanting stories and rich cultural heritage of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.

Join one of the Ngadjon-Jii guided rainforest walks in Malanda Falls Conservation Park to learn about rainforest Aboriginal culture and hear stories first-hand of how Ngadjon people have lived in and cared for their rainforest Country since ‘time immemorial’.

Visit Mamu Tropical Skywalk in Palmerston (Doongan) Wooroonooran National Park and find out about rich culture of Ma:Mu people. Discover stories from past and present, and learn about their deep connection with rainforest Country.

Coast and island peoples

Journey to K’gari to discover the stories of how the Butchulla people lived in harmony with the seasons, the land and the sea, maintaining a balance between spiritual, social and family connections for many thousands of years.

Journey along the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea trail to the Ngaro cultural site on Hook Island and explore a once-hidden cave containing rock art. This imagery, along with stone fish traps and shell middens, hold special meaning for the Ngaro people. Learn more about the culture of the ‘canoe people’ of the Whitsundays, who have lived here for over 9,000 years.

Discover the culture of the Quandamooka people and learn more about the land and sea Country of the Moreton Bay islands when you visit Naree Budjon Djara National Park on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) and Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park and Moreton Island Recreation Area.

Journey through a diverse tapestry of plant communities—mangroves, melaleuca woodland, open eucalypt forest and vine thicket—on the Diversity boardwalk in Cape Hillsborough National Park, to find out about their importance to the Yuibera people.

Inland peoples

At Bunya Mountains National Park, learn stories about the great bunya nut festivals where Aboriginal groups from far afield gathered in the Bunya Mountains during the bunya nut harvest. Explore a bunya pine forest and spend time reading the signs in the outdoor interpretive display to gain insight to the First Nations people’s culture and connection with Country.

Visit Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park to see ochre stencils, rock engravings and freehand paintings on sandstone overhangs, learn the Dreaming story of Mundagurra the rainbow serpent, and gain new appreciation of the rich culture of Carnarvon Gorge’s first peoples.

Nearby, but even more remote, head to Mount Moffatt, Carnarvon National Park to view hundreds of stencil motifs on the walls of a sandstone shelter at The Tombs, a sacred burial site, and discover why this land holds great significance for Bidjara and Nuri peoples today.

Venture out west to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. Discover the Dreamtime story of Boodjamulla, the Rainbow Serpent, see ancient rock art and engravings, and learn more about the culture of the Waanyi people, who have lived in the gorge continuously for around 30,000 years!

Currawinya National Park is home to the Budjiti people, where red sandplains and mulga scrubs give little hint of rich and diverse wetlands that make Currawinya one of Australia’s most important inland waterbird habitats. Here you’ll discover a landscape that protects thousands of years of Budjiti cultural heritage.

Wherever you venture on park in Queensland, there are sure to be stories and connections to Country and culture nearby. Enjoy your next visit and learning about why these places have been so sacred for thousands of years by their traditional owners.