Cultural Attractions of Australia is offering the opportunity to experience depth of history and creative brilliance of our First Nations culture with the following curated experiences. Several of its members are also presenting exhibitions showcasing stunning displays of their art on the world stage.
In Melbourne, The National Gallery of Victoria’s ‘First Nations Art from the NGV Collection: Gallery and Conservation’ is an exclusive opportunity that invites visitors to explore First Nations art and gain unique insights into the masterful art of conservation, guided by world-leading specialists. The experience begins with a bespoke tour of First Nations art and design inside the Wurrdha Marra exhibition at the Ian Potter Centre, led by an NGV Curator of First Nations Art. Tailored tours can cover the NGV’s International collection for highlights from Europe, Asia, America and Oceania, as a further option. The journey continues with privileged access to the NGV Conservation department, typically closed to the public, where guests learn first hand how experts in fashion, textiles, print, painting and First Nations Art, preserve and restore some of Australia’s most significant art. For an elevated experience you can choose an out-of-hours tour to enjoy the NGV in an intimate and private setting. From 2 to 10 guests.
Close by to the charming regional Victorian city of Ballarat, you can join a Cultural Attractions experience in the former gold rush town of Sovereign Hill, ‘Connections to Country Indigenous Insights.’ A curator or storyteller will guide you at the Australian Centre for Goldrush Collections as you view Indigenous Australian artworks. This includes a workshop to learn the art of weaving at the Rare Trade Centre, tour of the Wadawurrung Cultural precinct, and a lunch with native ingredients. Available for 2 to 10 guests.
In Brisbane, A ‘Private QAGOMA Tour‘ with an expert guide at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, QAGOMA allows you to learn more about its impressive artworks including its exceptional Indigenous Australian collection. The ‘First Artists: Early Evening Indigenous Experience‘ is a more in-depth experience co-curated by Blaklash Creative encompassing a native botanical cocktail and canapés on arrival, a moving Welcome to Country and a Didgeroo performance and following a tour of the latest Indigenous Australian Art collection. You are then treated to a two-course dinner featuring native Australian ingredients. Both are well-suited to small groups from 4 to 15 and 16 guests, respectively.
One of Australia’s leading performing arts companies Sydney’s Bangarra Dance Company delights in sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island stories here and further afield. Established in 1989, it has produced thirty years of narratives reflecting 65,000 years of Indigenous Australian culture in breathtaking contemporary movement. Cultural Attractions offers a compelling ‘Behind-the-Scenes at Bangarra Dance Theatre’ signature experience encompassing a beautiful and personal Acknowledgment of Country, Indigenous cocktails and canapés and a talk by Artistic Director Frances Rings or one of the lead dancers on the company and a backstage tour. Guests also have the chance to view the dances in the rehearsal room Walsh Bay Studio, or in a finished performance at Sydney Opera House – June/July. Available for 2 to 10 guests.
Cultural Attractions of Australia members also have exhibitions and collection highlights of the First Nations artists they feature being shown at leading galleries internationally. Be sure to take these in on your travels.
The National Gallery of Australia has partnered with London’s Tate Modern and is featuring a spectacular exhibition by Anmatyerr artist Emily Kam Kngwarray. This is bringing global attention to this artist whose work embodies the cultural, spiritual, and environmental connections of the Anmatyerr people of the Utopia region of the Northern Territory. The exhibition showing until 11 January 2026 was five years in the making and was curated by Kelli Cole, Warumungu and Luritja peoples, with Kimberley Moulton, Yorta Yorta peoples, and additional members of Tate Modern’s curatorial team. “Emily Kam Kngwarray is one of the most significant artists of the 20th century,” said Dr Nick Mitzevich, Director of the National Gallery. Her work transcends conventional historical art narratives and speaks to the enduring presence of First Nations culture on this continent.”
Also highly anticipated, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) will première The Stars We Do Not See, the largest-ever international exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, from 18 October 2025 at the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC and following tour museums in the US and Canada for the next two years through to January 2028. Highlighting masterpieces from the NGV Collection and curated by the gallery’s team, this features over 200 works by more than 130 artists, many of which have never before been shown internationally. This reveals the rich history and cultures of Indigenous Australians, the oldest continuous living culture in the world. Once more it will be sharing the work and stories of important First Nations artists. “Many of the works travelling are globally recognised as undisputed masterpieces – with many visitors travelling to the NGV to see these iconic examples of Indigenous Australian art. Never before has a volume of works of this size and national significance toured internationally,” said Tony Ellwood AM, Director of the NGV.
A further exhibition to look forward to, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, QAGOMA, is partnering with the Victoria and Albert Museum, (V&A) London, on a major exhibition of art and design from ’The Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT), and the Gallery’s own unique collection of Australian, Asian and Pacific art. This co-curated exhibition will be presented at the V&A South Kensington early in 2026. “I am thrilled to be working with V&A Director, Tristram Hunt and the museum’s internationally renowned exhibitions team to bring the Gallery’s unique collection of contemporary Australian, Asian and Pacific art to the world,” said Chris Saines, QAGOMA Director.
Annabel Sullivan, Executive Officer, Cultural Attractions of Australia highlights, “These exciting exhibitions by our members reflect the essence of our collective – to share the stories that have shaped Australia. Each of our members expresses vital moments of our national story, and we invite guests to enjoy these exhibitions whilst travelling, and importantly to visit our renowned attractions to learn more about these stories first-hand.”
Cultural Attractions of Australia (CAOA) is a collective that unite Australia’s landmark attractions, celebrating the country’s diverse artistic, cultural, historical and sporting influences through over 40 exclusive experiences.
For more information, visit https://culturalattractionsofaustralia.com
Emily Kame Kngwarrey’s crowning achievements, ‘The Alhalker suite’ embodies the desert country of her birth.
