Aboriginal Tours: Walk in Arakwal Bundjalung Footsteps

Australia is home to the oldest culture in the world. One of Byron Bay’s best day tours gives visitors the opportunity to engage with local Aboriginal history and culture.

Generation after generation of Indigenous Australians have learned the stories, songs, dance and art from their ancestors that defines the essence of who they are.

These stories are not in the past but are living and breathing. They are also a map of how to understand, care for and protect Country.

In conjunction with Explore Byron Bay, Arakwal Bundjalung elder Delta Kay has created a special tour that focuses on sharing the experience of the Arakwal people.

Delta is a well-known and highly respected Arakwal elder within the Byron Shire. Her ancestors have lived in this area for thousands of years. They passed Arakwal customs, knowledge, ceremonies and stories to Delta for safe keeping.

Passionate about sharing Arakwal culture, Delta makes appearances around the region and has contributed to works for ABC Indigenous broadcasts.

This tour incorporates stories of Aboriginal existence before colonisation, the devastating impact of settlement and displacement on Aboriginal people and lessons in Bundjalung language, bush medicine, tools, weapons and artefacts.

Set across Cape Byron and Broken Head, these small group tours traverse stunning natural settings and offer the chance to sit and connect with Aunty Delta, and learn more about Indigenous culture and this unique land.

‘Dreaming’ or ‘Dreamtime’ is an English word often used to describe the rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing of the world and its creation.

Realistically, it is impossible to apply just one word that captures this core element of who Indigenous people are. It is something that you feel. Sit with Delta on Country with an open heart and open mind and you’ll feel it.

Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.