Looking to experience Orange like a true local? Indigenous Cultural Adventures has everything you need to appreciate the region’s First Nation’s culture and bush tucker.

 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Wiradjuri nation on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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If you’re looking to learn about Aboriginal culture in Orange, or munch on some home-made bush tucker, then Indigenous Cultural Adventures is the way to do it!

Alongside an Aboriginal guide, spend your day visiting local cultural sites, nibbling on native flavours and taking in beautiful views from the top of Mount Canobolas.

 

Quick Overview

The beautiful region of Orange is famous for its beautiful food and wine, however, it’s also home to beautiful Wiradjuri culture.

To explore the region like a true local, Indigenous Cultural Adventures take you to several important Wiradjuri cultural sites and gives you a taster of delightful bush tucker.

 

About Indigenous Cultural Adventures

If you ever find yourself in the Orange region for a cheeky weekender, one of the best ways to experience the area is alongside Indigenous Cultural Adventures.

Operating under the blessing and approval of local Wiradjuri Elders, Indigenous Cultural Adventures aims to share the heritage and cultural knowledge of the region’s Wiradjuri nation with visitors and residents alike.

 

Indigenous Cultural Adventures History

Indigenous Cultural Adventures were established in 2016 by Gerald Powers, a Juru man from Bowen in Queensland near the Whitsundays.

After almost 40 years living in Orange, Gerald has learned from Wiradjuri elders the local stories and traditions of the region.

With their blessing and approval, Gerald now runs cultural tours around Orange to show the local Wiradjuri sites and stories.

Read more: How to Have a Wholesome Country Weekend Around Orange

 

How to Get to Orange

Orange is accessible from Sydney by driving 3.5 hours west, or catching the train from Sydney’s Central Station to Orange.

Read more: There’s a New 360km Cycling Trail in Orange

Where to Stay in Orange

If you’re heading to Orange for foraging or otherwise, a great spot to stay is at Basalt. These cosy studios are a ten-minute drive from Orange’s town centre and 20 minutes away from Canobolas State Forest.

Located in a cherry orchard, these studios provide sweeping views of the valley and come with a private fire pit and telescope to make the most of your evenings.

 

Where to Eat in Orange

Orange is known as the food bowl of NSW. With plenty of fresh local produce and wines to try, you’re spoiled for choice here.

 

 

If you’re looking for a delightful breakfast to start your day, I recommend Groundstone Cafe. Groundstone has some awesome brekkie options and excellent coffee to make sure you hit the ground running in Orange.

It’s also right next to Orange Visitors Centre, so if you’re after some inspiration on what else to do in Orange, or if you’d like to purchase some local produce, head there after!

Duration

The tour takes around 3-4 hours

Skill Level

Beginner

The tour with Indigenous Cultural Adventures doesn’t include any big hikes and is completely beginner-friendly.

 

Essential Gear for Indigenous Cultural Adventures Tour

  • Warm clothes
  • A rain jacket
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Willingness to try new things and any questions about the region you may have!

What it’s Like to Take an Indigenous Cultural Adventures Tour

Meeting the Locals

We met the founder and our tour guide Gerald, Juru man from Bowen in Queensland, outside Orange’s community garden.

He showed us beautiful native plants that he helped grow within the garden and encouraged us to taste everything, from Midyim  berries to finger limes.

Gerald also spoke to us about the medicinal purposes of native plants, such as using river bush mint to deter mozzies, calm headaches, and its use as an antiseptic.

 

 

Quick to crack jokes and always with a smile, you may not realise that Gerald was Orange’s deputy mayor at first.

But by touring the local community garden with him, it becomes evident how much love Gerald has for his community and social programs.

As we learned about several types of edible native plants, he shared his passion for educating local schools and the general community about eating healthy native produce.

After our tour of the garden, we sat down for a bush tucker morning tea.  In between bites of homemade damper and lemon myrtle biscuits, Gerrald recounted stories of growing up with his Nana’s recipes and perfecting marmalades from native ingredients with his son.

Exploring Yuranigh’s Burial Site

After our fill of biscuits and preserves, we were driven just outside of Orange to Yuranigh’s Burial Site. Yuranigh was the well-known Aboriginal guide for Sir Thomas Mitchell, who explored and surveyed the region in 1851.

Yuranigh was so influential to the local nations and Sir Mitchell that his resting site is home to a European tombstone and five Indigenous tree carvings, compared to the usual one or two.

 

 

In fact, Yuranigh’s grave marks the only known site in Australia where Aboriginal and European burial practices coexist.

Three of the five Indigenous tree carvings remain but are obscured somewhat by the bark’s regrowth, so make sure you can experience this bit of history before it’s completely grown over.

 

 

If you feel that your Indigenous history knowledge is lacking, don’t fret. Gerald is a neverending well of knowledge and incredibly keen to answer any and all questions you can throw at him.

Read more: 26 Important Aboriginal-Led Tours to Experience in NSW

Taking in the Sites and Stories of Gaanha Bula / Mount Canobolas

Our next stop was Gaanha Bula, more widely known as Mount Canobolas. From here, the sweeping views of the Orange region are spectacular.

Gerald took time to share Indigenous knowledge about the mountain and its importance as a traditional Bora (or ceremonial) ground for male initiation ceremonies for the local Wiradjuri people.

Read more: Sacred Aboriginal Sites to Avoid Climbing

The newly renovated lookout also provides plenty of information boards to quench any further thirst for knowledge, whether Indigenous stories, colonial exploration, or geology.

Enjoying a Proper Bush Tucker Lunch

Rounding out a pretty perfect morning, our Indigenous Cultural Adventure was completed with a proper tailgate cookup with native flavours.

We snacked on crackers and goats cheese spiced with Australian mountain pepper, while Gerald got the barbeque roaring.

 

 

Marinated kangaroo skewers and lemon myrtle crocodile not only tasted phenomenal, but smelled so good, several other tourists at Mt Canobolas lookout came round to sneak a peek at what was being cooked up.

A special mention needs to go to Indigenous Cultural Adventures’ food and catering as each recipe was indeed a labour of love.

Gerald took us through each dish and spoke at length about his process of perfecting the balance of Australian flavours while encouraging the general population to give it a go. As we ate, we could tell the recipes were crafted with passion.

Tips for Taking an Indigenous Cultural Adventures Tour

With Indigenous Cultural Adventures, the best advice is to be open-minded and willing to try new things.

Especially with bush tucker, sometimes it can be intimidating to try new flavours, but if you go in with an open mind, you’ll likely enjoy some amazing new recipes!

 

FAQs Indigenous Cultural Adventures

Where is Indigenous Cultural Adventures located? 

Orange

How do you get to Indigenous Cultural Adventures? 

Tours begin at the Orange Community Garden, a short walk from the town centre.

Do I need to book my tour with Indigenous Cultural Adventures? 

Yes! You can book at the Indigneous Cultural Adventures website.

When is the best time of year to take a tour with Indigenous Cultural Adventures? 

Orange has been voted the prettiest autumn town in Australia, so if you’re planning your next trip to the area, head there in autumn!

Are the Indigenous Cultural Adventures tours good for beginners? 

Indigenous Cultural Adventures tours are great for beginners.

Is Indigenous Cultural Adventures free? 

No, tours cost $85 per person.