Sydney East Aboriginal Walking Tour with Smoking Ceremony (La Perouse, self-drive)

- Duration: 2 Hours (approx.)
- Location: La Perouse, NSW
- Product code: lappa_selfdrive
Discover Sydney's most historically significant Aboriginal coastal meeting place where Botany Bay meets the Pacific Ocean. This 2-hour cultural journey reveals the 1788 first contact story through La Perouse Museum, traditional coastal pathways, native plant and animal teachings, and the deep totemism connecting Dharawal people to land, sea, and Country.
Itinerary Overview
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM – Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony
Meeting location: La Perouse Museum, 1542 Anzac Parade, La Perouse NSW 2036
Traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at La Perouse Headland/Museum Forecourt.
Introduction to La Perouse as coastal Country.
Language groups, tribal boundaries, Botany Bay, and Bare Island overview.
10:15 AM – 10:40 AM – La Perouse Museum & The La Pérouse Mission
Story of the La Pérouse French expedition arrival in 1788.
Aboriginal perspectives on first contact following British First Fleet and French La Pérouse expedition arrivals.
Ongoing Aboriginal presence at La Perouse.
10:40 AM – 11:35 AM – Coastal Walk & Native Flora, Fauna, Totemism & Connection to Country
Walk along traditional coastal movement pathways toward Bare Island and national park.
Identification of coastal plants and traditional uses across 30,000+ years of cultural connection.
Discussion of seasonal foods and saltwater living.
Native land and marine animals of La Perouse.
Totemism and custodial responsibilities to animals and Country.
Cultural stories linking people, animals, land, and sea.
11:35 AM – 12:00 PM – Storytelling, Reflection & Conclusion
Knowledge sharing and interactive discussion.
Participant reflections and feedback.
Closing summary and thanks.
Includes
- Aboriginal cultural guide with traditional knowledge
- Traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony
- La Perouse Museum guided visit with 1788 first contact perspectives
- Coastal walk with native flora/fauna identification and traditional uses
- Totemism and Country responsibility teachings
- Fresh drinking water (bring reusable bottle for refills)
- Cultural tour & guided experiences
- Resources
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (mostly flat with one 10-minute hill section)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle (fresh water provided for refills)
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
- Camera (permitted at most sites)
- Snacks (food not included)
Good to Know
- Meet at La Perouse Museum, 1542 Anzac Parade, La Perouse NSW 2036
- Tour timing: 10:00am – 12:00pm
- 14km from Sydney CBD (20 minutes) | 12km from Sydney Airport (15 minutes)
- Suitable for beginners—mostly flat terrain with one 10-minute hill section
- Tour operates in various weather conditions
- Look for your guide at the museum entrance
- Not suitable for children under 6 years
- Meet at La Perouse Museum, 1542 Anzac Parade, La Perouse NSW 2036
- Tour timing: 10:00am – 12:00pm
- 14km from Sydney CBD (20 minutes) | 12km from Sydney Airport (15 minutes)
- Suitable for beginners—mostly flat terrain with one 10-minute hill section
- Tour operates in various weather conditions
- Look for your guide in a black and white Natcha t-shirt at the museum entrance
- Not suitable for children under 6 years



