Sydney City Pickup: Aboriginal Cultural Tour: Rock Art, Engravings & Smoking Ceremony (Royal National Park)

Discover authentic Aboriginal culture in Royal National Park, Australia's first national park. Experience a traditional Welcome Smoking Ceremony, explore ancient rock art and engravings, and visit significant midden sites. This 4.5-hour cultural journey includes guided walks through stunning bushland, storytelling from your local Aboriginal guide, and teachings on respect and responsibility to Country.

Itinerary Overview

9:15 AM – Central Sydney Pickup

Pickup location: Christ Church St Laurence, George Street (opposite Capitol Theatre)

Accessible: Central Station (5-minute walk) | Light Rail (Capitol Square, 3-min)

Travel to Royal National Park (45 minutes)

10:00 AM – 10:10 AM – Arrive at Royal National Park

Introduction to Royal National Park and walk to first site.

Prepare for your cultural journey with an overview of the day and cultural protocols.

10:10 AM – 11:10 AM – Allambie Flat Picnic Area – Welcome & Smoking Ceremony

Traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony - an ancient cleansing ritual that opens your cultural journey.

Walk to the first cultural site to observe Aboriginal rock art and midden sites.

Cultural and personal storytelling explaining the deep significance of these ancient sites and their role in Aboriginal life across countless generations.

11:10 AM – 11:40 AM – Drive to Mianbar

Travel by air-conditioned Natcha van through scenic Royal National Park to Mianbar.

Enjoy the journey through Australia's first national park whilst your guide continues sharing cultural knowledge and answering questions.

Short walk from the van to the rock engraving site.

11:40 AM – 12:40 PM – Rock Engravings at Mianbar

Discover ancient rock engravings created by Aboriginal ancestors thousands of years ago.

Receive local teachings on respect and responsibilities with the engravings and Country—insights into Aboriginal cultural practices and protocols that continue to guide relationships with the land today.

Time for questions, reflection, and deeper understanding of Aboriginal connection to this significant landscape.

12:40 PM – 1:00 PM – Return to Audley Dance Hall

Journey back in the Natcha van with time for final questions, reflection, and farewells.

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM – Transfer to Central Sydney

Travel back to Christ Church St Laurence, George Street (opposite Capitol Theatre)

Includes

• Aboriginal cultural guide with traditional knowledge and storytelling
• Traditional Welcome Smoking Ceremony
• Air-conditioned Natcha van transport between sites and through the national park
• Guided cultural experiences at rock art, midden sites, and rock engravings
• NSW National Parks entry fees
• Fresh drinking water (bring reusable bottle for refills)
• Central Sydney city pickup and return
• Cultural tour & guided experiences
• Resources

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes (walking through bushland on established tracks)
• 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

• Pickup: 9:15am at Christ Church St Laurence, George Street (opposite Capitol Theatre)
• Return: 1:45pm to same location
• Tour timing: 10:00am – 1:00pm
• Located 36km south of Sydney CBD
• Suitable for beginners—walking through bushland on established tracks
• Tour operates in various weather conditions
• This is a cultural experience. Please approach with respect and openness to learning
• Not suitable for children under 6 years
• Look for your guide in a black and white Natcha t-shirt at your pickup location