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Australia in Pictures: 24 Beautiful Places to Photograph

Written by Karen Hastings Updated May 26, 2022

Capturing Australia's rich beauty in a photograph can be a daunting task. The sheer magnitude of the landscapes is awe-inspiring, yet the staggering beauty and bold hues of this sunburned land shine brightly for the lens. Emerald rainforests tumbling to sapphire seas; copper-earthed deserts; kaleidoscopic coral reefs; and rugged, red rocks sculpted by wind and water – these tell the story of an ancient land.

But beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Whether you want to see World Heritage-listed rainforests, glacier-carved mountains, golden beaches , or tropical islands, Australia is home to some of the most beautiful places to visit on the planet.

1. Sydney Harbour, New South Wales

2. great barrier reef, 3. uluru-kata tjuta national park, northern territory, 4. great ocean road, victoria, 5. kakadu national park, northern territory, 6. cape tribulation, queensland, 7. lord howe island, new south wales, 8. freycinet national park, tasmania, 9. blue mountains national park, new south wales, 10. ningaloo reef marine park, western australia, 11. fraser island, queensland, 12. kangaroo island, south australia, 13. broome & the kimberley, western australia, 14. margaret river, western australia, 15. cradle mountain-lake st. clair national park, tasmania, 16. port douglas, queensland, 17. wilson's promontory, victoria, 18. nitmiluk (katherine gorge) national park, northern territory, 19. noosa heads, queensland, 20. byron bay, new south wales, 21. the pilbara, western australia, 22. brighton bathing boxes, victoria, 23. brisbane, queensland, 24. bridestowe lavender estate, tasmania.

Sydney Harbour, New South Wales

Sydney Harbour is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. Crowned by the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this famous body of water is the heart and soul of the city.

Hop aboard a harbor cruise or ferry to explore its many secluded coves, tiny islands, and waterfront suburbs, or if you're feeling adventurous, sign up for the Sydney BridgeClimb adventure and admire stunning views from the top of its famous bridge.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sydney

Great Barrier Reef

Shimmering in luminous turquoise water, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland is one of the star tourist attractions in Australia . The only living thing visible from outer space, this 2,300-kilometer-long World Heritage-listed beauty is a fragile mosaic of coral cays; seagrass beds; mangroves; and tropical islands, like the idyllic Whitsunday Islands .

SCUBA dive or snorkel in the warm, clear waters to photograph the colorful coral and fish up close, or hop aboard a helicopter or seaplane to capture aerial photos.

  • Read More: Visiting the Great Barrier Reef: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory

Presiding over the parched, flat desert like a sacred sentinel, Uluru is an Australian icon. The Aboriginal people have long revered this magnificent, mystical landmark. Today, tourists come to this Northern Territory treasure to stand in awe and soak up the stark beauty of the surrounding desert.

Besides 348-meter-high Uluru, this World Heritage-listed national park is also famous for the dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Dusk is the best time to photograph these natural wonders, when the setting sun ignites their deep, russet hues.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Over millennia, Mother Nature carved off huge slices of coast along the southern shores of Australia. Today, the rocky remnants of this ancient coastline rise out of the pounding sea like giant jigsaw puzzle pieces.

To photograph these powerful forces of nature, cruise along the soaring sea cliffs of Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's most famous scenic drives. The Twelve Apostles , Loch Ard Gorge , London Bridge , and The Arch are some of the most famous landforms here. For a bird's-eye-view, hover over them in a helicopter.

  • Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do on the Great Ocean Road

Yellow Water Billabong at dawn

Starring in famous scenes of the popular movie Crocodile Dundee , Kakadu is Australia's biggest national park and one of its most spectacular. Tropical woodlands, wetlands, and monsoon rain forests are the main habitats here, and nature lovers can see an amazing diversity of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and many species of birds.

Hiking and sightseeing cruises on the rivers and wetlands are some of the most popular things to do. The park is also known for its many impressive examples of Aboriginal rock art.

  • Read More: Visiting Kakadu National Park from Darwin: Attractions, Tips & Tours

Cape Tribulation, Queensland

A spectacular mingling of reef and rainforest, Cape Tribulation is one of the few places on the planet where two World Heritage Sites converge. The dense jungle of the Daintree Rainforest tumbles to white-sand beaches, where the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef dot the shallows.

You'll find plenty of tropical adventures here. Hike or zipline through the rain forest, horseback ride on the beaches, or snorkel and scuba dive along the fish-rich coral reefs.

Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

Ringed by the world's most southerly coral reef, World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, in New South Wales, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. National parks protect almost two thirds of the island, and hiking trails thread along coastal cliffs and through lush forests of kentia palms and pandanus.

Bask on the white-sand beaches; bike the sleepy streets; snorkel and dive the coral reefs; fish, surf, and kayak the clear waters; or climb up 875-meter Mount Gower for panoramic island views – it's one of the top hikes in Australia .

Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Tasmania is famous for its primeval forests and pristine wilderness areas, yet Freycinet still stands out from the pack. Its centerpiece is the seductive curve of Wineglass Bay, where the azure waters wash upon a dazzling arc of white-sand beach backed by bush.

Hike the trails to panoramic lookouts; see the pink-tinged granite crags of the Hazards rising from the sea; and keep an eye out for black cockatoos, kookaburras, and other wildlife as you explore the park's secluded beaches and bays.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Tasmania

Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales

Suffused with a blue haze from the eucalyptus oil in the gum trees, beautiful Blue Mountains National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Sydney . Unspoiled bushland stretches as far as the eye can see, and the trio of rugged rock pinnacles, called the Three Sisters , are one of the park's most photographed features. Exploring waterfalls, caves, and cute mountain villages are other top attractions .

Breathe in the crisp, fresh air and breathtaking views from several stunning viewpoints; hike the many trails; soar over the landscapes on the scenic cableway and Skyway; or go rock climbing, canyoning, abseiling, mountain biking, or horseback riding.

Ningaloo Reef Marine Park, Western Australia

World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is Australia's largest fringing reef and home to an impressive array of marine creatures. Dugongs, manta rays, humpback whales, turtles, and dolphins are just some of the species that swim in these translucent waters, as well as more than 500 species of fish and 300 species of coral.

Swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and fishing are all popular things to do here, and you can also explore the rugged gorges and stunning beaches of Cape Range National Park . Don't miss Turquoise Bay , one of Australia's most spectacular beaches.

Fraser Island, Queensland

On Fraser Island, the planet's largest sand island, the golden beaches stretch for miles. Dingoes pad along the soft sands, and subtropical rainforest cloaks the island's interior, punctuated by sparkling freshwater lakes.

Four wheel driving along the shore and through the forests is one of Australia's best outdoor adventures . Explore the emerald rainforest, fish off the beach, see old shipwrecks, and swim in aquamarine Lake McKenzie .

  • Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do on Fraser Island

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

On Kangaroo Island, Australia's third largest island, wildlife is a prime draw, and the island's namesake marsupials are ubiquitous. But you can also capture photos of koalas, penguins, sea lions, echidnas, birds, and a dazzling diversity of marine species. Clamber upon the distinctive wind-blasted boulders in Flinders Chase National Park , delve deep into the island's crystal-encrusted caves, and surf down soaring sand dunes.

Food is also a highlight. Fresh local produce like seafood, Ligurian honey, and creamy cheeses top the list of enticing ingredients on local menus.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do on Kangaroo Island

Gorge on the Old River in the Kimberley Region

Rugged and remote, The Kimberley, in the far north of Western Australia, encapsulates Australia's spirit of adventure. Gargantuan red-rock gorges, thundering Mitchell Falls , Windjana Gorge National Park , Cape Leveque , the Horizontal Waterfall , the legendary 660-kilometer Gibb River Road 4WD adventure, and Purnululu National Park are some of the top places to see.

Join a tour to get the most out of a visit here, or soar over the striking desert landscapes on a small plane for spectacular aerial photos. The pearl-farming town of Broome is the gateway to this raw and ravishing wilderness.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Broome

Red Gate Beach, Margaret River

About 270 kilometers southeast of Perth , Margaret River offers all the ingredients for an idyllic getaway. Beautiful beaches, fantastic surf, tall forests, limestone caves, and plenty of glorious sunshine. Top it all off with fabulous food from talented local chefs, and it's easy to see why this is a favorite weekend getaway from Perth.

Prevelly, at the mouth of the Margaret River, is particularly pretty. From here, you can hike part of the famous Cape to Cape track , surf the breaks, paddle up the river, or play on the pristine beaches.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Tasmania

The raw wilderness of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is what nature lovers cherish about this stunningly beautiful state. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the park's glacier-carved crags, dense forests, sparkling lakes, alpine heathland, and serrated peaks inspire all who travel here.

Hiking is fantastic. Climb to the summit of Cradle Mountain for incredible views over the central highlands or hike to Lake St. Clair, Australia's deepest lake.

Port Douglas, Queensland

Pretty Port Douglas in Far North Queensland is Cairns' cute little sister. You can do all the popular Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest tours from here, but the town itself has more of a sleepy charm. Mango trees and coconut palms line the streets; petite St. Mary's Church presides over the waterfront; and the white sands and turquoise waters of Four Mile Beach echo the beauty of Cape Tribulation, farther north.

Drive or hike up to Flagstaff Hill Lookout to capture the best photos of the beach, and venture to Mossman Gorge to swim in the cool, clear rainforest pools.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Port Douglas

Wilson's Promontory, Victoria

Dubbed "The Prom" by locals, this much-loved national park is one of Victoria's natural treasures. The park covers the southernmost point of the Australian mainland and is home to an astounding diversity of wildlife, from koalas and kangaroos, to wombats, echidnas, emus, and many species of birds.

The scenery is just as diverse. Rugged granite rock outcrops, squeaky-clean white-sand beaches, and lush rain forests make for beautiful images. Popular things to do here include hiking, diving, fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park, Northern Territory

A series of 100-meter-deep gorges is the centerpiece of this magnificent wilderness area in the Northern Territory, about 244 kilometers east of Darwin . The mighty Katherine River carved these steep-sided gorges from the soft sandstone layers of the southern Arnhem Land Plateau, creating rugged cliffs, vast pools, and when the rains come, tumultuous waterfalls and surprisingly lush vegetation.

Kayaking through the gorges is one of the best ways to experience the striking landforms and to spot some of the resident wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, macropods, possums, flying foxes, and more than 200 species of birds.

  • Read More: Exploring Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)

Noosa National Park

A sun-kissed slice of classic Aussie beach overlooked by the bristling eucalyptus forests of Noosa National Park is the focal point of Noosa Heads. It's one of Australia's favorite vacation destinations.

After basking on the sun-soaked sands of Noosa Main Beach , stroll along the coastal track though the national park to see koalas and glorious sea views, then head to hip Hastings Street , where you can enjoy a gourmet lunch, and browse the boutiques and galleries.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Noosa Heads

Byron Bay, New South Wales

Hip and happening but also beachy and beautiful, Byron Bay is a favorite Aussie holiday destination with a hippy vibe. This chic beach resort on the north coast of New South Wales is known for its picturesque surf-washed shoreline, yoga and health retreats, and funky markets.

Inland, World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park offers even more of an escape for nature lovers, with waterfalls and rainforests. Be sure to hike the Cape Byron Track while you're here. It leads to the most easterly point in mainland Australia and its iconic lighthouse.

Solitary hakea tree in the Pilbara

Western Australia's Pilbara region is a land of harsh desert landscapes washed in striking hues. This is where you'll find Karijini National Park, one of the top places to visit in Western Australia . The image of a solitary hakea tree silhouetted against the fiery sunset encapsulates the region's haunting beauty.

Colorful bathing boxes in Brighton

Colorful Brighton bathing boxes pop against the white sand and blue sea. More than a century old, these eye-catching landmarks line Melbourne's Dendy Street Beach in Brighton.

Capturing their Victorian architectural features and bold colors in a photo is a popular thing to do along this popular stretch of coast. These distinctive structures also reflect the region's history, harking from a time when swimmers had private changing facilities.

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Melbourne

Twilight in Brisbane

Twilight is a magical time to photograph Brisbane. On a calm day, light reflects off the mirror-like surface of the Brisbane River, the city skyscrapers twinkle as their lights flicker on, and cars snake their way out of the city. It's a beautiful time to capture a more subdued mood of the Queensland capital.

While you're here, take a cruise down the Brisbane River for the best photo angles and graphic shots of the Story Bridge.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Brisbane

Bridestowe Lavender Estate

What could be more photogenic than a sea of luxuriant purple against copper-hued earth? The Bridestowe Lavender Estate near Launceston in northern Tasmania is the perfect spot to bring your camera and photograph layer upon layer of vibrant color. Spend an afternoon here wandering through the fields to see how the shifting sun deepens the purple hue.

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Experience Australia’s spectacular outdoor art galleries

Head to the great Australian outdoors to discover incredible art in stunning natural vistas.

By Simon Webster

You don’t have to be in a gallery to experience world-class art in Australia. This is a country that loves the outdoor lifestyle, so it’s only natural that some of the art should be alfresco, too. From the Western Australian outback to the base of Ulu r u, here are some outdoor galleries that combine human creativity with natural beauty in remarkable ways.

Museum of Underwater Art

Museum of Underwater Art, near Townsville, Queensland © Museum of Underwater Art

Museum of Underwater Art, near Townsville, Queensland © Museum of Underwater Art

Where:  Townsville , Queensland

A series of installations and sculptures within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park , the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is one of the most unique museums in the world – and it's a museum with a mission. You can see MOUA’s first installation,  Ocean Siren , in the waters off Townsville. However, the  Coral Greenhouse  installation has been installed on the ocean floor 18m (60ft) below sea level at John Brewer Reef. Part of your tour includes education about conservation efforts aimed at protecting this precious ecosystem.

Field of Light

Field of Light installation near Uluru © Tourism Australia

Field of Light, Yulara, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Field of Light installation near Uluru © Stephen Parry

Initially only supposed to be at Ulu r u for a limited time, Field of Light has proved so popular that it has been extended indefinitely.

Where: Ulu r u, Northern Territory

In 1992, British artist Bruce Munro, travelling to Uluru in the Northern Territory , felt a compelling connection to the energy of the desert landscape. He made some sketches in his notebook and, 14 years later, his Field of Light installation opened next to one of the world’s most famous rocks. 

In the local Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal language, the installation is called Tili Wi r u Tjuta Nyakutjaku , or “looking at lots of beautiful lights”– the perfect description. It’s a huge, dramatic piece, made up of more than 50,000 solar-powered stems that light up at sunset and glow gently and rhythmically throughout the night beneath the glittering and uninterrupted outback sky. You can experience it in numerous ways, including by camel, at sunrise, or combined with an iconic Sounds of Silence dinner at Ayers Rock Resort.

PUBLIC Silo Trail

Painted grain silos on the PUBLIC Silo Trail in Newdegate © Bewley Shaylor

PUBLIC Silo Trail, Newdegate, Western Australia © Bewley Shaylor

Painted grain silos on the Public Silo Trail in Northam © Bewley Shaylor

Did you know?

It took artists Phlegm and HENSE 16 days and 740 litres (195 gallons) of paint to create Australia’s first painted silos, at Northam, Western Australia.

Where: Western Australia

Turning grain silos into giant works of art has become a bit of a thing in Australia, bringing some truly arresting visuals to our already magnificent natural settings. It all started in Northam, near  Perth , in 2015, when FORM , a Western Australian not-for-profit cultural organisation, commissioned British mural artist Phlegm and American artist HENSE to transform eight 38m tall (125ft) fully operational grain silos. Today, the PUBLIC Silo Trail stretches for 1,000km (620mi) across Western Australia . There are six silo sites, plus murals on walls and transformer boxes in a seventh town, all created by renowned mural artists. 

Silo Art Trail

Painted silos on the Silo Art Trail in Sheep Hills © Visit Victoria

Silo Art Trail, Sheep Hills, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Where: Victoria

If the idea of giant painted silos has captured your imagination, you’ll find another spectacular trail in western Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region. Stretching more than 200km (125mi), the Silo Art Trail began in 2016, when Australian mural artist Guido van Helten painted dramatic depictions of local farmers on disused silos in the town of Brim. Today, there are eight sites on the trail, including a giant kelpie sheepdog and farmer at Nullawil, and Aboriginal elders and children at Sheep Hills. You’ll find plenty more silo art around the country – see the Australian Silo Art Trail website for details and a handy map .

Inside Australia

Antony Gormley sculpture on Lake Ballard © Tourism Western Australia

Lake Ballard, Menzies, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Where:  Lake Ballard, Western Australia

Keen on something more unusual and avant-garde? Lake Ballard, a vast white salt plain in the Western Australia outback, is the otherworldly setting for a remarkable work by Turner Prize-winning British sculptor Antony Gormley. Inside Australia "> Inside Australia comprises 51 alloy sculptures, representing residents of the nearby town of Menzies (and a few out-of-towners), scattered around the western end of this dramatic and seemingly endless flat space. The work is best viewed in the early morning or late afternoon, when shadows are long.

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Australia's best street art

Heide Museum of Modern Art

Family walks next to sculptures at the Heide Museum of Modern Art © Heide Museum of Modern Art

Heide Museum of Modern Art, Bulleen, Victoria © Heide Museum of Modern Art

Where:  Bulleen, Victoria

Heide Museum of Modern Art was once the home of arts benefactors John and Sunday Reed. Their ambition was to turn their home into a public museum and park, a wish that came true in 1981. 

As well as a museum, the property has 15 acres (6 hectares) of beautiful grounds that are home to a remarkable Sculpture Park . Alongside temporary exhibits, more than 35 permanent sculptures can be found here, including the epic Rings of Saturn by Inge King, which dominates a hill overlooking the Yarra River; Mary Magdalene , a striking bronze by Italian-born Melbourne artist George Baldessin; and Cows by Jeff Thomson, a nod to the dairy farm that once occupied the site. 

Sculpture by the Sea

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, Sydney, New South Wales © Ross Duggan

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, Sydney, New South Wales © Ross Duggan

Where:   Bondi Beach , New South Wales

Every spring, the already spectacular  Bondi to Bronte walk  is transformed into a temporary sculpture park with the addition of hundreds of weird and wonderful artworks in the world's largest free-to-the-public sculpture exhibition. The Sculpture by the Sea festival lasts about three weeks with large-scale works placed along the beaches and rocky outcrops between Bondi and Tamarama. The 2km (1.2mi) coastal walk has featured thought-provoking and unique installations depicting everything from giant frying pans to silver peacocks. 

Sculpture Garden 

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, ACT © Tourism Australia

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Tourism Australia

Where: Canberra , Australian Capital Territory

Canberra’s National Gallery of Australia boasts an array of intriguing exhibitions, but the art doesn’t stop when you reach the door. Perched next to the waters of Lake Burley Griffin lies the gallery's Sculpture Garden , an unconventional landscape that was designed to complement the building by mirroring its triangular shape. 

First opened in 1981 by Harry Howard and Associates and the Gallery’s Director, James Mollison, the garden has since seen new and fascinating additions, creating a surreal experience for those who wander its paths. Show-stoppers, including Fujiko Nakaya’s fog sculpture (open 12:30 pm to 2 pm daily), Pukumani burial poles and Antony Gormley's life-sized  Angle of the North are must-sees. 

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Maruku Arts, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, NT © Archie Sartracom/Tourism Australia

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Indigenous symbol - Natural Beauty

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Indigenous symbol - Natural Beauty

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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Welcome to Country vs. Acknowledgement of Country

Learn the difference and the significance of these traditional ceremonial practices.

By Welcome to Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future

Roebuck Bay Staircase to the Moon (2019) by Tourism Australia Original Source: Tourism Australia Image Gallery

We wish to acknowledge the diverse nature of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia, and share a little bit about some of the respectful practices used to welcome guests onto Country.

AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia National Portrait Gallery

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander 'Australia' is made up of more than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language groups, defining ownership of land or Country .

Each group has its own unique culture, traditions and language, and is commonly known as your people or your mob . Despite the absence of formal fences or visible borders, Aboriginal peoples have clear boundaries separating their Country from that of other groups.

Smoking ceremony under a tree at Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne (2018) by Visit Victoria Original Source: Tourism Australia Image Gallery

Protocols for welcoming guests to Country - allowing safe passage and providing knowledge of the land - have been a part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for thousands of years. This protocol continues today through a Welcome to Country.

Smoking Ceremony Performed by Matthew Doyle and Tim Bishop on Bidjigal Land by Matthew Doyle, Tim Bishop and Welcome to Country Original Source: Welcome to Country

What is a 'Welcome to Country'?

A Welcome to Country is a formal ceremony delivered by an Elder, Traditional Owner or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who has been given permission from Traditional Owners to welcome visitors to their Country. Traditionally it is a ceremony to not only welcome an outsider to Country but to also grant permission for the visitor to enter their land.

Smoking ceremony performed during the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne (2018) by Visit Victoria Original Source: Tourism Australia Image Gallery

A Welcome to Country occurs at the beginning of any gathering or event. It can take many forms, including singing , dancing , smoking ceremonies or a speech delivered in traditional language, English or a mixture of both.

Watch Tim and Matt perform a Smoking Ceremony on Bidjigal Land .

Sand Dune Adventures guide leading an Aboriginal Culture and Quad Bike Tour in Port Stephens. (2021) by Destination NSW Original Source: Destination NSW Content Library

Today, much has changed and these protocols have been adapted to contemporary society. However, the essential elements of welcoming visitors and offering safe passage remain in place. It also now serves to distinguish Traditional Owners and their enduring connection to Country.

The wukalina Walk at sunrise (2018) by The wukalina Walk Original Source: Tourism Australia Image Gallery

What is an 'Acknowledgement of Country'?

An Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for anyone to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to Country. It can be given by both non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Maruku Arts, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, NT (2018) by Tourism Australia Original Source: Tourism Australia Image Gallery

Similar to a  Welcome to Country , an Acknowledgement of Country is generally offered at the beginning of a meeting, speech or formal occasion. There are no set protocols or wording for an Acknowledgement of Country, though often a statement may take the following forms:

General:   "I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today. I would also like to pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging." Specific:   "I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today, the (people) of the (Nation) and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging."

Spirits of the Red Sand Evening Experience (2020) by Tourism and Events Queensland Original Source: Tourism Australia Image Gallery

Why is a Welcome or Acknowledgement so important?

In Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander cultures, the meaning of Country is more than just ownership or connection to land ( read more ). Including welcoming and acknowledgement protocols in official events recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land - appreciating their ongoing connection to place and showing respect for Traditional Owners.

Watch this video of Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO discuss the significance of including a Welcome to Country ceremony at contemporary events.

Citations and Additional Resources: - Lindsay Stanford, "What is the Difference between a Welcome to Country & an Acknowledgement of Land?"  Blakworks Employment Solutions, 19 September 2016 - Reconciliation Australia:  Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country - AIATSIS:  Welcome to Country Visit  Welcome to Country  and continue your journey of learning and engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and Country.

Gadigal Country: The Hidden History & Culture of Sydney

Welcome to country, australia: sport and identity, national portrait gallery, what is 'country', cricket & australian identity, djugun-yawuru country: the mudflats of roebuck bay, facing new worlds, kuku yalanji country: where the rainforest meets the reef, aboriginal and torres strait islander activists, palawa country: awakening culture, language and landscape, surfing & australian identity.

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    Where: Bulleen, Victoria. Heide Museum of Modern Art was once the home of arts benefactors John and Sunday Reed. Their ambition was to turn their home into a public museum and park, a wish that came true in 1981. As well as a museum, the property has 15 acres (6 hectares) of beautiful grounds that are home to a remarkable Sculpture Park.

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  20. Welcome to Country vs. Acknowledgement of Country

    Smoking ceremony under a tree at Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne (2018) by Visit VictoriaOriginal Source: Tourism Australia Image Gallery Protocols for welcoming guests to Country - allowing safe passage and providing knowledge of the land - have been a part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for ...