WORKSHOPS & EVENTS.
ABORIGINAL CULTURAL EXCURSION - FOR YOUTH
Yangga Art Studio invites high schools to participate in a unique, immersive Aboriginal cultural experience on Wave Break Island. This 2–3 hour excursion is designed to enrich students’ understanding of Aboriginal history, traditions, and connection to Country through hands-on activities, storytelling, and interaction with cultural artifacts. The program aligns with the Australian Curriculum (ACARA) cross-curriculum priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, making it a powerful complement to classroom learning.
Program Objectives
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Foster respectful engagement with Aboriginal heritage through guided, interactive experiences.
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Enhance student learning outcomes in subjects such as History, Geography, Cultural Studies, and Science (environmental knowledge).
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Provide an experiential learning opportunity that deepens appreciation for First Nations knowledge systems.
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Support teachers and educators with a interactive experience of traditional teaching and knowledge.
Excursion Itinerary (2–3 Hours)
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A symbolic welcome with traditional ochre painting to begin the cultural journey.
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Cultural introduction led by an Aboriginal guide, followed by a traditional smoking ritual for spiritual cleansing.
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Students hear creation stories and traditional lores passed down through generations.
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Interactive display of tools such as boomerangs, digging sticks, clapsticks, emu callers, traditional bones and shells, traditional rope, grinding stones and more, with explanations of their cultural use.
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Demonstration of ancient fire-starting methods using natural materials, including waterproof firesticks sealed with beeswax.
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A hands-on workshop where students learn to throw spears using woomeras in a safe and controlled setting.
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Guided exploration of local flora used for food and medicine, with insights into Aboriginal ecological knowledge.
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Discussion on Aboriginal hunting methods, sustainability, and respect for wildlife.
Transport to Wave Break Island
Option 1. Seaway Kayaking experience
To enhance the adventure and connection to nature, Seaway kayaking is offered as a unique and eco-friendly transport option for schools traveling to Wave Break Island.
Kayaking through the Gold Coast Seaway provides students with an exciting opportunity to experience the local waterways firsthand while promoting physical activity and environmental appreciation.
Option 2. Boat Transfer
Boat transfers remain available for groups preferring a more traditional mode of transport.
Educational Benefits
• Cross-disciplinary content aligned with Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), Science, and The Arts
• Supports the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority
• Encourages respectful inquiry, critical thinking, and cultural empathy
• Provides real-world application of traditional ecological and sustainable practices
Pricing & Group Details
• Standard Education Rate: $100 per student
• Group Discount: Available for bookings of 10+ (students Max 22 students)
• Minimum Group Size: 10 students
• Supervising Teachers: Free of charge (1 per 10 students)
• Seaway Kayaking Transport: Additional fee applies; pricing available upon inquiry
• Water Taxi: Additional fee applies; pricing available upon inquiry
Logistics & Safety
Location: Wave Break Island (accessible via Gold Coast marinas or Seaway kayaking)
Transport: Choice of boat transfer or guided kayaking through the Gold Coast Seaway
Safety: All activities and transport options undergo thorough risk assessment and comply with Department of Education and WHS guidelines
Facilities: Shaded seating areas, water stations, and first-aid onsite
Optional Add-Ons
• Pre-visit virtual classroom session with a cultural educator
• Post-visit reflection activity worksheet aligned to curriculum
This program offers high school students a powerful opportunity to engage with Aboriginal culture in a meaningful, interactive setting. By participating, students gain not only knowledge but also an appreciation for the wisdom, resilience, and creativity of Australia’s First Peoples. Yangga Art Studio is proud to deliver these experiences in partnership with the local Aboriginal community to promote learning, reconciliation, and cultural continuity.
Booking & Contact
For bookings, availability, or to receive a tailored education package for your school, please contact:
Yangga Art Studio – Cultural Education Team
📞 0423 284 800
Hands on Cultural Education Programs - Immersive Workshops Rooted in Traditional Knowledge and Holistic Learning
Yangga Art Studio offers interactive cultural education workshops that immerse high school students and educators in Aboriginal traditions, history, and practical life skills. Our programs are designed to align with the Australian Curriculum and support learning across multiple subject areas through hands-on activities and deep cultural insight.
We take a holistic approach, emphasising not only traditional knowledge but also spiritual healing, environmental stewardship, and personal growth. These workshops are led by experienced Aboriginal educators and cultural practitioners, fostering respect, connection, and awareness of First Nations perspectives.
Core Focus Areas
Each workshop includes a blend of practical activities, storytelling, and cultural education, incorporating:
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Boomerangs, digging sticks, spears, emu callers, bones and shells, firesticks, grinding stones, message sticks and more.
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Bush tucker preparation, native ingredients, traditional cooking methods.
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Oral storytelling, songlines, and the connection to Country.
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Spear throwing, tracking, sustainable practices.
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Smoking ceremonies, ochre painting, and mindfulness rooted in cultural tradition.
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Stolen generation, hidden generation, dormitory’s, missions, camps, rations and more.
Curriculum-Aligned Workshop Streams
We offer tailored workshops aligned with specific subjects to reinforce classroom learning
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Focus: Traditional ecological knowledge, native plants and their medicinal uses, sustainable land practices
Activities: Bush medicine walks, environmental stewardship, soil and plant observation
Curriculum Link: Biology, Environmental Science, Sustainability Units
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Focus: Traditional bush food preparation and Indigenous ingredients
Activities: Cooking demonstrations using kangaroo, lemon myrtle, local fish, native fruits
Curriculum Link: Food Studies, Nutrition, Cultural Cuisine
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Focus: Traditional physical skills and holistic well-being
Activities: Spear throwing, traditional games.
Curriculum Link: Sport, Health & Physical Education, Outdoor Education
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Focus: First Nations history, colonisation impact, cultural continuity
Activities: Artifact analysis, storytelling circles, message stick communication
Curriculum Link: Modern and Ancient History, Civics, Indigenous Studies
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Focus: Oral storytelling, symbolism, Aboriginal literature
Activities: Dreamtime storytelling, storytelling on stolen generation and history,
Curriculum Link: English, Indigenous Perspectives in Literature
Program Structure & Pricing
Programs can be delivered as on-campus incursions or off-campus excursions (e.g. Wave Break
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1-2 cultural activities tailored to chosen subject.
Price (Per session)
$350.00
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Up to 4 class rotations tailored to subject.
Price (Per session)
$700
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Full cultural experience with lunch break, all activities tailored to subject.
Price (Per session)
$1000
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Tailored experience in collaboration with school staff
Price (Per session)
POA
Supervising Teachers attend free of charge
Maximum group size: 26 students
Optional Add-Ons
• Seaway kayaking cultural excursion to Wave Break Island
• Cultural reflection journals for student assessment
• Take-home artifact kits (e.g. clapsticks, firestick kits)
• Virtual pre-visit briefings or post-visit classroom reflections
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Description text goes hereProgram Delivery and Educational Assurance.
All Yangga Art Studio programs are facilitated by qualified and experienced Aboriginal Cultural Educators, many of whom are recognised cultural knowledge holders within their communities.
All facilitators hold current Blue Cards and have undergone relevant child safety training.
Our workshops are fully aligned with the Australian Curriculum and are developed to meet the pedagogical and safety standards required by educational institutions.
These culturally rich learning experiences are designed to build cultural literacy and competency, while also fostering practical life skills, environmental awareness, and a stronger sense of personal and social responsibility.
By embedding Aboriginal perspectives across multiple subject areas, Yangga Art Studio’s programs promote reconciliation, respect for cultural diversity, and engaged, cross-disciplinary learning, supporting schools in their commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive education.
Booking & Contact
For bookings, availability, or to receive a tailored education package for your school, please contact:
Yangga Art Studio – Cultural Education Team
📞 0423 284 800
Based on the Gold Coast, QLD – Available for bookings across Southeast Queensland