This article on the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre first appeared in Issue of 5 of Family Holiday Destinations’ digital magazine.
Introducing Jellurgal – One of The Best Aboriginal Cultural Experiences Down Under
With international borders closed, now is the perfect opportunity to embrace Australia’s culture. Why not explore our own backyard like we would if we were travelling overseas? The Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is an authentic, world-class experience and I wish we had visited sooner ….
Clack, Clack, Clack, Clack. The rhythm of the Bilmi sticks and the resounding echo from each beat as the sticks make contact is mesmerizing. After around 16 beats, Anthony begins singing a traditional goodbye song. Actually, it’s more of a chant really and the beautiful deep resonance of his voice in perfect time with the clapping sticks makes me feel a little emotional.
We have been on the Walkabout Tour at Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre and now that the tour is finished, our guide Anthony is singing us a thank you and goodbye song. It is a truly wonderful experience and I close my eyes for a while so that I can hear it without distraction.
Credit – Destination Gold Coast
The tour began at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, located at the renowned Burleigh Headland on the Gold Coast, right next door to the popular family swimming spot at Tallebudgera Creek. Anthony greeted us and it wasn’t long before we headed out on our guided walk around Jellurgal, the Aboriginal name for the Burleigh Heads National Park headland.
The kids loved the Dreamtime stories ….
We set out on the popular ocean view track and Anthony engaged the kids with Dreamtime stories associated with the creation of Jellurgal. The kids loved one in particular that featured a dolphin and it wasn’t long before we found ourselves with our feet in the shallows of Tallebudgera Creek.
Anthony showed us where to collect the ochre and squatting down on the water’s edge, we made paint in the palm of our hands by mixing the ochre with the ocean water. Surprisingly, the kids chickened out having the ochre mixture spread on their own faces!
Credit – Tourism & Events QLD
With ocean views of the famous Gold Coast skyline framed by pandanus on one side in addition to the greenery of the Burleigh Heads headland on the other, I could see why this particular walk is loved by locals and visitors alike.
We listened to more Dreamtime stories and during the tour, learnt facts about the traditional lives of the Yugambeh speaking people who have been here for thousands of years.
We had fun spotting wildlife and finding the geographical features told in the stories!
As a result of its beautiful beachside location, the Jellurgal Cultural Centre provides a one-of-a-kind experience on the Gold Coast. In addition, the centre does an amazing job of promoting, preserving and sharing the Aboriginal culture.
Credit – Destination Gold Coast
The cultural centre offers three main tours. Firstly, the Jellurgal Little Explorers for kids, then the Jellurgal Walkabout and finally, the Jellurgal Journey.
Jellurgal Little Explorers
Book the kids into Jellurgal Little Explorers, a new tour designed for kids which goes for around 1.5 hours. Children can explore the magic of the ‘’Dreaming Mountain’’, Jellurgal in addition to an art workshop, guided walk and activities.
This tour is perfect for primary school children from 5 – 12 years of age and as a result, runs through the school holidays.
Kids will love meeting a traditional custodian and hearing the Dreamtime stories associated with Jellurgal. The tour includes an activity book for the kids to fill in on their walk which they then get to take home at the end of the tour, along with the art they create in the art workshop.
Credit – Tourism & Events QLD
Jellurgal Walkabout
The Jellurgal Walkabout tour takes around two hours and is an engaging walking tour of the renowned Burleigh Headland. Firstly, the tour starts with an audio/visual presentation which is followed by an Ochre Ceremony. The ochre is sourced from the mountain on a guided walk around the ‘’Dreaming Mountain’’, Jellurgal.
Visitors will meet a traditional custodian, hear Dreamtime stories on the creation of Jellurgal and discover facts about traditional life.
Credit – Tourism & Events QLD
Jellurgal Journey
The Jellurgal Journey is only available for private group bookings and therefore, requires a minimum of four adults. Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture with a guided tour followed by a live Aboriginal dance performance.
Learn about the Aboriginal history and culture of the Gold Coast, meet a traditional custodian and hear the local Dreamtime stories. The tour concludes in the Dreaming Amphitheatre where you will see Aboriginal dancers tell stories through song and movement.
Credit – Tourism & Events QLD
For more info or to book a tour with the Jellurgal Cultural Centre, visit their website direct at www.jellurgal.com.au.
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Gold Coast family holiday resources
Best time to visit the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is really an all-year-round holiday destination. However, it gets pretty busy during the summer school holidays.
December to February sees tropical weather with more chance of rain. Many tout April and May as a great time to visit due to lower rainfall, but I personally find the ocean a bit too chilly at this time.
Where to stay
If staying in Burleigh Heads, Swell Resort is a fantastic option for families with roomy apartment-style offerings. The resort is set close to restaurants, only 100 metres from the beach. This is my top pick for the Gold Coast.
If staying in the Gold Coast Hinterlands, you can’t go past Binna Burra Lodge or O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Both offer a range of accommodations.
If you’re looking for a family resort with everything to occupy the kids, NRMA Treasure Island and Paradise Resort are top choices.
Those seeking luxury will love the Gold Coast Marriott or The Star.
Getting to the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is located one hour south of Brisbane on the East Coast of Australia.
Both domestic and international flights service the Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta. Find a great deal on Trip.com
The Gold Coast is connected by rail to Brisbane’s Roma Street and Central stations. There is also an AirTrain that runs a regular rail service taking around 90 minutes.
Getting around the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast has an extensive bus service with over 60 routes within the city. If venturing to the Gold Coast Hinterlands, hiring a car is an excellent option if you don’t have your own.
We visited the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre in partnership with Destination Gold Coast.