Jibbon Aboriginal Tour
Walk in the footsteps of the Dharawal people of southern Sydney on one of the best Aboriginal Tours Sydney. Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Dharawal Aboriginal people who lived in Royal National Park thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. View their thousand-year-old rock carvings and listen to Dreaming stories of the spirits who formed this place. Taste the bush tucker plants the Dharawal people ate and visit their ancient campsites. On this unique half day Aboriginal tours Sydney, learn about their totems and delve into their deep spiritual connection with land and Country.
Half day Aboriginal Tour in Royal National Park, Sydney
Your journey of Aboriginal discovery begins with a ferry ride past the waterfront homes on Gunnamatta Bay. Thousands of years ago it was the humble ‘gunyah’ bark huts of the Gunnamattagal mob dotting the waterfront. Learn more about their way of life as you examine a midden - a pile of sea shells, bones and old stone tools – marking a 7,000 year Dharawal campsite on Jibbon Beach. During one of the best Aboriginal tours Sydney, taste traditional Dharawal plant foods before a modern-day morning snack on Jibbon headland overlooking the ocean. At the headland, you’ll see rock engravings the Dharawal people carved during ceremonies 1,000 years ago. Meet the depiction of Biame, the Sky Spirit and Gurrawul the Great Whale and hear about their exploits in the timeless Dreaming when life began.
Expertly guided, this half day Aboriginal tour is a great way to learn about Sydney’s first inhabitants while enjoying spectacular coastal scenery. With small groups of between two and 12 people, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, personalised experience with a good walking pace and easy camaraderie. Our experienced local guides will show you lesser-known spots and give you plenty of time to soak up your surroundings.
Meet at: 8:15am at Cronulla ferry wharf (city hotel pick up approx. 7:00am)
Tour concludes: 12:30pm at Cronulla ferry wharf (city hotel returns approx. 1:15pm)
Distance: 5km (3 miles) Tour duration: 4 hours Walking time: 3 hours
Departures: Year-round. Check availability.
Guest numbers: Maximum 12 guests.
7:00am City hotel pick up (if requested)
8:15am Meet at Cronulla ferry wharf
8:30am Ferry departs Cronulla
9:00am Arrive Bundeena and begin walking:
Wind through the sleepy beachside village of Bundeena and across Jibbon Beach where you’ll see the ancient midden that extends along the length of the beach. Walk around Jibbon headland and view the carvings the Dharawal people carved in ceremonies a thousand years ago. From Jibbon Point you can look across the ocean to Kurnell, where Captain Cook first stepped foot in Australia. Enjoy a healthy snack while looking out over the ocean. Continue back to Bundeena for your return ferry ride.
12:00pm Ferry departs Bundeena.
12:20pm Ferry arrives at Cronulla
1:15pm City hotel drop off (if requested)
Come prepared to hike, wearing enclosed, supportive shoes. Hiking boots are preferable, trainers or joggers are fine.
You’ll occasionally brush up against plants near the trail so long pants are preferable to shorts. The Australian sun is very strong, even on cloudy days, so we recommend wearing a shirt with sleeves to protect your shoulders. We recommend wearing a hat and sunscreen all year-round.
In cooler weather, wear layers of clothing so you can take a layer off when you are warm from walking, and add a layer when you’re cool from resting. Check Sydney’s weather forecast – you may need to bring a raincoat as the tour will go ahead even if it is raining.
You will need to bring, and carry, approximately 500 ml water. You will be provided with a goody bag containing fruit and snacks, which you will also need to carry. The guide will be carrying your morning snack and hot drinks. Remember to let us know any dietary requirements at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Essentials
* 500ml drinking water
* Hat, sunscreen
* Raincoat or rainjacket if necessary
* Camera
This tour departs from and returns to Cronulla, a picturesque beachside suburb on Sydney’s southern edge. Cronulla has the feel of a big seaside town, with surf beaches sweeping along one side of the peninsula and the protected Port Hacking inlet on the other. It’s also the only Sydney beach with a direct train link from Central and Town Hall stations and will take you virtually to the water’s edge. It’s a five minute walk from Cronulla station to Cronulla ferry wharf, where ferries leave for Bundeena, on the edge of Royal National Park.
Public Transport
Trains to Cronulla run along the blue Illawarra line. They depart regularly from the city centre and the journey takes approximately one hour. Once you reach Cronulla train station, Cronulla ferry wharf is only a five minute walk away.
From Cronulla train station, exit the station and turn left. Take the pedestrian tunnel under the train line. Turn left, walk across the park and continue down the road to the right. Your guide will be waiting in the ferry shelter.
The best way to plan your trip on public transport is via 131500.com.au. This online tool gives you detailed instructions from your hotel address to Cronulla, including any service delays. You can also phone the Transport Infoline on 131 500. It’s how the locals travel, and economical too - calculate the cost of your fare.
By using public transport, you’re helping reduce carbon emissions and the environmental impact of your travels. As a champion of ecotourism, that’s something we wholeheartedly support! You can see how much carbon emission your train journey saves using this carbon calculator.
Hotel Pick-Up
If you’re staying in a hotel, we offer a reliable pick-up and drop-off service at a cost of $60 per person. Our friendly, knowledgeable drivers will collect you from your city hotel at approximately 7am.
If you’d like to take advantage of the service, please select this option when booking your tour and then email us to tell us which hotel you’re staying at. We can also pick you up and drop you off at the airport, conveniently located between Cronulla and the city centre.
By Car
It’s approximately 45 minutes by car from Sydney’s centre, or 30 minutes from Sydney Airport. We recommend allowing at least one hour for traffic conditions as it’s likely you’ll be on the road in morning peak hour.
From the city, drive south past the airport and follow the sign-posted route to Cronulla. Try Google Maps. Punch in “Tonkin Street, Cronulla NSW”. Free all day parking is available in Tonkin St, Cronulla, close to the ferry wharf.
If you’re touring the beautiful Grand Pacific Drive to or from Wollongong, you may prefer to meet us at Bundeena, close to the northern end of the drive. Ask us how.
