no alt text

Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 02 April, 2024
Expert travel writer: Mark Chipperfield

If ‘Bush Tucker’ makes you think of witchetty grubs and other horrors from the TV, a tour or workshop will provide a tasty introduction into the real native foods that characterise Australia’s outback dishes.

Unusual seeds, nuts and fruit – many increasingly sought out by chefs around the world because of their distinct flavours and health-giving qualities – feature in these tours, with plenty of opportunity to taste and try. Some include a cooking demonstration, showing how to use some of these ingredients once you get home.

Recommendations

2

Bush Food Experience

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

Aerial view of a variety of fresh foods on a table

An introductory ‘bush tucker’ talk and cooking demonstration that’s held daily at 1pm at the Ayers Rock Resort’s Arkani Theatre. Sessions last around 45 minutes and can be booked online at the resort’s website. Entry is free.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 1 hour

When: Daily

Frequency: daily

Website >
More details >

Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tours

Watarrka National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

4 people aroung a big pot of food

These 1-hour tours near Kings Canyon with a traditional owner will introduce you to the native foods and bush medicines used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. They’ll also introduce you to dot-painting and traditional medicine.

Adult price: £60

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 1 hour

Website >
More details >

Logistics

Price from: £30
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-3 hours

When to do it

Tours operate all year round.  The best time to do any kind of walking or outside tour is between May and September, when temperatures are usually between 20-30°C and there is little rain.

Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Northern Territory, Australia

The large red flat mountain at sunset.

The place to come for the Australian outback experience – jaw-dropping geological formations (including world-famous Uluru), sleeping out in swag bags, sampling bush tucker, and connecting with authentic Aborginal culture.