Morning with the Makers: Inside Western Australia’s Oldest Aboriginal‑Owned Art Centre

KUNUNURRA HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Morning with the Makers: Inside Western Australia’s Oldest Aboriginal‑Owned Art Centre

A focused 1.5‑hour morning visit to Waringarri Arts that pairs a traditional Mantha welcome with studio access, artist conversation and tastings of homemade damper and bush foods.

Morning with the Makers: Inside Western Australia’s Oldest Aboriginal‑Owned Art Centre.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Kununurra
Operator
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts
Category
History Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set in Kununurra, the Art Centre Tour at Waringarri Arts offers a compact, intimate immersion into Indigenous creativity and history: a traditional Mantha welcome, guided conversation with working artists and the chance to taste homemade damper and bush foods while learning about the centre’s role as the oldest Aboriginal‑owned art centre in Western Australia.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

A First for Western Australia
THE HERITAGE

A First for Western Australia

Waringarri Arts is the oldest Aboriginal‑owned art centre in Western Australia; the tour explains that history and its continuing cultural significance.

Mantha: A Traditional Welcome
THE WELCOME

Mantha: A Traditional Welcome

Each tour begins with a Mantha (traditional welcome) that frames the visit, followed by a guided introduction to Indigenous art practices and the centre’s story.

Artists, Studios and Bush Food
THE TASTE

Artists, Studios and Bush Food

Guests move through working studios to converse with artists and sample homemade damper and bush foods—an informal, sensory way to connect to culture and craft.

What the day feels like

What the tour actually feels like

This is a deliberate, conversational morning: arrive at the Waringarri Arts centre, take part in a Mantha, then circulate through studio spaces while artists work and explain technique and stories. The visit closes with tastings of homemade damper and bush foods and an opportunity to ask questions and take advantage of an artwork discount voucher.

A First for Western Australia

THE HERITAGE

A First for Western Australia

Waringarri Arts is the oldest Aboriginal‑owned art centre in Western Australia; the tour explains that history and its continuing cultural significance.

Mantha: A Traditional Welcome

THE WELCOME

Mantha: A Traditional Welcome

Each tour begins with a Mantha (traditional welcome) that frames the visit, followed by a guided introduction to Indigenous art practices and the centre’s story.

Artists, Studios and Bush Food

THE TASTE

Artists, Studios and Bush Food

Guests move through working studios to converse with artists and sample homemade damper and bush foods—an informal, sensory way to connect to culture and craft.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits — and who should consider alternatives.

1
Culture SeekersIdeal: visitors who want a concise, authentic introduction to Indigenous art and community context, with direct access to artists and cultural explanation.
2
Families with ChildrenGood fit: children aged 5–15 are welcome at the child ticket price; the tasting element and conversational format suit families, but check minimum‑booking rules for small parties.
3
Small Groups & Solo TravelersCaveat: tours require a four‑person minimum to run, so solo travelers should confirm a scheduled departure or arrange pickup connections through the operator.
4
Large GroupsAppropriate: discounted pricing is available for groups of 10 or more—contact the operator to arrange group bookings and pricing.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Tours run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00am to 12:30pm (1.5 hours). The operator may cancel or reschedule tours because of cultural seasonal conditions or road issues.

What to Bring

Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a camera and a smile. The operator supplies cold water, insect repellent and hand sanitizer.

Inclusions & Discounts

The tour includes a traditional welcome, studio access, tastings and a Waringarri Arts artwork discount voucher. Discounts are available for large groups (10+); contact the operator.

Logistics & Meeting

Meet at Waringarri Arts, 16 Speargrass Rd, Kununurra (please arrive five minutes before the tour). Pickup from Kununurra Visitor Centre (75 Coolibah Drive) is available on request.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

When does the Art Centre Tour run and how long is it?

The morning tour runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00am to 12:30pm and lasts 1.5 hours.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet at Waringarri Arts, 16 Speargrass Rd, Kununurra; please arrive five minutes before the tour. Pickup from Kununurra Visitor Centre (75 Coolibah Drive) can be arranged on request.

What does the tour include?

The visit includes a Mantha (traditional welcome), guided time in galleries and studios with artists, tastings of homemade damper and bush foods, and a Waringarri Arts artwork discount voucher.

How much does the tour cost?

Adult tickets are $85; children aged 5–15 are $45.

Are there booking minimums or cancellation policies I should know about?

A four‑person minimum booking is required for tours to operate; if a tour is cancelled due to not meeting the minimum, or for cultural seasonal or road conditions, the operator will offer a date change or refund.

What should I bring on the tour?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat and a camera; the operator provides cold water, insect repellent and hand sanitizer.