
Celebrate NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It presents an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and to participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living culture on earth.
This year at Darling Harbour, we're celebrating a little early with NAIDOC themed fireworks, Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, and First Nations DJs on Saturday July 1, and a week long photo exhibition of established, emerging and aspiring artists at Darling Quarter.
2023 NAIDOC Theme
This NAIDOC Week's theme - For Our Elders - is an appeal to pay our respects and pay homage to the Elders we’ve lost and to those who continue fighting across all Nations. Across every generation, Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in communities and families. They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones.

The Canopy
Learn about the Wangal and Gadigal clans who have cared for the land that Darling Harbour is built upon, through the eyes of Aboriginal Artist, Jacob Nash at the site of his work, Canopy.

Portrait of Jenny Munro
Jenny Munro is an Australian legend. As a Wiradjuri Elder, she’s been at the forefront of activism for the rights of Aboriginal Australians for several decades now. Next time you’re wandering around Darling Square keep an eye out for her. You just might spot a gorgeously rendered 10 story high mural of her face painted on the side of the Novotel building.

Cockle Bay's First Nations Heritage
Discover the history of Cockle Bay, once a bountiful treasure trove for the Gadigal people, and how it weaves into the modern-day Darling Harbour
ONLINE EXPERIENCES
Deepen your understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by enjoying cultural experiences at the Maritime Museum, learning one of the oldest languages in the world or by taking a virtual tour or watching a film on the history of the Gadigal Aboriginal people.
Learn some key phrases in the Gadigal language
Find out what's coming
Be the first to know when the exciting NAIDOC Week program is announced and to find out about more upcoming events.