ABORIGINAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

New to the Outback in 2021, in this declared by the Queensland State Government, ‘Year of Indigenous Tourism’ is an authentic Aboriginal Desert Mob experience for travelers to the township of Barcaldine in Central Western Queensland.

We welcome you to the Desert Dreaming Centre.  Outback Queensland’s one stop outback adventure hub where all your outback travel and authentic Aboriginal tourism needs can be met.

The Desert Dreaming Centre is the manifested vision of sole owner and operator Yiningai woman, Cheryl Thompson. Come join us to keep the Dreaming alive by attending one of our unique presentations by our resident dance troupe, the Desert Dust Dancers. The Desert Dreaming Centre is the training ground for at risk Aboriginal youth to ‘return to culture’. Cheryl and her visiting song men and dance men in residence train the students to present stories, song and dance that reflect the totemic and tribal lore elements of the Desert Channel peoples. These students are the Desert Dust Dancers.

You can additionally help us keep the Dreaming alive by participating in one of our four specialty available workshops or joining us on one of numerous half or full day tours. If you are in town, feel free to check in at the centre for times and availability or simply book online here at our website before you arrive.

The main event at the Desert Dreaming Centre happens under the big tent that shades the corroboree ground. From here you will be able to observe presentations by the Desert Dust Dancers as well as interact with the dancers themselves as you state your business as a visitor and are uniquely welcomed ‘on country’ by Cheryl and the dancers.  These presentations will be held in the daytime and evenings. Some evening shows will be accompanied by a three course Trade Route Tucker offering and on occasion a music show. If you are in  town, feel free to check in at the centre for times and availability or simply book online here at our website before you arrive.

Keeping her personal Dreaming alive is a passion of Cheryl’s. Keeping the Dreaming alive in general has been a long held activity of hers throughout her career as a teacher and now as a tourism operator.  To further achieve this aspiration, we have a gallery and teaching studio which houses both Cheryl’s Original Creations as well as the art works of the students that she teaches from the local Aboriginal student hostel and independent school that Cheryl owns and operates. Beyond the studio is also a gift shop for you to browse through on your way out. Your support of the centre, gallery and gift shop will assist to benefit the employment and economic aspirations of the Aboriginal youth that are part of the centre’s presentations and creations.

We look forward to sharing with you our stories, our culture and our humanity and Keeping the Dreaming alive in 2021.