New funding to grow First Peoples tourism across Victoria

Victoria's First Peoples tourism sector will benefit from a $3.3 million investment.

The Australian Government has partnered with us through the Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects initiative to help deliver the $3.3 million First Peoples Tourism Industry Strengthening Program.

Victoria's Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) have been supported to:

• identify tourism opportunities
• develop cultural tourism plans
• grow tourism opportunities
• create jobs and strengthen capability
• develop projects that support economic growth and self-determination.

RAPs are legally recognised Traditional Owner groups that manage and protect Aboriginal Cultural Heritage on Country. They are the custodians and knowledge holders of culture, places and stories in their regions.

The program also supports the goals of Experience Victoria 2033, which recognises First Peoples-led tourism as a key part of the state's visitor economy.

The program builds on a successful pilot delivered with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, as well as recent community feedback.

Festivals, experiences and tourism opportunities on Country

The First Peoples Tourism Industry Strengthening Program supports events like the Mountains to Rivers Festival 2026, presented by the Taungurung Land and Waters Council and wawa biik.

The inaugural festival will take place at Tahbilk Winery on 7 November and celebrate Taungurung Country, culture and community.
The festival theme, Biik Nganyin Datbu – Caring for our Country, invites people to learn about Taungurung culture and connect with Country through a range of activities.

Visitors will enjoy:

• live First Nations music and performances
• cultural workshops
• storytelling with Taungurung Elders
• guided cultural cruises
• wetlands walks
  bush food experiences
• a makers market,
• and family activities.

In addition to the festival, the funding will enable the council to:

• develop a Cultural Tourism Strategy and storytelling framework
• deliver an accelerator program to support community in sharing stories with the public.

As demand for First Peoples tourism continues to grow, programs like this help Traditional Owner groups share culture, create jobs and develop new tourism experiences across Victoria - a key pillar under Experience Victoria 2033.