Australia and New Zealand-focused tour operator AAT Kings is demonstrating a renewed focus on sustainable activities, with three new MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experiences added to its tours for 2025/26.
They have been selected for the social and environmental impact they have on their communities and those who experience them. There are now more than 30 such activities ingrained in the AAT Kings Guided Holidays throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Heather Colbourn, senior sales manager, said: “Receiving consistently high guest feedback, these activities resonate with visitors looking for authentic experiences that contribute in a meaningful way to the people and places visited.
“We are happy to be able to offer three new experiences for our tours this year, to offer fresh insight into elements of Western Australia and Northern Territory history and culture. Over 100 years of operation we have forged strong relationships with the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori communities, and we strive to continue bringing to life the rich culture and captivating stories of these cultures. Encounters like this are once-in-a-lifetime and would not be possible outside of a guided tour, so we are excited to have our guests try them out this year.”
New for 2025/26 are:
Walkatjara Dot Art Painting Experience, Northern Territory – this creative art space at Uluru welcomes guests to learn stories, culture, and artistry of the Mutitjulu Community. Witness artists at work and feel the deep connection between art and Tjukurpa, their cultural heritage, guests can also get involved and create their own dot art. 50% of sales goes to the local artists and 50% is reinvested into the Art Centre and the Mutitjulu Community.
Kurlaji Wangga, Western Australia – while exploring the magnificence of the Murchison River gorges, guests can learn about the ancient culture of the traditional owners from a Nhanda Elder in a Kurlaji Wangga (Rivergum Talk). Stories from Nhanda traditional lands have inspired the interpretive and artistic elements that are such an important feature of the skywalk in Kalbarri National Park.
Mimbi Caves, Western Australia – guests discover First Nations culture and hear stories from a Gooniyandi guide, of when local Aboriginal people inhabited the unique network of caves, carved out of this 350-million-year-old Devonian Great Barrier Reef.
Carolyn Tipper, a Travel Director (guide) for AAT Kings for over 20 years, shared insight into why these elements are so popular: “Experiencing a guided tour is one of the only ways visitors can learn our history and culture directly from Indigenous and local people. The opportunity to absorb information directly from the source is something guests say leave them with an incredible lasting impression of our country.
“One of our most popular tour moments is our ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony, which can only be done by First Nations people. Guests can find it humbling to be a part of this important tradition, as they are welcomed to share our country for their time here.”
AAT Kings is offering up to 10% off selected Guided Holidays departing before 31 March 2026, for bookings made before 17 April 2025. Bookings can be made directly with the sales team, online via the Travel Agent Portal, or through a registered tour operator partner.
