Authentic Indigenous Art

Step into Ancient Journeys and experience the heart of Aboriginal creativity. By supporting Ancient Journeys, you participate in a cycle of empowerment and development for Aboriginal artists and Gulf communities —  the right way, the sustainable way, the ethical way.

Ancient Journeys is an Aboriginal-owned art gallery and gift shop located on the Esplanade in Cairns, Queensland. Our store is a treasure trove of handmade traditional and contemporary Aboriginal products, including boomerangs, didgeridoos, weavings, and clapsticks, as well as hand-painted homewares and original Gulf Art paintings. We also offer a wide range of Aboriginal designs ethically reproduced onto Australian-made accessories and homewares, complete with "Made in Australia" labels, making them ideal gifts for overseas.

We invite you to journey to the Dreamtime through our diverse and authentic collection of Indigenous art, gifts, and souvenirs, all ethically sourced from Aboriginal communities across Queensland and the Northern Territory. A selection of our items can be purchased in our online store, with a broader assortment available in-store.

Our collection extends to a large selection of Indigenous books on arts and culture, as well as an array of bushfoods, traditional bush medicine, and fashion accessories from other Indigenous-owned businesses. All products adhere to the Indigenous Art Code, ensuring that each item is authentically crafted and artists are fairly compensated.

Empowering Gulf Communities Through Art

Founded in 2018 as a Gulf Project by the Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust (GREAT), Ancient Journeys aims to empower Indigenous artists from the remote communities of Normanton, Burketown, and Mornington Island. By showcasing their artwork in Cairns, we provide these artists a platform to reach a global audience, enhancing their visibility and supporting their communities economically. This allows art to serve as a powerful tool for empowerment and cultural preservation.

The profits from all sales, including non-Gulf items, are channelled into funding other Gulf Projects through the GREAT. This ensures that every purchase supports the artists directly and contributes to broader development efforts that benefit Gulf communities.

Visit Us In The Cairns Art Precinct

Nestled in the heart of the Cairns Art Precinct, Ancient Journeys is perfectly positioned among the city’s vibrant cultural landmarks. Located next to the Mulgrave Art Gallery on the Esplanade and connected by a walkway to both the Courthouse Art Gallery and the Cairns Art Gallery, our gallery is at the centre of this thriving artistic hub. Unlike the other galleries in the precinct, Ancient Journeys is also a shop where every item is for sale and ready to go home with customers, offering a unique opportunity to take a piece of Indigenous art and culture with you.

Whether entering from the Esplanade near The Mantra Hotel (just down from the Cairns Lagoon) or through the peaceful courtyard behind the Courthouse Art Gallery, visitors will find a welcoming space to explore the rich artistry and cultural heritage of Indigenous Australia.

In addition to showcasing Indigenous art and culture, Ancient Journeys can provide information on exploring the Gulf Region of Queensland and the Daintree Discovery Centre, also managed by GREAT. Situated in the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the Daintree Discovery Centre offers insights into the region's biodiversity and is an easy day trip from Cairns. Profits from the Daintree Discovery Centre are also reinvested into Gulf community projects, creating a meaningful connection between art, culture, and community support.

Our Mission Statement

The staff and management of GREAT and Ancient Journeys will create an enterprise culture that fosters economic empowerment through art and associated business.