Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ancient Journeys?

Ancient Journeys is an Aboriginal-owned gallery and gift shop in Cairns, Queensland. We specialise in authentic Indigenous art, handmade crafts, and gifts, ensuring that every product represents Aboriginal culture, stories, and traditions. Our collection includes paintings, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, and homewares, all created by Indigenous artists. We are committed to ethical sourcing and artist support, and we offer worldwide shipping.

Are your products authentic?
Yes, all our products are 100% authentic. We are a dealer member of the Indigenous Art Code, ensuring that all artworks and products meet ethical standards. This guarantees that Indigenous artists are fairly paid, and their cultural heritage is respected and protected.

Are your products Australian-made?
Most of our products are handmade by Aboriginal artists across Australia, supporting communities and preserving cultural traditions. When we stock Indigenous designs that have been manufactured, we prioritise Australian-made items wherever possible—after all, who wants an Australian Aboriginal item if it’s made overseas? This focus ensures authenticity and quality, making our products perfect for gift-giving to friends and family overseas.

Where does your art come from?
Our paintings come from Indigenous artists living in the Gulf of Carpentaria, including Normanton, Doomadgee, and Mornington Island. We also source a diverse range of art, ceramics, textiles, carvings, and other handcrafted pieces from Aboriginal Art Centres and independent Indigenous artists across Australia.

Do you offer worldwide shipping?
Yes, we ship worldwide. Delivery times are typically 3–6 business days within Australia and 10–14 business days internationally.

How do you handle shipping and delivery?

  • We use Australia Post for most deliveries, with express postage available.
  • Oversized items are shipped via a third-party freight service, and payment for these will need to be arranged directly with us.
  • Paintings are shipped rolled in a tube, but stretched or framed shipping can be arranged for an additional cost.
  • Shipping insurance is not included but can be added for an extra fee.

Why won’t my item process through the shopping cart?
If an item is oversized, it cannot be processed through the shopping cart, as it can’t be sent via Australia Post. It could also be due to the item being out of stock or a website error. Please contact us to arrange payment and freight for oversized items or if you experience any issues.

Can I purchase items in bulk or more than what is listed on the website?
Many of our Indigenous art and gift items are available in larger quantities than shown online. Please contact us to inquire about additional stock or bulk orders.

Do you offer gift wrapping?
Yes, we offer gift wrapping using Australian-made wrapping paper for a small fee. You can select this option at checkout, and we will wrap your gift for you.

What is your return policy?
If you change your mind about a purchase, you have 5 days to notify us and return the item, with the customer responsible for return shipping costs. If your item is faulty or damaged, please contact us within 5 working days, and we will assist you with a repair, replacement, or refund.

Can I get a refund or exchange if I change my mind?
Returns for change of mind are accepted within 5 days, provided the item is unused and in its original condition. However, shipping and insurance costs are the customer's responsibility.

Who owns Ancient Journeys?
Ancient Journeys is 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated by the Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust (GREAT), which supports Indigenous artists and economic development in the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria.

Where do the profits go?
All profits from Ancient Journeys go back into supporting Indigenous artists and funding community projects through the Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust (GREAT). Every purchase helps empower First Nations artists and communities.

Where are you located?
Ancient Journeys is located in one of the shops outside the Mantra Esplanade Hotel complex on the Esplanade in Cairns. We are part of the Cairns Art Precinct, a vibrant hub showcasing Indigenous creativity, culture, and storytelling through art.

How can I contact you?
You can reach us at shop@ancientjourneys.com.au or call us at +61 7 4033 0228.

Our physical address is:
53-57 Esplanade (Mantra Complex), Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia.