The Fifth Element Journey

Discover what makes Australia unique to the rest of the world

NOT READY FOR THE FULL 7-DAYS?
BOOK A DAY TRIP

Put the noise of the city behind you and become one with nature on The Fifth Element Journey

SUN – EARTH – AIR – WATER + YOU

Australian Aboriginal Culture Tour

The Fifth Element Journey spans 6 nights and 7 days, immersing you in the natural beauty of New South Wales, from the captivating coastline of Sydney to the heart of Gundabooka National Park and back.

Facilitated by Helen at Ultimately Sydney, each journey is unique. Meet local Aboriginal tour operators and knowledge holders in each town as you embark on an exploration of life in Australia before 1788. Allow yourself to slow down as you delve into the essence of the five natural elements: Sun, Earth, Air, Water and You.

Follow The Journey on insta @thefifthelementjourney

NSW Aboriginal Culture Tour
Ultimately Sydney Tour

The Journey commences with the first light of dawn, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. Each evening, we gather around a crackling fire, pondering the day’s discoveries and experiences.

We navigate through various towns, forging connections with local knowledge holders, and encountering the elemental forces at play. A highlight awaits at Brewarrina, where we discover and learn about the ancient Fish Traps, a testament to human ingenuity amidst the flow of water.

Continuing westward, the landscape undergoes a remarkable transformation, with hues of earth revealing its unique story. Our encounters with local custodians offer insights into the significance of this land.

7 day Australian Aboriginal Culture Tour
7 day Australian Aboriginal Culture Tour
Australia Aboriginal Culture Tour

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1 - La Perouse (Sunrise opening ceremony) 

  • Day 1 - Blue Mountains (Bush immersion)

  • Day 1 - Mudgee (Welcome dinner at Warakirri by Indigiearth) HOTEL

  • Day 2 - Nyngan (Winangali Walk bush tucker tour)

  • Day 2 - Byrock (Ancient Rock Holes) HOTEL

  • Day 3 - Gundabooka National Park (Rock art guided tour and star gazing) B&B

  • Day 3 - Gundabooka National Park (Valley of the Eagles bush walk. 5.7km Grade 5) B&B

  • Day 5 - Brewarrina (Museum, Fish Traps, Mission Site and Brewarrina guided tour)

  • Day 6 - Warrumbungles (Hike, hot springs, star gazing) CABIN

  • Day 6 - Hunter Valley (Wine tasting and farewell dinner) HOTEL

  • Day 7 - Return to Sydney

  • What’s included in the total price?

    • Private guide/facilitator

    • Transport

    • Bottled water

    • Accommodation for 6 nights

    • 6 breakfasts

    • 6 dinners

    • 6 lunches

    • Entry fees to all FEJ scheduled daily activities

    What’s not included in the total price?

    • Snacks between meals

    • Alcohol

    • Entry fees to venues/activities outside of FEJ schedule

FROM $2975

NEXT JOURNEY - 18 to 24 October 2025

Testimonials

  • I recently booked the taster of the 5th Element Journey, hoping for a deeper understanding of Australia’s Aboriginal culture and history. What I experienced was far beyond what I could have ever imagined – so much more than I expected.

    The journey took me from Sydney to Maroubra, La Perouse, the Blue Mountains, Mudgee, and Gulgong, and it was a deeply enriching experience at every turn. Along the way, we had the privilege of meeting with incredibly wise and generous Aboriginal Elders. They shared not only their profound knowledge of culture and tradition but also their deep love for the land and their unwavering passion to foster connection with all Australians and visitors. Their openness, inviting questions and engaging in meaningful dialogue, created an atmosphere of trust and understanding that I will never forget.

    And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Mudgee offered an experience like no other. We were treated to an extraordinary Australian Native Foods Dining Experience with Sharon from Indigearth. Her five-course degustation was a feast for the senses—innovative, exquisite, and deeply connected to the land. But what made it truly special was Sharon herself. Her stories, her inspiration, and her joy in sharing her passion for native ingredients left me captivated. I could have listened to her for hours.

    One of the most powerful aspects of this journey was Helen’s ability to weave all these experiences through the lens of the five elements. It was a truly profound way to connect us to the land, the people, and the knowledge passed down through generations. Tasting native Australia in such an intimate way led to a deeper realisation of our shared essence.

    Thank you, Helen, for creating such a life-changing experience. I look forward to joining you on the full 5th Element Journey one day.

    Martina – Melbourne, Victoria

  • I have been looking for a trip like this for years, an opportunity to experience the country through Aboriginal eyes. We were so warmly welcomed by Aboriginal elders who invited us to share their stories of culture, country and belonging. It left me feeling peaceful and connected. And the 5 course meal by IndigiEarth - was an absolute culinary adventure! Croc, emu and kangaroo with native herbs and spices - and the dessert!! As well, the enlightening and sometimes challenging conversations that sprung up between our group, I believe, helped us to better understand the country we all live in, and our place in it. Thank you Helen for creating this amazing journey and being such an awesome host. I will be joining you for the full week long tour next year.

    - Sue Storry, Sydney

Not quite ready for the full 7 days?

Stay connected and join US on our regular day trips in and round Sydney.

There is so much to discover and learn about our very own ancient culture right here in Sydney. Allow US to connect you with Aboriginal businesses, knowledge holders for the day to gain more insight into what makes Australia so unique to the rest of the world. 

Warakirri Dining Experience in Mudgee, NSW

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Australian native foods, botanicals, culture and rituals at this 5-course degustation dining experience.

Over four magical hours, enjoy Australian native food + beverages, prepared in a unique fusion of modern techniques with traditional methods. Be transformed by authentic cultural entertainment, musical and cultural storytelling, and the in-depth knowledge of Aboriginal culture + food, pioneered by owner and Ngemba Weilwan woman, Sharon Winsor

…… click here fore more info

$200 per person (includes 5-course degustation dinner with wine)

Accommodation suggestions: Prince of Wales & Commercial Travellers House both in Gulgong

Itinerary

  • 6:00pm - Meet at Huntington Estate

    641 Ulan Road
    Buckaroo, New South Wales 2850

    10:00pm - Retire

FAQ

  • 20-seater Toyota Coaster or similar.

  • 10

  • Clean and casual pub hotel, homestead, motel and cabin. Single travellers sometimes opt to share, but having your own room is available. The bathroom facilities are mostly shared.

  • Sydney’s Central Station. Bus bay number to be advised (you will be given exact instructions once you are booked in and confirmed)

  • Sydney Central Station

  • The program gives a general itinerary for each day. We have been light with details with the daily activities as we will want to wait and see what nature presents us.

  • There are 2 dedicated hikes, (5.25kms & 2kms), but other than that, we walk short distances of no more than 1klm on a given day. The terrain is mostly on a worn path with a couple of areas like walking across a paddock.

  • Alcohol is not included but can be consumed in moderation throughout The Journey. You may bring your own or purchase along the way.

  • We have a form asking each participant to advise us of adverse health issues and any dietary restrictions. We take our duty of care very seriously and hope everyone is as clear as possible when assisting with their personal health and safety requirements.

  • 20% deposit is required to secure your booking with the remainder due 2 weeks prior to departure.

  • Full cancellation up to 2 weeks before departure

    Deposit payment – Non-refundable within 2 weeks of departure.  Or it can be transferred to another Fifth Element Journey

    Final payment - 50% refund if you cancel within 1 week of departure

  • No

  • Yes, in an Artisan Mineral Spring. There is also a river at the homestead we are staying at in Gundabooka National Park.

    • Hat

    • Sunscreen

    • Comfortable walking shoes (not white, we’re in red dirt territory)

    • Rain jacket just in case

    • Jumper/windbreaker

    • Track pants

    • Long pants

    • Long sleeve shirt

    • T-shirts

    • Toiletries

    • Towel

The Fifth Element Journey

The Fifth Element Journey