Delta Kay’s ancestors have lived in the Byron Bay region for thousands of years / Photo courtesy of Explore Byron Bay
Indigenous tour operator Delta Kay has launched a new guided walking tour, sharing an Aboriginal perspective of the coastline around the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse on mainland Australia’s most easterly point.
Aimed at helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the local Bundjalung people and the cultural significance of Byron Bay’s coast, the 1.5 hour-long tour takes in coastal rainforests, beaches, Cape Byron and the lighthouse.
During the tour, Kay – a respected Arakwal custodian from the Byron Bay region known as Bundjalung nation – shares insights into the spiritual history and significance of the landscape, telling traditional Dreaming stories that explain the relationship between the Bundjalung people and the land. Guests also learn about native bush foods and natural medicine and have the opportunity to spot wildlife including dolphins, koalas, sea eagles and wallabies.
“I want people to leave my tours with a deeper understanding of how my family have always cared for the land and are still caring for it,” said Kay. “I believe this understanding leads to a stronger feeling of belonging for our locals and a deeper respect from visitors who want to connect with Indigenous people and learn about this incredible place.
“The Lighthouse, of course, is such a European symbol, and the fact that we can infuse the Aboriginal narrative into the experience provides a truly unique viewpoint that will give visitors a much richer perspective of the Byron region.”
According to Kay, tours and indigenous experiences play an important role in fostering respect for the land and for Indigenous cultures.
“Byron Shire has many sacred sites that we want protected for future generations – we need people who are not Indigenous to this country to support us and avoid certain areas to protect them. Or, if you’re visiting a sensitive area then to behave appropriately, refrain from splashing it up on Instagram – just enjoy the moment!”
Indigenous tourism and attractions are a growing trend centred on cultural authenticity and a desire for education and culture exchange. However there are concerns about non-Indigenous operators misrepresenting the cultures they are showcasing.
“It’s important for visitors to follow cultural protocols and ensure that they use genuine Indigenous tours, not non-Indigenous people telling our stories and culture,” said Kay.
“Our art has been appropriated internationally, our flag has been stolen, our stories, at the very least, must remain with us – not with non-Indigenous tourism operators.
“I respectfully ask tour operators to ensure they have an Indigenous person from their traditional country doing cultural interpretations. Indigenous tourism must be led by Aboriginal people.”
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2025 issue 1
Editor's letter: A fresh perspective
As a new report argues that silence can help visitors better appreciate zoos, Magali Robathan explores a different way of operating
People: Marian Lee
As Netflix announces the launch of immersive attraction Netflix House, we hear about the plans from the company’s CMO
People: Frida Escobedo
The first woman to design a wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art shares her vision for a more usable and welcoming space for modern and contemporary art
People: Delta Kay
Indigenous experiences are important for fostering respect, and must not be co-opted by non Indigenous operators, says Aboriginal tour guide Delta Kay
Theme parks: Bob Weis
The former president of Imagineering pulls back the curtain to give a behind the scenes look at how some of Disney’s biggest projects took shape
Museums: Space to learn
From the world’s first AI art museum to the latest cultural institution transforming a rural Japanese island... We check out some intriguing museums taking shape across the globe
Technology: Guiding light
Genell Zuciya, creator of attractions for Disney and Meow Wolf, explores the transformative power of lighting
Theme parks: Block party
Merlin meets Minecraft in a $85m deal set to bring the world’s biggest selling video game to life. Could this be Merlin’s most significant partnership?
Museums: A new dawn
The first phase of a ground-breaking new museum campus has opened in Benin City, Nigeria. Is this the future for post-colonial institutions?
Research: Quiet zoos
Could a quieter zoo environment restore zoos’ original purpose as restorative retreats for overstimulated minds? The authors of a new research paper certainly think so
Delta Kay’s ancestors have lived in the Byron Bay region for thousands of years / Photo courtesy of Explore Byron Bay
Indigenous tour operator Delta Kay has launched a new guided walking tour, sharing an Aboriginal perspective of the coastline around the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse on mainland Australia’s most easterly point.
Aimed at helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the local Bundjalung people and the cultural significance of Byron Bay’s coast, the 1.5 hour-long tour takes in coastal rainforests, beaches, Cape Byron and the lighthouse.
During the tour, Kay – a respected Arakwal custodian from the Byron Bay region known as Bundjalung nation – shares insights into the spiritual history and significance of the landscape, telling traditional Dreaming stories that explain the relationship between the Bundjalung people and the land. Guests also learn about native bush foods and natural medicine and have the opportunity to spot wildlife including dolphins, koalas, sea eagles and wallabies.
“I want people to leave my tours with a deeper understanding of how my family have always cared for the land and are still caring for it,” said Kay. “I believe this understanding leads to a stronger feeling of belonging for our locals and a deeper respect from visitors who want to connect with Indigenous people and learn about this incredible place.
“The Lighthouse, of course, is such a European symbol, and the fact that we can infuse the Aboriginal narrative into the experience provides a truly unique viewpoint that will give visitors a much richer perspective of the Byron region.”
According to Kay, tours and indigenous experiences play an important role in fostering respect for the land and for Indigenous cultures.
“Byron Shire has many sacred sites that we want protected for future generations – we need people who are not Indigenous to this country to support us and avoid certain areas to protect them. Or, if you’re visiting a sensitive area then to behave appropriately, refrain from splashing it up on Instagram – just enjoy the moment!”
Indigenous tourism and attractions are a growing trend centred on cultural authenticity and a desire for education and culture exchange. However there are concerns about non-Indigenous operators misrepresenting the cultures they are showcasing.
“It’s important for visitors to follow cultural protocols and ensure that they use genuine Indigenous tours, not non-Indigenous people telling our stories and culture,” said Kay.
“Our art has been appropriated internationally, our flag has been stolen, our stories, at the very least, must remain with us – not with non-Indigenous tourism operators.
“I respectfully ask tour operators to ensure they have an Indigenous person from their traditional country doing cultural interpretations. Indigenous tourism must be led by Aboriginal people.”
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2025 issue 1
Editor's letter: A fresh perspective
As a new report argues that silence can help visitors better appreciate zoos, Magali Robathan explores a different way of operating
People: Marian Lee
As Netflix announces the launch of immersive attraction Netflix House, we hear about the plans from the company’s CMO
People: Frida Escobedo
The first woman to design a wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art shares her vision for a more usable and welcoming space for modern and contemporary art
People: Delta Kay
Indigenous experiences are important for fostering respect, and must not be co-opted by non Indigenous operators, says Aboriginal tour guide Delta Kay
Theme parks: Bob Weis
The former president of Imagineering pulls back the curtain to give a behind the scenes look at how some of Disney’s biggest projects took shape
Museums: Space to learn
From the world’s first AI art museum to the latest cultural institution transforming a rural Japanese island... We check out some intriguing museums taking shape across the globe
Technology: Guiding light
Genell Zuciya, creator of attractions for Disney and Meow Wolf, explores the transformative power of lighting
Theme parks: Block party
Merlin meets Minecraft in a $85m deal set to bring the world’s biggest selling video game to life. Could this be Merlin’s most significant partnership?
Museums: A new dawn
The first phase of a ground-breaking new museum campus has opened in Benin City, Nigeria. Is this the future for post-colonial institutions?
Research: Quiet zoos
Could a quieter zoo environment restore zoos’ original purpose as restorative retreats for overstimulated minds? The authors of a new research paper certainly think so
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger
cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance,
hospitality and public programming.
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick
Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and
private membership under one roof.
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana
Heritage
Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive
storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade-
long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas
attraction.
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are
progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef
education and conservation.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
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