This year's Gai-mariagal Festival in North Sydney offers a special line-up of family-friendly events designed to spark curiosity, creativity and connection across generations.
From storytelling and bushwalks to hands-on art workshops, the program invites children and carers to engage with the richness of First Nations culture in meaningful and playful ways.
What's on for kids and families:
- Saturday 14 June, Indigenous Culture Family Walk and Stone Art Workshop
Connect with culture and Country on a guided bushwalk at the Coal Loader with Koori Kinnections. Then get creative with an Aboriginal stone art activity designed for all ages.
- Sunday 22 June, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Walk
Bus to North Head for a guided bushwalk with Karen Smith from the Aboriginal Heritage Office and the Bushland team. This experience is recommended for children aged 12 and over.
- Friday 4 July, NAIDOC Week Storytime
Celebrate NAIDOC Week with stories and songs at Stanton Library's regular Storytime session.
- Monday 7 July, July Jammies: Sand Art for NAIDOC Week
Join us for a fun Indigenous sand art workshop this NAIDOC Week during the school holidays.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said the family program plays a vital role in building connections across the community.
"Children are natural learners. By creating spaces for them to connect with culture through story, art, and nature, we build a foundation for lifelong respect and understanding."
The 2025 program is part of a region-wide celebration of First Nations culture. It coincides with National Sorry Day (26 May), Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) and NAIDOC Week (6 to 14 July). The festival theme, Legacies for Future Generations, reflects the enduring knowledge, creativity and strength passed down through First Nations communities.
