Doongal Aboriginal Art & Artefacts

I visited Doongal Aboriginal Art & Artefacts recently and was very interested in a large Aboriginal artwork. Unfortunately, the experience was quite disappointing from the moment I walked in. I smiled at the person behind the counter but wasn’t greeted at all. I continued browsing and ended up falling in love with one of the paintings. I tried to get the staff member’s attention, but he seemed busy doing nothing behind the counter. When I finally asked a question, it felt as though I was inconveniencing him simply by asking for help. He reluctantly came over so I could show him which piece I meant, but he had no knowledge about the artwork. He went back to the counter “to look something up,” but when two ladies arrived to purchase something, he immediately served them instead. Serving other customers first is absolutely fine — my question would have taken longer — but even a simple “I’ll be right with you” would have made all the difference. I left the gallery without purchasing the artwork I was genuinely interested in, simply because the interaction left me feeling unwelcome.

In early October I purchased some artwork and found the experience to be fantastic. The staff member, I regret I have forgotten his name, was very knowledgeable about not only the artist's background but his techniques in creating the beautiful artworks. It was a great experience to purchase from a not only ethical but connected gallery.

The shop was full of beautiful pieces, but the person in the shop had no knowledge around the pieces or the importance of the tribes or the meaning around the animals used. More information about the culture is important when you are selling their works.

i would say this is one of Cairns best galleries to visit, stunning artworks, variety of traditional and more contemporary pieces, highly worth a visit (or more) ☺️

If you're looking for authentic Aboriginal art in Cairns, Doongal Aboriginal Arts and Artifacts is the place to go. The gallery has a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and other crafts, all at reasonable prices, especially compared to what you might find in Sydney. The staff at Doongal are very friendly and knowledgeable. They are happy to answer any questions you have about the art or the artists. They can also provide you with information about the different styles of Aboriginal art and the stories behind the pieces. We purchased several paintings from Doongal and are very happy with our purchases. We know that we are supporting local artists and acquiring genuine pieces of Aboriginal art. I highly recommend Doongal Aboriginal Arts and Artifacts to anyone who is interested in learning more about Aboriginal art and culture. It is a great place to find unique and beautiful pieces that you will treasure for years to come.

I do not recommend this business at all I entered quite enthusiastically to view art as I was looking to purchase, I was horrified by the unwelcoming experience that I received from the male staff member, did an automatic U turn straight out of there. Proceeded to the Cairns art gallery where I did make a purchase, I suggest the owners look at their employees & suggest retraining in customer service skills & communication skills He was so Rude

Last week (19 August 2023) I visited this gallery as I had some years ago l. Back then I was not only very happy with a painting I bought that now adorns our dining room but also with the service I received. This time the complete opposite was true. After entering the gallery and not being greeted I walked around looking at some very beautiful indigenous art. The man working behind the front desk was busy with paperwork. I asked him if he had works from a particular indigenous artist. He barely looked up from what he was doing and said ‘No, we don’t have anything from her’, and that was the end of our conversation. Considering the amount of money I had spent in the past and also what I was prepared pay to buy another painting I found his manner to be rude and dismissive. I would have preferred if he had perhaps pointed out some work from other artist but he was just too busy doing book work to be bothered.

Great experience with Doongal. They are super professional and friendly. They really put the welfare of their aboriginal artists first and therefore deliver authentic art work. I ordered an art work by Anna Price Pettyare after my return from Australia and Doongal sent it to me in Switzerland in perfect state in a matter of days. My painting is now hanging proudly on my wall and I really love it.