In Tropical North Queensland our Indigenous culture is extremely rich. Here you’ll find the meeting of several Aboriginal communities as well as that of the Torres Strait Islander people, all with distinct cultural stories, histories and languages. By visiting this region, people are able to learn about country and cultures that thrive in these remote and regional communities through immersive experiences that include art classes, Dreamtime storytelling, hunting for and eating bush tucker, and visiting culturally important sites.
Below are six unique Indigenous experiences Port Douglas and the Daintree has to offer.
Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Walk
Join traditional guides as they lead Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) – the stories and legends from a long time ago in the traditional language. Be welcomed by a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits, followed then by a gentle walk through the ancient rainforest of the World Heritage listed Daintree. Indigenous guides identify and demonstrate traditional medicinal and nutritional plant use, bush tucker and traditional huts; you’ll make bush soaps and ochre paint, and finish the tour with damper and bush tea.
Find out more > www.mossmangorge.com.au
Walkabout Cultural Adventures
Explore Kuku Yalanji country escorted by local Aboriginal guides and share the cultural connection the people have with their land. There are a range of tours to choose from, such as Ngana Julaymba Dungay (We All Going Daintree) or Ngana Kulkinga Dungay (We All Going Cape Tribulation), that offer an insight into the land and habitat, culture, people and history of this ancient living culture. Join an interactive journey giving the chance to sample seasonal bush tucker and medicines, collect shellfish and try hunting techniques with a boomerang or spear.
Find out more > www.walkaboutadverntures.com.au
Down Under Tours Daintree Dreaming Program
This is a cultural immersion journey like no other. Taking you from coast to rainforest, the Kuku Yalanji people (traditional owners of the Port Douglas Daintree region) welcome you to their lands. Learn traditional hunting and gathering skills as you’re shown firsthand how to search for a bush tucker of mud crabs, fish and mussels before tasting and sharing the day’s bounty. Also included is a visit to the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre where guests experience the magnificence of the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. Be welcomed into the area at a traditional smoking ceremony before ‘taking a walk’ through the rainforest, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over rainforest streams peppered with granite boulders. It’s a stunning environment – linger a while and soak it all in.
Find out more > www.downundertours.com
Photo via Instagram.com/downundertours
Janbal Aboriginal Art Gallery
At Janbal Aboriginal Art Gallery, guests come to learn about Aboriginal art and share in indigenous culture through hands-on painting and storytelling experiences. Guests can create their own authentic Aboriginal souvenir while listening to stories told by local Elder and co-owner of the gallery, Brian ‘Binna’ Swindley. Workshops include canvas or boomerang painting, and the gallery includes artwork, hand made jewellery and artifacts made by local Yiki people.
Find out more > www.janbalgallery.com.au
Photo via Instagram.com/binnaswindley
Flames of the Forest
Experiences don’t need to only be during the day! Flames of the Forest is a magical, enchanting rainforest dining experience, and their Aboriginal Cultural Experience is an unforgettable alternative to daylight cultural immersion.
Learn about Australia’s oldest living culture and connect through story with two local Indigenous brothers in the timeless and spiritual setting of the world’s oldest continuous rainforest as you’re recounted tales of where they adventured as children. Through storytelling and music, Flames of the Forest creates an intimate Indigenous experience combined with contemporary dining under the stars, creating an everlasting memory.
Find out more > www.flamesoftheforest.com.au
Photo via Instagram.com/flamesoftheforest
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience at Rainforestation Nature Park
This is a hands-on opportunity to gain an insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and stands out for its dedication to preserving and sharing diverse stories of Indigenous culture. In a rainforest amphitheatre, guests are absorbed by traditional dance, then get experience the 30-minute Dreamtime Walk with an Indigenous guide who teaches hunting techniques , boomerang throwing and didgeridoo playing.
Pamagirri Aboriginal guides share their own personal insight into this ancient surviving culture, and its connection with the rainforest. Gain an understanding of the impacts of the stolen generation, participate in the cooking of bush foods and learn about the medicinal values of native plants before throwing a spear and learning firsthand from a warrior about traditional hunting methods and tribal law.
Find out more > www.rainforest.com.au
