3 Day Amazing Bama Way Aboriginal Discovery Tour
Location: Queensland | Cairns, Cooktown, Daintree Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas
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The Bama Way is an innovative partnership which brings together three highly acclaimed Aboriginal owned and operated tours with Aboriginal tour specialist Adventure North Australia, to offer a series of flexible tour options from Cairns and Port Douglas. The Bama way travels through part of Queensland's Tropical north and home to Australia’s highest proportion of indigenous Australians, and its greatest diversity of indigenous cultures. This was the last of Australia’s regions to be explored, settled or developed, and until a little over 100 years ago, a unique paradise known only to its indigenous inhabitants. Today you can travel through its landscape of contrasts and surprises - through rainforest, outback and stunning mountain ranges, wide open plains and hilltop Savannah - and spend time with the traditional custodians of the land who know its resources, its stories and its sacred places. In the crystal waters and mangroves of Cooya Beach the Kubirri warra brothers of Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours follow the traditions of their ancestors by educating visitors about their traditional country. Today the brothers teach their guests to throw a spear, hunt whilst observing wildlife and country, and how to track coastal resources. At the Bloomfield Falls, the warm and friendly rainforest women of Walker Family Tours take you on a bush walk with a difference and share some of their special world with you. And in the stunning countryside high in the hills above Cooktown, Nugal-warra elder and story-teller, Willie Gordon of Guurrbi Tours, takes guests to his ancestral rock art sites, sharing his culture and spirituality through the cave paintings. Now listed as one of Australia’s Ultimate must-Do experiences, Willie’s magical award winning tours touch the hearts of all who walk with him.
Departs: Wednesday & Sunday Returns: Friday & Tuesday
Highlights & Inclusions:
Day 1 (L) Cairns – Cape Tribulation Today, your journey of discovery begins as you travel north along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives to Cooya Beach to join Kubirri Warra brothers on one of their beach, mudflat and mangrove walks. Linc and Brandon Walker, of Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours follow the traditions of their ancestors who, for thousands of years, educated visitors about their traditional country in order to ensure the survival of their Kuku Yalanji culture. Today the brothers teach their guests how to throw a spear, hunt whilst stalking and observing wildlife and country, and how to track coastal resources. And they share some of their extensive knowledge of this special area and how they care for their country. Enjoy fresh, homemade damper, tea and coffee, before continuing along the Daintree Coast where we continue north to the Daintree Village, for a 1 hour river cruise on the mighty Daintree River. Have a picnic lunch on the shores of the river before we visit the spectacular Niau Falls on Tranquillity on the Daintree - a secluded 450acre private property. The Niau falls are a pristine natural wonder waiting for you to discover. You will see strange, primitive plants and learn about the original French settler family. Hear of their incredible story of survival. Your guided walk will unlock the secrets of this fascinating eco-system. Time for a swim in this magical rainforest environment, (don’t forget your swimmers). We depart the falls and travel to Cape Tribulation, crossing the mighty Daintree River by cable ferry, arriving at your overnight accommodation. Spend the night in the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park of Cape Tribulation. Experience the rainforest at night, enjoy this evening at your leisure. Day 2 (B,L&D) 10.00am Cape Tribulation - Cooktown A leisurely breakfast and walk along Cape Tribulation Beach before we continue on The Bama Way through the heart of the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park. Travel today is on the 4wd only Bloomfield Track, where we will cross rivers and mountain ranges. Arriving at Wujal Wujal we visit the Bloomfield Falls in the company of traditional custodians from the Walker Family, who share some of their knowledge about this special and sacred place. We travel to Helenvale, where we have lunch at the famous Lions Den Hotel, a famous Aussie bush pub established in 1875. After lunch visit Black Mountains, a unique geological oddity, surrounded in mystery and spoken of in ancient Aboriginal legend. Arriving in Cooktown have your camera ready with 360 degree panoramic views from Grassy Hill of Cooktown, the Coral Sea and the Endeavour. Overnight Cooktown and enjoy dinner with your travel companions this evening. Cooktown - Cairns This morning enjoy breakfast at Cooks Landing by the wharf before being collected by Nugal-warra Elder, Willie Gordon of Guurrbi Tours. Willie, the traditional story-teller of the Nugal-warra clan, takes you to the Nugal rock art sites, set in stunning countryside high in the hills above Hope Vale, 40 minutes from Cooktown. You’ll visit six sites, including the Reconciliation Cave and an ancestral Birthing Site, where Willie shares the stories behind the art – stories which can only be told by Elders of the Nugal clan - and explains how the paintings speak of the essence of life and the lores of his people. With his great smile and infectious laugh, Willie gives you an amazing insight into Aboriginal society and spirituality, and has you thinking about your own relationship with the land and how the lores of his people can apply to us all. The tour includes an estimated 30-minute bush walk on generally easy terrain. Water is provided, and cameras are welcome.
What to bring and wear...
Australia 5 Star Comments:  * Please contact AusHoliday 5 Star for further information, rates and advise on your personalised itinerary. |
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