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Aboriginal Tours | Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | Guided Tours & Cruises | History & Culture

Walker Family Tours

<p>The Walker women are committed to educating their guests who walk with them along the track to the Bloomfield Falls. As they travel over their ancestral land, they explain in a truly delightful way the lifestyle of the Yalanji people of Wujal Wujal.</p>
<p>What’s unique about this tour is guests are experiencing part of the family’s everyday lifestyle and their deep connection with the land.</p>
<p>Bloomfield Falls Tour – 30 mins tour departing daily year round.</p>
<p>Rainforest Walk – 2 hour tour departs daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. April to September</p>

Aboriginal Tours | Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Holes | National Parks & Walking Trails

Bloomfield Falls Walk

<p>This is an easy 30 min return path walk of less than 1 km.</p>
<p>This is a place of great significance for the Kuku Yalanji people who have lived here for thousands of years, and although you can see the falls unaccompanied, the 30 minute tours offered by the <b>Walker Family</b>, traditional custodians of the area, will open your eyes to the surroundings and give you a better understanding of this beautiful area.</p>
<p><b>Guided Walk: </b></p>
<p><b>Wujal Wujal, With the Walker Family</b></p>
<p>The Walker Family, a close-knit group of wonderfully warm and friendly people, are members of the Kuku Yalanji clan who have lived in this area for tens of thousands of years. Their traditional lands are part of the beautiful World Heritage rainforest area, and encompass the Bloomfield Falls, after which Wujal Wujal is named. The Walkers will take you on a bush walk with a difference, giving you the opportunity to listen and talk to the traditional custodians of the area, and receive a fascinating insight into the history and the many different uses of plant species for food, medicine and ceremonial purposes. This is an opportunity to see the rainforest through their eyes, and to learn about the cultural significance of this area.</p>
<p><b>Bloomfield</b><b> Falls</b><b> Tour</b><br /> The Walkers share some of their knowledge about this special place which is of great cultural significance to the Yalanji people. 30 minute tours depart daily throughout the year. Departure times are flexible. The tour includes a short walk on uneven ground.</p>
<p>There is no access to the falls in the wet season.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty Level:</b> Easy</p>
<p><b>Distance:</b> 400 metre (return)</p>
<p><b>Duration:</b> 15 minutes (return)</p>
<p><b>Access:</b> Self Guided or Guided</p>
<p><b>Trail Management Contact:</b><i> </i>Wujal Wujal Shire Council</p>

Aboriginal Tours | Guided Tours & Cruises | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage

Quinkan Galleries

<p>The Quinkan Galleries are internationally renowned and offer a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Laura region. The site consists of five clustered rock shelters, each depicting its own stories and evidence of past occupation. The final shelter features the Quinkan family, including the tallest recorded Quinkan figure, standing at an over 3 metres high.</p>
<p>This is a special cultural site, and local Indigenous guides share its stories and significance with passion, knowledge and respect.</p>
<p><strong>Guided Tours</strong></p>
<p>Private guided tours are available from May to September and typically take approximately 2 hours. Tours are conducted by experienced local Indigenous guides and can be tailored to visitors. Bookings are essential and tour pricing is available on application (POA).</p>
<p>To book a private guided tour, visit the Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation website or contact the team directly:</p>
<p><strong>Self-Guided Tours</strong></p>
<p>Self-guided tour options are also available for visitors wishing to explore the area at their own pace. Please contact Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation for current access information and conditions.</p>

4WD Adventures | Aboriginal Tours | Guided Tours & Cruises | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | National Parks & Walking Trails | Scenic Drives & Lookouts | Wildlife & Birdwatching

Rossville Retreat Indigenous Tours

<p>Mooks was raised on his traditional land where he learnt the old ways from his Grandparents, Uncles and elder family members.</p>
<p>He learnt about bush medicines and bush foods from them and he finds great joy sharing his knowledge of plants, his culture and the land.</p>
<p>As a tour guide, Mooks has over 40 years’ experience and in Kuku Nyungkul language he is known as a ‘Kuku bugga’ which means he loves to talk!</p>
<p>Throughout his life Mooks has always been a keen communicator of traditional culture, helping people from all walks of life, to make a deeper connection to country.</p>
<p>Tour options include a three hour tour and a 90 minute tour. Bookings essential.</p>
<p>Rossville Retreat also offers camping and bush lodges accommodation.</p>

Aboriginal Tours | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage

Jarramali Rock Art Tours

<p>Jarramali Rock Art Tours is an Aboriginal owned and operated business, run by friendly and experienced Kuku-Yalanji traditional owners. Our guests will have the opportunity to experience significant and amazing rock art sites in the Laura region. </p>
<p>The Quinkan Rock Art provides an extensive legacy and is one of the best on the planet. Quinkan Rock Art is outstanding for its variety, quantity and quality, an absolute must see! This is Australia’s national history, our crown jewels. It’s something all Australians should be acquainted with, proud of and work hard to preserve. Come on a journey to this remote landscape and unravel the stories, thousands of years old that were hidden in our rock art.</p>
<p>Tours will give an enchanting narrative of our peoples ways and culture through the stories that are told through rock art, evidence of the oldest living culture on earth. This will result in a guaranteed incredible Aboriginal cultural tour experience.</p>

Aboriginal Tours | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage

Wik and Kugu Arts Centre, Aurukun

<p>The gallery is an important cultural centre focused on the creation of authentic and high quality indigenous sculpture and fibre art. There has been an art centre at Aurukun for over fifty years and it provides artistic and commercial support for local artists.</p>

Aboriginal Tours | Guided Tours & Cruises | History & Culture | History & Museums | Indigenous Culture & Heritage

Aboriginal Rock Art

<p>The rock art of south-east Cape York Peninsula forms some of the oldest and largest galleries in the world. The main areas stretch in an arc from north of Cooktown, inland to the Palmer River, with a multitude of paintings, stencils and engravings across the traditional lands of the Kuku Yalanji, Guugu Yimithirr and Kuku Thaypan people.</p>
<p>Aboriginal communities throughout Cape York Peninsula maintain strong connections with the land and sea, ensuring the survival of this ancient culture. Traditional custodians share some of their stories on guided walks at special sites around the region. From Cooktown you can visit the Nugal rock art sites outside Hope Vale with the traditional custodian and story-keeper.</p>
<p>For a truly unique local Aboriginal experience, discover the homelands of the Balnggarrawarra people at Normanby Station on either a half day or full day tour with Traditional Owners. <a href="https://cultureconnect.com.au/" target="_blank">Culture Connect Australia</a> offer a full day 4WD Rock Art and Ranger Tour or a half day Rock Art Experience. Pick up available from Cooktown. Book <a href="https://cultureconnect.com.au/tours-departing-cooktown/" target="_blank">online</a> or phone 1300 794 175. </p>
<p><strong>Laura Rock Art</strong></p>
<p>In the Laura region you can take a self-guided walk around Split Rock or arrange an interpretive tour of different rock art sites up in the escarpment overlooking the Laura River.</p>
<p>The rock art galleries in Quinkan Country near Laura are listed by UNESCO as being among the top 10 sites in the world.</p>
<p>The Split Rock site, located 14 kms from Laura, is the most famous of the galleries. Guided tours of around 1 hour can be arranged at The Quinkan Cultural Centre or there is interpretive signage if you would like to take a self-guided tour. The galleries are a 15 minute uphill walk from the car park with some rough sections, so wear sturdy shoes.  Call 07 4060 2239 for Visitor Information and book your guided tours in advance. </p>
<p>The Mushroom Rock and Giant Horse sites offer an incredible array of rock art. Both sites can be combined on a 3.5 hour guided tour, or they can be visited separately. Access is easy to Mushroom Rock with a short walk from the car parking area. The Giant Horse site involves some steeper walking sections.</p>
<p>The views from the Giant Horse galleries combined with the sheer volume of art on display are breathtaking and a must-do experience when visiting the region.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.jarramalirockarttours.com.au/" target="_blank">Jarramali Rock Art Tours</a> is an Aboriginal owned and operated business run by friendly and experienced Kuku-Yalanji traditional owners. Join a guided tour for an incredible Aboriginal cultural tour experience. </p>

Aboriginal Tours | History & Culture

Aboriginal Culture – Rainforest Coast

<p>These villages are on The Bama Way, which follows the coast road from north of Cairns to beyond Cooktown. This is a journey along story-lines, through coastal mangroves, rich rainforest and hilltop Savannah.<b> </b>The word <b>Bama</b> (pronounced Bumma) is widely used throughout Cape York to mean an Aboriginal person, but in Kuku Yalanji, the word simply means ‘person’ regardless of nationality or race.</p>
<p>Most of the Aboriginal people in this area live in the small community of Wujal Wujal, which was established in 1960 alongside the beautiful Bloomfield River. The community, which takes its name from the nearby Bloomfield Falls, has modern infrastructure now, but Yalanji lores and customs are still practiced.</p>
<p>Although you can visit the Falls on your own, this is considered disrespectful by its traditional custodians, and it’s highly recommended that you take the half-hour tour offered by the Walker Family. They are members of the Nyungkul clan, whose traditional lands are part of the beautiful World Heritage rainforest area which encompass the Falls. It is also an opportunity to see the Falls through their eyes, and to learn about the cultural significance of this area.</p>
<p><b>Wujul Wujul Aboriginal Community </b>welcomes visitors. Visit their <a href="https://www.wujalwujalcouncil.qld.gov.au/" target="_blank">website</a> for further information. </p>
<p><b>Walker</b><b> Family Tours</b> Bloomfield Falls Tours depart daily. Departure times are flexible. Cameras welcome.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.rossvilleretreat.com/indigenous-tours/" target="_blank">Rossville Retreat</a> </strong>Indigenous Tours operate from Rossville, led by Kuku Nyungkul elder and traditional owner, Harold Tayley (Mooks). As a tour guide, Mooks has over 40 years’ experience and in Kuku Nyungkul language he is known as a ‘Kuku bugga’ which means he loves to talk. Throughout his life Mooks has always been a keen communicator of traditional culture, helping people from all walks of life, to make a deeper connection to country. Come and experience it for yourself!</p>

Aboriginal Tours | History & Culture

Jarramali Rock Art Tours

<p>Jarramali Rock Art Tours is a Tourism Australia Signature Experience and a member of Discover Aboriginal Experiences program, which recognises the high-quality tours we offer.</p>
<p>Immerse yourself in an intimate, Aboriginal cultural experience in Australia’s rugged outback.. Tag-a-long in your own 4WD or Jump in ours, Guided by a Traditional Owner. Or fly in via a scenic helicopter ride and enjoy a day trip or overnight experience, camping in an exclusive location only accessible to Jarramali guests, in Cape York, North Queensland.</p>
<p>Through hidden rock art, delve deeper and unravel the ancient stories of the Kuku-yalanji people to learn more about Australia’s Indigenous history, a culture that has been continuously active longer than any other culture on the planet!  We’ve selected the the best, pristine and culturally meaningful rock art sites in Laura to visit, where you’ll be personally guided by Traditional Owners through an unforgettable journey through what archeologists say is over a 2000-year-old outback museum!</p>
<p>Prepare to feel a world away from home in the remote backdrop of the North Queensland outback. Access to the rock art site are only available via an exclusive 4WD adventure track or helicopter scenic tour and found only among the sandstone escarpments near the small town of Laura, North Queensland.</p>
<p>As you begin to slowly explore the history of the Kuku-yalanji people, discover their connection to country through a journey calling on your five senses. Learn more about a different way of life, from sampling native bush tucker/medicine, how our old people survived for thousands of years, to learning about the rejuvenation of land as you ground your feet into the soil.</p>