<p>Willie takes you to his ancestral rock art sites, high in the hills outside Cooktown. Here he shares the stories behind the art, 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 will give you an amazing insight into Aboriginal society and spirituality, and show you how we all have a connection to the land, wherever we come from.</p>

<p>Listen and learn as your host Gerry introduces you to Nature’s Storehouse. Take a step back in time with your hostess Irene as she relates what it was really like growing up an Aboriginal under missionary rule. Maaramaka Walkabout Tours endeavours to preserve the knowledge of the flora and fauna found within Nature’s Storehouse – the bush and rainforest including the sand dunes. <br /> Gerry has a wealth of knowledge with regards to the many species of plants and trees to be found in our Rainforests and bushland.</p>
<p><b>Ph: (07) 4069 5381 or (07) 4060 9389</p>
<p></b></p>

<p>The Hope Vale Arts & Cultural Centre is at the heart of Guugu Yimithirr culture and actively involves Aboriginal people of all ages in passing on the cultural traditions and promoting the use and teaching of the Guugu Yimithirr language, which is alive and spoken daily by many local people. The Centre offers a space to learn ancient skills, such as gathering and weaving of local fibres and dyeing them with bush dyes, and modern skills such as printing, etching and contemporary art techniques.</p>
<p>The long and strong tradition of Aboriginal Artists born of this country and of the Guugu Yimithirr, include Derek Rosendale, Evelyn McGreen, Harold Bowen, Shane “Duka” Gibson, Madge Bowen, Ben McGreen, John Allums, Godfrey Gordon, Ken Walsh, Tulo Gordon, Sid McIvor, Walter Jack and <a href="http://www.hopevalearts.com/artists.html#roymcivor" target="_blank">Roy McIvor</a>. With many talented, younger artists emerging, Hope Vale envisions a bright future for its culture.</p>
<p>Visitors are welcome to visit the Centre weekdays, <br /> between the hours of 9am and 4.30pm, at Flierl Street, Hope Vale.</p>

<p>This is a region rich in Aboriginal story-places, special geographical landmarks and ancient rock art. </p>
<p>Hope Vale was built in the late 1940s and today has a population of around 1,500 people. It was originally a Mission run by the Lutheran Church, who brought Aboriginal people from all over Australia, so now there is a mixture of languages and culture in the community, although Guugu Yimithirr is the language most spoken after English.</p>
<p>Cape Bedford and Elim was the original location of the Lutheran Mission founded in 1876. The buildings no longer remain, but a large wooden cross marks the place of the original mission. It is a very beautiful area, and today many Hope Vale people have a shack here and go fishing at weekends.</p>
<p>The best way to enjoy this beautiful area is to spend time with the locals.</p>
<p>Visit the <a href="http://www.aboriginalartonline.com/regions/hopevale.php" target="_blank">Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre</a>. This is the centre for local artists, craftspeople and dancers, and there is always a great display of locally-produced art and artefacts for sale. You can sit on the balcony and have a yarn with the artists as well.</p>
<p>Visit the Nugal rock art sites in the hills high above Hope Vale. Previously inaccessible to the public, they can now be visited in the company of Nugal-warra Elder and story-keeper, Willie Gordon of <a href="http://guurrbitours.com/" target="_blank">Guurrbi Tours</a>. Willie’s tours are now listed as One of Australia’s Ultimate Must-Do Experiences, and are not to be missed. </p>
<p>Share a bush feast and a yarn with Irene Hammett of Maaramaka Walkabout Tours<b>.</b> Irene is a Bulgun-warra woman who lives on the outskirts of Hope Vale. She has a wealth of interesting and entertaining stories about her culture and growing up in the area.</p>