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13 DAY AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TOUR:
SEE AUSTRALIA THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ABORIGINAL
OPTIONAL ADD ON TOURS; CAPE YORK AND TIWI ISLANDS:
DAY 14:: Board flight to Cairns where we join our new guides to discover Cape York, in Far North Queensland.
About The Bama Way....
The Bama Way is an Aboriginal journey through Tropical North Queensland; a journey along story-lines through coastal mangroves, rich rainforest and hilltop Savannah. The word ‘Bama’ (pronounced Bumma)is widely used throughout Cape York to mean an Aboriginal person, but in both Kuku Yalanji and Guugu Yimithirr, the word simply means ‘person’ regardless of nationality or race.The Bama Way was developed by three highly -acclaimed Aboriginal-owned tours–Guurrbi Tours, Walker Family Tours, and Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours-Each Aboriginal tour has a different story to tell. You can learn how to spearfish with the Kubirri Warra brothers on one of their beach, mud flat and mangrove walks...meet the Walker sisters from the Nyungkul clan, traditional custodians of the Bloomfield Falls....and spend a magical time with Nugal- warra Elder, Willie Gordon, amongst the Nugal rock art sites, high in the hills above Hope Vale. Accompanied by an Aboriginal driver-guide, this special journey allows you to see this beautiful and diverse corner of Far North Queensland through the eyes of its traditional custodians, whose links to the country span tens of thousands of years. It will give you an unforgettable insight into the area’s rich Aboriginal history and culture, and will have you thinking about your own place in the world, and your relationship with the land.
DAY 15: 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 of Kuku Yulanji Cultural Habitat Tours, on one of their beach, mudflat and mangrove walks. This is time to get native Linc and Brandon Walker 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.
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 cross the mighty Daintree River by cable ferry .This great serpent of water is a special Aboriginal meeting and trading place. Our journey takes us through Cape Tribulation where we lunch at Coconut Beach Resort. We continue through the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, journey through this spectacular example of Mother Nature, which contains the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened by extinction. Overnight, Cape Tribulation and experience one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Nature.
DAY 16: After breakfast, this morning we continue in to the heart of the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, and travel the famous 4wd only Bloomfield Track, crossing mountain ranges and rivers. At Wujal Wujal we visit the Bloomfield Falls in the company of traditional custodians from the Walker Family, This is a very special place for the Kuku Yalanji Bama, so it is disrespectful to go there, unless accompanied by one of the traditional custodians. The Walker Family will share some of their knowledge about this special and sacred place. We journey on to Helenvale, where we lunch at the famous Aussie bush pub, The Lions Den Hotel. Visit the mysterious Black Mountains steeped in Aboriginal legend before arriving in Cooktown for your overnight stay. Enjoy free time to explore historical Cooktown, rich in history, rich in nature and rich in spirit .Nestling on North Queensland’s stunning tropical wilderness coast, this small historic town, with its pristine environment steeped in Aboriginal culture, has everything to offer those looking for a taste of real Australia. Named after Captain James Cook who careened the H M Endeavour in 1770 ,the town has a rich modern history, and an Aboriginal history which stretches back tens of thousands of years. Once Australia’s second busiest port during the Palmer River goldrush, today the town has a population of only 2,000, but the buildings, statues and world-class James Cook Museum, reflect its rich past.
DAY 17: Enjoy a tropical breakfast before this mornings tour and magical experience with Nugal-warra Elder, Willie Gordon, the traditional story-teller of the Nugal-warraclan, takes you to the his ancestral rock art sites, set in stunning country side 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 Nugalclan-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. Return to Cooktown for a delicious lunch at the Nature Power house museum. The return journey we travel along the Great Dividing Range, the backbone of Australia which takes you through the spectacular scenery of Far North Queensland's outback, and the diverse landscape of the Palmer River goldfield region. Your tour of amazing discovery comes to a close as you are transferred back to your accommodation early evening.
DAY 18: Today we board a flight to Darwin for the final part of our journey
DAY 19 & 20:
1 Day Tiwi Island Itinerary:
A day tour to Bathurst Island provides a unique opportunity to experience a modern day Aboriginal community and learn about the history and the culture of the Tiwi People from a local resident’s perspective.
After a 20 minute scenic flight you arrive at Bathurst Island. Here you are met by your local Guide to be taken on a journey through the progressive, modern day Aboriginal community of Nguiu. Visit the museum with its interesting displays of traditional art and depictions of the Tiwi ‘dreamtime’ stories and Early Mission Precinct with its unique Tiwi style Catholic Church. Be taken through the successful arts and crafts centres and see where the artists work. You also have the opportunity to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts and screen printed fabric at Island prices. At morning tea we spend time with some Tiwi Ladies enjoying billy tea and damper while they work on their weaving and painting. Your guides and the ladies also demonstrate their totem dances and perform a smoking ceremony to bless the visitors and explain the meanings behind them. Learn some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony). Set out for a scenic drive through the wilderness of Bathurst Island. Enjoy lunch and visit a local waterhole for a swim (bring swimmers and towel). Learn about traditional bush tuckers, bush medicine and natural fibres and dyes on your return to the community for your return flight to Darwin.
OR 2 DAY TOUR OPTION
2 Day Tiwi Island Itinerary:
A two day camping tour to Bathurst Island provides a unique opportunity to experience a modern day Aboriginal community and learn about the history and the culture of the Tiwi People from a local resident’s perspective, plus the adventure of camping in a remote location and learning more about the way of life on the Island.
Day 1: Tiwi Islands
After a scenic flight you arrive at Bathurst Island. Here you are met by your guide to be taken on a journey through the progressive community of Nguiu. Visit the museum and learn about the Tiwi history and culture. Explore some successful arts and crafts centres and see artists’ work. You also have the opportunity to purchase some Tiwi arts and crafts, screen-printed fabric and clothing at Island prices. Spend time with some Tiwi Ladies enjoying billy tea and damper while they work on their weaving and painting, and show you their totem dances. Set out for a scenic drive through the wilderness of Bathurst Island. Enjoy lunch and visit a local waterhole for a swim (bring swimmers and towel). Learn about traditional bush tucker, bush medicine and natural fibres and dyes. Later, head off to Moantu (the home of the Rainbow Serpent) and set up camp at this picturesque spot overlooking a large freshwater lake. Take a walk over the sand dunes to admire the view and a Tiwi Island sunset before dinner around the campfire.
Accommodation: Moantu Camp, Bathurst Island. (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Cape Fourcroy
After breakfast travel out to the westernmost point of Bathurst Island – Cape Fourcroy and explore the rugged coastline. Walk along this beautiful beach in search of turtle nests. There will be many opportunities to see a diverse range of native wildlife, so don’t forget your cameras! Learn about traditional uses of the native flora and fauna with your Tiwi guide. Visit Tomorrupi Waterfall and cool off in the refreshing water and enjoy a picnic lunch. Visit a Tiwi Burial Site and learn about some of the complex rituals associated with the Pukumani Poles (Burial Poles) before returning to Nguiu for your return flight to Darwin. (Breakfast, Lunch)
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