ABORIGINAL CULTURE
- INDEX
- DESTINATIONS
- YOUR ITINERARY
- ACCOMMODATION
- THINGS TO DO
- TRANSPORT
- TOURS
- ATTRACTIONS
- WEDDING / HONEYMOON
- CAR HIRE
- DINING OUT
- BACKPACKERS
- INTERNET@CAFES
- CAMERA HIRE
- MAPS and INFO
- SAFE TRAVEL
- LINKS
Until recent years, the closest that many foreign visitors came to Aboriginal culture in Australia was buying a cheap Chinese-made boomerang in a tacky souvenir shop. But these days, awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal art and culture are at an all time high. Tropical North Queensland is rich with Aboriginal culture, and we will show you a range of Aboriginal experiences that will be both enjoyable and educational. Enjoy one of the oldest and richest cultures of the world.
THIS PAGE LISTS ALL THE TOP ABORIGINAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCES, ATTRACTIONS, THEATRES, ART DISPLAYS AND GALLERIES, IN TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND. SCROLL DOWN OR USE THE LINKS IN THE RIGHT COLUMN TO FIND YOUR CHOSEN DESTINATION.
"They say we have been here for 40,000 years, but it is much longer.
We have been here since time began. We have come directly out of the Dreamtime of our creative ancestors."
The history and culture of the Australian Aboriginal people stretches back for TENS OF THOUSANDS OF YEARS, and when we imagine what life must have been like for the indigenous people before European settlement, we conjure up stereotypical images of nomads moving in dry, hot desert landscapes, living in basic shelters and eating kangaroo cooked on an open fire. But in Tropical North Queensland, where the wet season can bring weeks of rain, many aboriginal tribes lived under the dense rainforest canopy, in semi-permanent villages of dome-shaped houses, cooking in ground ovens and curing meat, fish and eels on smoking racks.Venture into the wild spaces of Far North Queensland, and you enter a world steeped in ancient Aboriginal culture with spirits and legends recorded in rock art. Below is a list of the places, monuments, galleries and attractions around Tropical North Queensland which either showcase Aboriginal art and culture, or hold significance to the Aboriginal people.
CAIRNS
THE BAMA WAY - ABORIGINAL JOURNEYS
From Cairns and Port Douglas to Cooktown & beyond (MAP)
Phone (07) 4040 7500
www.bamaway.com.au
For those interested in TNQ rich Aboriginal Culture!
The Bama Way is a 2 Day tour which travels along one of Australia's most scenic coastal drives, from Cooya Beach, near Port Douglas, along the Daintree coast through the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park to Cooktown. It brings together three well-established Aboriginal-owned and operated tours, each offering a different aspect of Aboriginal life and culture. Experience Kuku Yulanji Cultural Habitat Tours, The Walker Family Tours and Guurrbi Tours on a journey of amazing discovery.
Ivesa Luebben, Germany 8th August 2007: "It was such a precious experience that opened my eyes to the deep wisdom and spirituality and ecological consciousness of a culture that had been unknown to me. I would advise any traveller to Australia to do the same."
TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK
Kamerunga Road, Smithfield (MAP)
Phone (07) 4042 9900 / Fax (07) 4042 9990
www.tjapukai.com.au
See Australia's culture through our eyes!
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park offers a showcase of indigenous culture, allowing visitors to learn the traditional culture and customs of the Tjapukai people.
Seven separate arenas allow visitors to experience every facet of the rainforest people's culture - from the provocative History Theatre to the inspiring Creation Theatre, the Dance Theatre and the interactive Cultural Village, where visitors can learn how bush food is used to create medicinal remedies, learn how to play a didgeridoo, and throw a boomerang and spear.
When night falls, Tjapukai by Night offers dramatic special effects to create a compelling show in which the audience meets Gadja, a Dreamtime spirit, and is encouraged to participate in an ancient corroboree ritual. Guests are then treated to a beautifully presented buffet style dinner featuring modern Australian cuisine, while watching the world famous Tjapukai Dancers.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is located at Caravonica, near Smithfield, at the base of the Skyrail cableway. If you want to combine a visit to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, with a SKYRAIL RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE, and even a ride on the KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY, Cairns Unlimited can arrange an economical package deal, even including return transfers from your Cairns hotel.
KURANDA
The town of Kuranda itself is a perfect place to discover a bit more about the Aboriginal people. Heaps of galleries can help you have a better knowledge of Aboriginal art. Didgeridoos, boomerangs, paintings and other Aboriginal artifacts are on display in all of them. And some of them will even have you started on the exciting art of playing didgeridoos. Also in Kuranda you can live an authentic Aboriginal experience thanks to the Weka Djimbu Dance Troupe. The ancient aboriginal culture is brought to life through traditional and contemporaty songs, dances and stories of the dreamtime. You can also buy hand crafted weapons and artifacts and native artwork from the Bama rainforest people, the traditional inhabitants of these land.
RAINFORESTATION NATURE PARK
Kennedy Highway, Kuranda
Phone (07) 4085 5008
email link coming soon
website link coming soon
Open everyday from 8:30am
to 4:00pm (except Christmas Day).
At the Rainforestation Nature Park you can have a real Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, where you can see the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers and take part in a Dreamtime Walk. For half an hour you can witness the dances that accompany the Pamagirri Corroboree's ancients songs about animals, food gathering and hunting to the rythm of didgeridoo and clapsticks. The experience will feel even more real because it takes place in the rainforest amphitheatre, completely surrounded by nature.
If you have decided to enjoy the Dreamtime Walk, you won't regret it. It takes you along the Rainbow Serpent through Aboriginal traditions, legends and myths. Here you can also have you face painted in the traditional manner by an Aboriginal guide who will use ochre. But if you think you are a bit too old to paint your face, why don't you try painting a boomerang and transforming it into a unique piece in only 30 minutes?. Or having a go at imitating the tracks left by some Australia's native animals?
THE NEW KURANDA MARKETS ABORIGINAL ART GALLERY
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TROPICAL PULSE
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PORT DOUGLAS TO DAINTREE
The Douglas Shire is located in the tribal lands of the Kuku Yalariji tribe. The Kuku Yalariji tribe has inhabited this region for thousands of years, from Cooktown, in the north, to near Chillagoe in the west and Port Douglas in the south. Their traditional territory included rainforest, riverine, range and coastal environments. The Kuku Yalariji subsisted from a wide variety of resources. With the discovery of gold in the Hodgkinson River, mineral exploitation, tin mining and the construction of roads, the Kuku Yalariji tribe had to change their lifestyle and adapt themselves to new times. Both Aboriginal gatherer/hunter economies were undermined and their number decimated by 1895. The Second World War saw how the local Aboriginal groups were concentrated at the Mossman Gorge Reserve. The Daintree tribe was first relocated on the northern bank of the Daintree river and moved around several times during the sixties. Nowadays, many of them live in Mossman Gorge.
So we can say without no doubt that the Kuku Yalariji people are survivors who have managed to live through very difficult times. However, they have succedded on keeping what's left of their tribal identity.
KUKU YALANJI CULTURAL HABITAT TOUR
18 Cooya Beach Road, Mossman (MAP)
Phone (07) 4098 3437
Time to get native.
Experience Aboriginal lifestyle walking with Kuku Yalanji brothers Linc and Brandon Walker and family as they continue to teach and practice their daily hunting and gathering activities in their unique coastal environment just 10 minutes drive from Port Douglas. Enjoy the stories of their country and spend time listening to the family histories that have been passed from generation to generation since the beginning of their dreamtime.
Coastal Beach Walks depart daily from Cooya Beach at 9:30am and 1:30pm. Adults $75.00 children $45.00 (5-15yrs). Duration 2 hours. Traditional Night Spearing departs daily from Cooya Beach at 7:30pm. $150.00 per person max 3 people. Duration 2 hours.
FLAMES OF THE FOREST
Mossman
Phone (07) 4099 3144
email link coming soon
www.flamesoftheforest.com.au
Light the flame of the forest… ignite your senses beneath the canopy of the oldest rainforest in the world. Feel the wonder of this legendary place & explore the mysteries of time, culture a& cuisines while dining in the spellbinding candlelit drama that is the enchanted rainforest. This mystical evening event of dining in the rainforest entertained by Aboriginal storytelling and music takes place over three hours amid the ancient rainforest.
A must-do for anyone interested in history, Aboriginal culture, the rainforest and great Australian food!
DAINTREE ECO LODGE AND SPA
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KUKU YALANJI DREAMTIME WALKS
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COOKTOWN AND CAPE YORK PENINSULA
THE BAMA WAY - ABORIGINAL JOURNEYS
From Cairns and Port Douglas to Cooktown & beyond (MAP)
Phone (07) 4053 7001
www.bamaway.com.au
For those interested in TNQ rich Aboriginal Culture!
The Bama Way is a 2 Day tour which travels along one of Australia's most scenic coastal drives, from Cooya Beach, near Port Douglas, along the Daintree coast through the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park to Cooktown. It brings together three well-established Aboriginal-owned and operated tours, each offering a different aspect of Aboriginal life and culture. Experience Kuku Yulanji Cultural Habitat Tours, The Walker Family Tours and Guurrbi Tours on a journey of amazing discovery.
Ivesa Luebben, Germany 8th August 2007: "It was such a precious experience that opened my eyes to the deep wisdom and spirituality and ecological consciousness of a culture that had been unknown to me. I would advise any traveller to Australia to do the same."
MAARAMAKA WALKABOUT TOURS
McIvor Road, Hope Vale (MAP)
(via Cooktown)
Phone (07) 4060 9389
www.maaramaka.com
100% Indigenous owned and operated!
Wantharra Nyundu?? How are you?? You will find us at the corner of Boiling Springs Road and McIvor Road on the way to Hope Vale Shire. It is a 30-45 min drive from historical Cooktown. Maaramaka Walkabout Tours operates in a beautiful tranquil bushland setting. Walk into the fruitful rainforest which is a source of many different kinds of foods and learn what the Guugu Yimithirr people used various trees, vines, seeds and fruit for.
Maaramaka Walkabout Tours invites you to come walkabout with them through their traditional country and learn what Nature's Storehouse has to offer. Listen to your hosts Gerry & Irene as they step back in time and enrich your lives with their knowledge. Stroll through their exotic fruit garden and see what a Carrot Tree looks like.
WALKER FAMILY TOURS
Wujal Wujal (MAP)
Phone (07) 4060 8069 or (07) 4060 8139
Mobile 0427 824 799
Fax (07) 4060 8108
www.walkerfamilytours.com
Experiencing part of the family's everyday lifestyle!
At Wujal Wujal, a coastal indigenous community near Cooktown, the Walker family - sisters, cousins and even nieces - are working as a close-knit group of wonderfully warm and friendly people sharing the local Yalanji culture with visitors.
Walker Family Tours takes visitors to one of the most beautiful and pristine locations in the tropics - The Bloomfield Falls - a 40 metre waterfall surrounded by the world heritage-listed rainforests of the Daintree. 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.
GUURRBI TOURS
P.O. Box 417, Cooktown
Phone (07) 4069 6043
www.guurrbitours.com
An amazing insight into Aboriginal spirituality.
These magical, award-winning tours with Nugal-warra Elder, Willie Gordon, are widely considered one of the best Aboriginal experiences in the country.
Willie, the traditional story-teller of the Nugal-warra clan, takes guests to his ancestral rock art sites, set high in the hills above Hope Vale, 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 gives an amazing insight into Aboriginal society, and shows how we all have a spiritual place, wherever we come from.
Tours depart daily, Monday to Saturday, either self-drive or with transport from Cooktown. Willie's award-winning Rainbow Serpent Tour takes you through a dramatic landscape to six rock art sites, including an ancestral Birth Cave where Willie's grandfather was born. The Great Emu Tour includes a visit to three rock art sites, including the Great Emu Cave.
MILBI WALL, COOKTOWN
Cooktown has an active Aboriginal Community Centre called Gungarde on the main street. The name of the Centre comes from the Aboriginal name for the region and meant 'crystals', as rock crystal (which was used in some Aboriginal ceremonies) is found near the town. The Milbi Wall was designed and built by local Aborigines as part of the Gungarde project. A beautiful collage of Aboriginal art, the Milbi Wall marks the place of the first encounter between the British seafarers and the local Aborigines. The Story Wall, as it often called, tells the story of Cooktown and the Endeavour River from the perspective of the Aborigines.
The twelve metre long memorial is composed of three curved sections. The first section explains the creation stories and shows how the Endeavour River and Cooktown area were formed. The second commemorates the first meeting that took place between the Indigenous people and Captain Cook, his crew and the naturalists and scientists who were with him. It traces the history of Aboriginal people from their early settlements and the gold-rush days up to the Second World War. And finally, the third section of the wall describes the 1967 referendum and shows the advances Aboriginal people have made since then, as well as identifying the problems they have faced.
The Milbi Wall is an outstanding monument to reconciliation in Australia, a significant part of the local culture of Cooktown, and is definitely worth visiting.
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LAURA
LAURA DANCE AND MUSICAL FESTIVAL
Aboriginal culture is still very strong in North Queensland. In the early 1980's the Indigenous communities of Cape York relived tradition, and celebrated their culture, through song, dance, music and story. This traditional gathering has become the Laura Aboriginal Cultural Festival. This festival takes place every two years in the small outback town of Laura, 300 kilometres north of Cairns. Crowds gather from all over Australia and overseas, along with many different Indigenous communities mainly from the Cape York region, in the celebration of the Aboriginal culture. Traditional Indigenous sporting events and competitions will also be held during the festival, so start training if you want to do well in the art of spear and boomerang thowing.The Laura Dance and Cultural Festival is, without any doubt, the largest and longest Aboriginal festival of its kind in Australia. But remember alcohol and drugs are banned on the festival grounds, the traditional ground dance and, thus, a sacred place.
For more information about Laura Dance and Cultural Festival as well as for other events that take place in Tropica North Queensland, please visit our TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND'S EVENT CALENDAR page.
And once you are in the Laura for the festival, why not visit the area? Although nowadays Laura is a small town, in the 1880's it was very popular because it was the Palmer River goldfield's railheah handling 20,000 passengers every year. The surroundings are famous due to the Aboriginal paintings that feature massive Quinkans, which have given their name to the region, spirit figures that lived in the crevices of rocks and came out to frighten people who misbehaved (just like our 'boogie men'). Bright-red emus, shining white dingos, large brown kangaroos are also featured along with the Quinkans and, although they are thought to have been painted more than 30,000 years ago, the visitor will be taken aback by the freshness and quality of them, just as if they had been painted last week. These paintings are one of the most significant rock art sites in Australia and even the UNESCO has listed them among the top ten rock art sites in the entire world.
SPLIT ROCK is the most popular site, only because it is the most accessible one. And don't forget that not all of them are open to the public. Also famous in the area is the Giant Horse Gallery which features not only a horse but also a fallen rider and a wide variety of animals, including a bush turkey and a stingray.
Be aware that they are only open to visitors after a formal application to the Aboriginal Ranger in Laura. To do so you can either go to the Ranger's office in Laura, in the corner of the Peninsula Development Road or by telephoning (07) 4060 3260.
QUINKAN CULTURAL CENTRE
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JOWALBINNA ABORIGINAL ART
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ATHERTON TABLELANDS
ROSE GUMS WILDERNESS RETREAT
Land Road, via Lake Eacham, Malanda
Phone (07) 4096 8360 / Fax (07) 4096 8312
email link coming soon
website link coming soon
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat is located in the land of the Mullunburra people, who made this area their summer home. The retreat is crisscrossed with walking tracks that will take you through the rainforest Indigenous people used to burn to a concealed waterfall, used by the Mullumburra to prepare their food, to a rainforest creek which Aboriginal kids used as a playground while their mothers grounded the nuts. Keep an eye open for ancient grinding stone. All along the way, on the treehouses, you will find information about the Mullunburra people.
The Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat was awarded with the 2004 Tropical North Queensland Tourism award as unique accomodation and made it to the finals for the same award for eco tourism.
MALANDA MOSAIC TRAIL
Malanda was the Aboriginal name for the North Johnstone River and Tutaboulin, the traditional name for the Malanda Falls. The Ngadjon Jii people are the traditional inhabitants of the Malanda rainforest, and their descendants are treasured members of the community.
Malanda, located in the Atherton Tablelands, has its own mosaics which tell the history of Malanda's community. These nine large colourful mosaics are scattered all over the town and are definetely a must when visiting the area. Each mosaic tells its own story and it is worth dedicating time to each one of them, studying them in detail to discover all the elements camouflaged in the intrincate designs. There is a blue butterfly in each mosaic, will you be able to find them?
The first mosaic, The Original Inhabitants, tells the story of the region's first occupants. Hardships and Struggles represents the battle between man and nature. In the mosaic Transport a steam train stands out. Commerce acknowledges all the arts. Recollection shows the Malanda Pub. Early Settlers portrays the first European settlers. The Dairy Industry, Recreation and Looking Ahead are the other three.
They are located at the Malanda Falls, Malanda Pharmacy, Wait – A – While Studio, 5A Freshmart, Post Office, Majestic Theatre, Eacham Shire Council, Mitre 10 and the Malanda Rural Supplies.
CHILLAGOE - MUNGANA CAVES
Aboriginal occupation of the Chillagoe district dates back at least 20,000 years. The area is rich in small rock art galleries of aboriginal paintings, most of which are accessible only on foot. 15 kilometres north of Chillagoe visitors can find the Mungana Caves, where a gallery is located 1.2 kilometres along the gravel road to The Archways. Another gallery, with viewing access provided by a small boardwalk, is located at Balancing Rock, where the rock continues to defy gravity.
MALANDA ENVIRONMENTAL AND VISITORS CENTRE
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BAJINJILLA ARTS AND CRAFTS
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SOUTH OF CAIRNS - CASSOWARY COAST
M AND J ABORIGINALITY
225 Howard Kennedy Drive, Babinda (MAP)
Phone (07) 4067 1660
Mobile 0408 753 594
www.aboriginality.com.au
A genuine family affair!
Enjoy a warm family welcome from a talented family. M and J are situated in a rainforest area with crystal clear waters; a a quiet environment, surrounded by beautiful mountains. The price includes your didgeridoo to take back with you, swimming, DVD lessons on how to play the didgeridoo. Time permitting, Sani can teach you on site to throw a boomerang. Enjoy a tour of their workshop; there's an artist on site if you need help. Enjoy a family atmosphere filled with love to share and to experience an aboriginal culture and stories to share with all. Tea and coffee unlimited and tasty meals.
All M and J products are made at this address and are all natural. They are proud that they have never had a dissatisfied customer. If you don't have transport, a pickup can be arranged from your accommodation at no extra cost. Minimum two people.
ECHO ADVENTURE & CULTURAL CENTRE
Tully (MAP)
Mobile 0428 264 494 / Fax (07) 4068 8388
www.echoadventure.com.au
More than just a camp ground!
Join Echo Adventure on a guided walk through virgin rainforest to Echo Creek Falls with the local Jabunbarra Jirrbal people. Learn about the flora and fauna while they demonstrate their bush skills. This spectacular waterfall can be accessed by trekking through virgin rainforest with a traditional guide.
The four hour walk will take you on a journey through World Heritage rainforests of Tully Valley, past crystal clear creeks and watering holes that meander down from the ranges. The stillness of the rainforest will capture your imagination, interrupted only by birdsongs or the rustling of leaves in the breeze.
MUNGALLA ABORIGINAL TOURS
Ingham Forrest Beach Road, Ingham (MAP)
Phone (07) 4777 8718 / Fax (07) 4777 8727
www.mungallaaboriginaltours.com.au
Guided Day Tour of Mungalla Station!
Come share a unique experience of the culture and history of Mungalla Station and its Aboriginal owners. Meet the Nywaigi Aboriginal people, the Aboriginal traditional owners of the lands around Ingham. Experience their rich culture and history.
Explore the property established by James Cassady, who fled the potato famine of Ireland and created a pastoral dynasty. Visit the birthplace of the world famous mighty Droughtmaster cattle, the original homestead, the graves of James Cassady and his son, the wetlands and precious birdlife. Be amazed by the story of the Aboriginal people from Mungalla Station and surrounding areas that were exhibited as cannibals and savages in the nineteenth century circuses and sideshows of Europe and America. Try your hand at throwing a boomerang or spear.
This is an authentic Aboriginal experience that will stay with you long after you return home.
Mention Cairns Unlimited to receive 5% discount on your tour at the time of booking. Click here...
JUMBUN ABORIGINAL TOURS
Jumbun Aboriginal Community, Murray Upper
Phone (07) 4066 5654 / A/H 0405 315 090
www.jumbunaboriginaltourism.com.au
A unique cultural experience!
The Girramay and Jirrbal Elders of the Jumbun Aboriginal Community invite you to visit their small community and immerse yourself in their unique rainforest culture. The community is located at Murray Upper, between Cardwell and Tully/Mission Beach (Just follow the signs to the spectacular Murray Falls). The tour begins at the Community Store.
Your two and a half hour tour begins with an introduction to local Girramay and Jirrbal culture. You will be shown the precious artefacts kept in the community "Keeping Place" and enjoy refreshments. You will then meet your guides at Moombay, a beautiful site on the Murray River and a favourite camping spot of the Old people that is still being used today. During a guided rainforest walk you will be introduced to the rich cultural knowledge about the plants and animals around you. You will see mija (shelters) which rainforest Aboriginal people used to live in, and demonstrations of basket weaving and traditional jewellery-making. A unique cultural experience that will stay with you well beyond your holiday.
ULYSSES LINK WALKING TRACK, MISSION BEACHNamed for the brilliant blue Ulysses butterflies, the 1.5 kilometre Ulysses Link Walking Track winds its way along the breathtaking foreshore. The history of Mission Beach is interwoven along the walk with indigenous and historical stories expressed through mosaics, carvings and ceramic sculptures created by local artists. There are both Aboriginal and western interpretations, ranging from a carving of a culturally significant wichetty grub to a mosaic glass message stick depicting life in the rainforest by Diana Conti.
To explore the Ulysses Link Walking Track, follow the signs from the centre of Mission Beach to Clump Point in the north, where it meets up with the Cutten Brothers walking track and continues on to the Clump Point Jetty.
BABINDA BOULDERS, BABINDALocated seven kilometres to the west of Babinda, the Babinda Boulders are of great significance for the Aboriginal people. According to legend, a very beautiful girl from the Yidinji people named Oolana married an old and respected elder from her tribe called Waroonoo. Shortly after their wedding, another tribe arrived in the area and bringing an extremely handsome young man with them, Dyga. As soon as they saw each other they fell utterly in love. Aware that they were commiting a crime, the young lovers escaped from their tribes and fled into the valley. However, both tribes persued them and finally the lovers were captured. Oolana managed to break free from her captors and threw herself into the still waters of the nearby creek, calling for Dyga to follow her. As soon as Dyga hit the water, her cries for her lost lover turned the still waters into a rushing torrent and the land shood with sorrow. Huge boulder were scattered around the creek and Oolana dissapeared among them. Aboriginal legends say that Oolana's spirit still guards the boulders and her calls for her lost lover can still be heard.
The boulders are a fantastic place for a picnic and a refreshing swim, and free camping grounds are available on site.
SOUTH OF CAIRNS - TOWNSVILLE AREA
PLANTATION PARK, AYR
JURU WALK, located at the rear of Plantation Park, in Ayr, is an important bond to the Burdekin's Aboriginal history. The walk makes its way through what is believed to be the Burdekin's last remaining vestige of rainforest. The name Juru Walk comes from one of the Aboriginal tribes which were the inhabitants of the Burdekin prior to white settlement. Some of the highlights of Juru Walk are the rainforest ecosystems, the bat community and the man-made lagoon. Trails have been built to guide visitors through the area. Maps are available from the tourist information centre. It's an experience well worth it!
Plantation Park is also home to GUBULLAMUNDA, the giant carpet snake constructed in 2004 by the Gudjuda Reference Group to celebrate and promote Indigenous culture. The 60 metre carpet snake is the totem of the Juru people, the traditional owners of this land, and marks the significance of the park as a traditional burial site.
In order to educate visitors, the GUDJUDA REFERENCE GROUP also created a bush garden and cultural heritage walk, setting interpretive signs and planting more than 300 trees. Visitors to the bush garden will see species traditionally used for food and medicine, spear and boomerang making and smoking ceremonies. Both the snake and the bush garden, symbols of civic pride and community cooperation, reinforce the importance of Indigenous cultures as part of Australia's identity.
NORTH QUEENSLAND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS CULTURAL CENTREReef HQ Complex, Flinders Street, Townsville, Phone (07) 4772 7679
The Cultural Centre opened its doors in 2005 and showcases early and contemporary cultural heritage of the Wulguru-Kaba and Bindal people. The Centre features innovative cultural, educational and informative displays, as well as traditional performances, that will help the visitor to experience the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's heritage.
NORTHERN OUTBACK
KALKADOON ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE
Centenary Park (next to Outback at Isa Centre), Marian Street, Mount Isa
Open from Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
email link coming soon
website link coming soon
The Kalkadoon Tribal Council and Cultural Keeping Place is a centre for the preservation of the culture and heritage of the Kalkadoon people. It is a display centre and a keeping place for Aboriginal artifacts. The Kalkadoons, a fierce tribe, governed the Emu Foot Province, currently known as Mount Isa City. Today, descendants of this proud and splendid tribe are always ready for a chat and a lesson in their culture, which has been retained in the preservation of their traditional cultural heritage.
Sign in for one of the guided tours by Kalkadoon descendents and learn all about the Battle Mountain and the final battle between the Kalkadoons and the white settlers in 1884.
