4WD Aboriginal Daintree Cooktown Bama Dreamtime, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland

4WD Aboriginal Daintree Cooktown Bama Dreamtime, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland
From AUD $1,650.00
  • Duration: 3 Days (approx.)
  • Location: Cairns, Qld
  • Product code: BamaDreamtime

Discover the diversity of Aboriginal culture and North Queensland from the ancient rainforests of the Daintree to the tropical savannah of Cape York. Walk with Aboriginal traditional owners and learn about coastal survival skills. Explore the ancient Daintree rainforest at Mossman Gorge. Venture along the 4WD Bloomfield track and gain an insight into Aboriginal community life. Discover the history of Cooktown and explore ancient rock art galleries with Aboriginal guides at Normanby Station.


ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Cairns to Cape Tribulation

Pick ups commence from this morning. Please advise us which hotel you are staying at so we can arrange your pick up. Alternatively, why not let our friendly team help to recommend a hotel for you to stay in Cairns or Port Douglas. This cultural journey traverses the pristine mountains and beaches of the Daintree extending to the tropical savannah and sandstone escarpments of Cape York.

Your first taste of local indigenous culture is at Cooya Beach (Kuyu Kuyu) the traditional fishing grounds for the local Aboriginal people the Kuku Yalanji. Join Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owners the Walker Family on a coastal walk for a hands on cultural experience. Discover how to use a spear and collect a variety of food and medicine amongst the pristine tidal lagoons and mangrove mudflats. Enjoy morning tea on the beach whilst tasting freshly gathered food.

Your cultural journey continues to Mossman Gorge in the Daintree National Park. Take a guided rainforest walk through the spectacular gorge. Discover the unique flora and fauna of the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the Mossman River (conditions permitting).

From Mossman Gorge continue towards Wundu (Thorntons Peak) the highest mountain in the Daintree region and a highly sacred place for the Kuku Yalanji. A ferry crossing over the mighty Daintree River allows access to the ancient tropical rainforest of the Daintree National Park.

Take an afternoon walk along the awe inspiring beach at Kulki (Cape Tribulation). Enjoy a delicious restaurant style dinner before spending the night under the canopy of a tropical rainforest in resort style accommodation.

Accommodation: Ferntree Rainforest Lodge

Lunch and dinner provided.

DAY 2 – Cape Tribulation to Cooktown

Cape Tribulation is the ideal place to enjoy a tropical breakfast.

The cultural journey continues on a picturesque drive along the 4WD Bloomfield Track. Enjoy the surrounds of the tropical rainforest before being guided by Kuku Yalanji traditional owners to the pristine beaches, waterfalls and rainforest surrounding the community of Wujal Wujal. Learn about Aboriginal community life and how the Kuku Yalanji still live a semi traditional lifestyle on their homelands of the reef and rainforest. Visit Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre to gain an understanding of local Indigenous contemporary art styles.

After lunch continue to the historic Lions Den Hotel for a refreshing drink and an insight into the pioneering history of the region. Journey over the Annan River the tribal boundary for the Guugu Yimithirr and Kuku Yalanji before arriving at the coastal hamlet of Cooktown.

Explore the town highlights including Grassy Hill lookout, James Cook museum and historic buildings. Witness a memorable sunset on the waterfront before enjoying dinner and comfortable accommodation.

Accommodation: Sovereign Resort Hotel

Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

DAY 3 – Cooktown to Cairns

A wharf drive is the best way to begin a day in Cooktown. Today the journey heads west to Normanby Station in Balgnarrawarra Country. With its sandstone escarpments and woodland savannah this area was a crucial place for the survival of Aboriginal people with plenty of water, food and rock shelters. Discover rarely seen mysterious and spiritual rock art as you are guided by an Indigenous Traditional Owner. Learn how the Balngarrawarra are keeping their culture alive. Hear astonishing stories handed down the generations. Discover traditional bush food and medicine whilst enjoying morning tea amongst a bush setting.

From Normanby Station the journey returns to Cooktown for lunch. Discover some of Cooktown’s lesser known sites such as the beaches and bird filled billabongs. Visit the mysterious Kalkajaka (Black Mountain) before the return journey via the inland Mulligan Highway.

This 3-day cultural journey offers three unique and genuine Indigenous experiences with Aboriginal Traditional Owners on their homelands. It highlights the cultural diversity of the Bama with the backdrop of pristine tropical rainforest, beaches, waterfalls and rock-art galleries.

This afternoon we make our way back to Cairns or Port Douglas where you will depart. Why not stay longer in the tropics and have some time to explore, ask our friendly team for suggestions.