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Yalada! (Welcome). Glimpse into the unique lives of the Kuku Yalanji people, the Indigenous people of Mossman country. Walk through the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest on a dreamtime journey, discovering Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) the stories and legends from a long time ago. After lunch which is hosted at Mayi Café and Restaurant, Mayi meaning ‘edible plants’, your afternoon continues with a scenic drive through Shannonvale where your knowledgeable guide will share stories of life in the area. Arrive at the Yiki people’s protected Janbal Aboriginal Art Gallery where you will learn skills to create your own artwork to take home.
Tour operated by Down Under Tours
Mon, Fri, Sat
1 Apr 24 – 31 Mar 25
Approximately 7:30am from Cairns and Cairns Beaches, 8:30am from Port Douglas
Approximately 5:30pm Cairns and Cairns Beaches, 4:30pm Port Douglas
The guided walk at Mossman Gorge is considered easy grade and under 1 kilometre in distance. Our fleet of vehicles have a few steps on entry; you’ll be boarding and disembarking throughout the day
100% cancellation fee for any cancellations within 48 hours of travel or for passengers who fail to appear on the day of departure.
50% within 7 days prior to departure.
Minimum age is 4 years old and child car seats unfortunately cannot be provided.
Glimpse into the unique lives of the Kuku Yalanji people, the Indigenous people of Mossman country. Walk through the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest on a dreamtime journey, discovering Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) the stories and legends from a long time ago, after taking part in a smoking ceremony – which cleanses and wards off bad spirits. You’ll discover how bush soaps are made, learn how to identify bush-tucker, and discover how native plants have been traditionally used, skills dating more than 50,000 years. After your slow-paced walk taking in every element of the rainforest: the light falling through the fan palms, the subtle sounds of streams trickling over pebbles, the rustle of the scrub-turkey moving his way through the bush floor, relax to the sounds of the rainforest, as you’re served Daintree home-grown tea, paired with a damper scone (an outback foodie favourite).
Lunch is hosted at Mayi Café and Restaurant, Mayi meaning ‘edible plants’ (also meal or food in general). This place is special as it’s operated by the local community within Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. After lunch you’ll have time to explore the gift shop, with the opportunity to buy some Daintree tea or even some Daintree chocolate – it will be hard to resist.
Your afternoon continues with a scenic drive through the Shannonvale Valley, where your knowledgeable guide will share stories of life in the area, the twenty-six Aboriginal tribal groups of the area, the ancient ‘super-highways’, how resourceful the paper bark tree is, the six seasons of nature, and other Indigenous insights into the Tablelands – a journey where mother nature really does the talking.
Arrive at the Yiki people’s protected Janbal Aboriginal Art Gallery. Brian “Binna” Swindley will have you feeling inspired, connecting you with the stories told through Aboriginal paintings, the tales of the land, wildlife, reef and rainforest, handed down through Binna’s family for generations. You’ll learn his skills and discover your own, translating a story of your own into artwork to take home, an uplifting reminder of your travels and this special experience on Kuku Yalanji country.
As we drive back to your home away from home, we say goodbye to friends made with your masterpiece in your hand and the spirit of the local culture and the Daintree in your heart. You’ll be dropped off seamlessly at either Port Douglas or Cairns, near your hotel.
