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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 the Shannonvale Valley, where your knowledgeable guide will share stories of life in the area. When you arrive at the Kuku Yalanji traditional fishing grounds on Cooya Beach, you’ll grab a spear and head out into nature searching for mud crabs and periwinkles.
Tour operated by Down Under Tours
Mon, Fri, Sat
1 Apr 24 – 31 Mar 25
Approximately 7:30am from Cairns, 8:30am from Port Douglas
Approximately 5:30pm Cairns, 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, and 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.
When you arrive at the Kuku Yalanji traditional fishing grounds on Cooya Beach, you’ll grab a spear and head out into nature searching for mud crabs and periwinkles. This unique experience is endorsed by Tourism Australia as part of their Discover Aboriginal Experiences program, perfect for those who want an authentic experience, connecting with culture amongst nature. You’ll be hands-on, gathering bush tucker deep within mangrove trees, where roots intertwine beneath your bare feet as you dig down to find clams. Your teacher Brandon shares how his community, the Kubirri Warra people live harmoniously, taking only what they need (not what they want) from the land. Their foraging techniques have passed down from generation to generation, collecting food for their family and for a cook-up, which you’re invited to.
As we drive back to your home away from home, we say goodbye to friends made with a 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.
