Back Previous Pages

Aboriginal Tour & Cultural Journey Cairns | Sunset Cruise | Indigenous Experience

Tour Code: 1131

Operated By: Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours (MAIT)

Departing: Cairns

Family Deal Save $59
  • Experience some Australian Aboriginal culture as the sun descends over the Great Dividing Range towards Cairns' west, meet your Mandingalbay Yidjinji guide and embark on a journey aboard our new, covered River Cruise vessel from Cairns Marina.
  • Our Mandingalbay Yidinji guides speak about the language, practices, and traditional tools of our ancestors that have been passed down through generations and are still being made and used today.

Included In Price

  • Return River Cruise from Cairns Marina to East Trinity
  • Fully guided river cruise across Cairns Harbour to river system lined with Mangrove Forests.
  • Exclusive access to the Mandingalbay Indigenous Protected Reserve (IPA)
  • Mandingalbay Yidinji welcome and traditional ceremony.
  • Enjoy seasonal and locally sourced tropical canapes.
  • Served with a selection of cold non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Visit the architectural, off-grid award winning Stingray Shelter
  • Return transfer by vessel to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

As the sun starts to descend over the Great Dividing Range located towards the western side of Cairns, join our tour for some Aboriginal culture and meet your Mandingalbay Yidjinji guide. The journey will take you towards the wetlands and mangrove forests of East Trinity Reserve.

What to Expect

Immersive Aboriginal Cultural Tour Experience

As the sun begins to set over the Great Dividing Range behind Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, join us for an enriching journey into Aboriginal culture. Begin your adventure with a warm welcome from your Mandingalbay Yidinji guide, who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Your Aboriginal tour starts with a scenic river cruise from the Cairns Marlin Marina, leading you through the stunning wetlands and mangrove forests of East Trinity Reserve. This Indigenous protected area blends ancient knowledge with modern science to foster innovative conservation efforts.

Features and Highlights

Authentic Aboriginal Tour & Cultural Experience

  • Traditional Welcome: Participate in a Welcoming to Country ceremony with smoking and ochre face painting by Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal elders.
  • Cultural Insights: Learn about ancient Aboriginal languages, practices, and artifacts from knowledgeable Mandingalbay Yidinji indigenous guides.

Scenic River Cruise

  • Stunning Landscapes: Cruise through the beautiful wetlands and mangrove forests of East Trinity Reserve across from Cairns.
  • Modern Conservation: Discover how ancient knowledge is combined with modern science for groundbreaking conservation initiatives.

Evening Delights

  • Light Refreshments: Enjoy canapés and non-alcoholic beverages served throughout the tropical evening.
  • City Lights: Witness the spectacular view of Cairns city lights reflected on the water during your return journey.

Optional Full-Day Experience

  • Extended Adventure: For those seeking more in-depth immersion, full-day Aboriginal tour and cultural experiences are available, offering a comprehensive exploration of the Mandingalbay Yidinji culture and traditions.

Welcoming Ceremony and Exploration

Upon arrival at the Stingray Shelter, you will be greeted with a traditional Welcoming to Country ceremony. Initiated male Aboriginal elders perform a ceremonial smoking using leaves from the paperbark tree, or alternatively, use traditional ochre paint called "mugra" to create welcoming symbols on your face.

Explore the rich heritage of the Mandingalbay Yidinji aboriginal people as your guide shares fascinating stories, ancient language, practices, and traditional artifacts that are still made and utilised today. This cultural immersion is enhanced by the exquisite beauty of the mangrove forests and the serene atmosphere of the wetlands.

Evening Refreshments and Scenic Return

As you enjoy the evening ambiance, indulge in light canapés and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages served by our attentive team. Soak in the serene surroundings and the rich cultural narratives shared by your Aboriginal tour guide.

The return journey to Cairns Harbour offers a breathtaking view of the city lights reflecting on the water, providing a perfect conclusion to your Aboriginal tour and cultural adventure. This unique night-time experience is designed to leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the oldest living culture in the world.

Join us for this unparalleled Aboriginal tour and cultural journey and create lasting memories of your time in Cairns.

Want to immerse yourself in this ancient Aboriginal culture? We have a range of full day aborignal experiences avialable. 

Tour Languages Offered
  • English
Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Deaparts 5.30pm - Returns 7.30pm

Departure Instructions

Check in at 5.15pm – Mooz Gelato and Juice Bar – Marina Point, 5/2 Pier Point Rd, Cairns

Destinations
  • Cairns
  • East Trinity Reserve
Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Friday

Duration

2 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Low

  • Hat, Water bottle, Sunscreen, Mosquito repellent, toiletries, spare clothes, covered shoes, towel and prescribed medication.
  • Wet Season: Between December and April, be prepared for wet weather. You may wish to pack light umbrella, poncho, waterproofs, closed in hiking shoes for grip on wet rocks and surfaces.

All cancellations must be in writing.

We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.

In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.

Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.

Operators policy:

  • 24 hours or more prior to booked tour or transfer date: Nil
  • Within 24 hours prior to booked tour or transfer date: cancellation of any tours or transfers held inside 24 hours of tour or transfer booking date incurs a cancellation fee of full rate per confirmed tour or transfer, per person.

Aboriginal Tour & Cultural Journey Cairns | Sunset Cruise | Indigenous Experience

Tour Code: 1131

Operated By: Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours (MAIT)

Departing: Cairns

Family Deal Save $59

From

au$99.00

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au$59.00
Family: au$257.00

Tour Code: 1131

From

au$99.00

16 yrs & over

5 - 15 yrs

Ages of Children
(Discounts May Apply)
Phone
1300 761 612
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745
Phone
1300 761 612
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745

You May Also Like