The Bama Way is an innovative partnership which brings together three highly acclaimed Aboriginal-owned and operated tours with Aboriginal tour specialist Adventure North Australia, to offer a series of flexible tour options from Cairns and Port Douglas. The Bama way travels through part of Queensland’s tropical north and is home to Australia’s highest proportion of indigenous Australians, and its greatest diversity of indigenous cultures. This was the last of Australia’s regions to be explored, settled or developed, and until a little over 100 years ago, a unique paradise known only to its Indigenous inhabitants.
It will give you an unforgettable insight into the area’s rich Aboriginal history and culture, and will have you thinking about your own place in the world, and your relationship with the land. Come along for a journey of discovery, and become part of the story.
Departs: Wednesday
Returns: Thursday
Tour Highlights & Inclusions
Itinerary
Day 1 (L) Cairns – Cape Tribulation
Today, your journey of discovery begins as you travel north along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives to Cooya Beach to join Kubirri Warra brothers on one of their beach, mudflat and mangrove walks. Linc and Brandon Walker, of Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours follow the traditions of their ancestors who, for thousands of years, educated visitors about their traditional country in order to ensure the survival of their Kuku Yalanji culture. Today the brothers teach their guests how to throw a spear, hunt whilst stalking and observing wildlife and country, and how to track coastal resources. And they share some of their extensive knowledge of this special area and how they care for their country. Enjoy fresh, homemade damper, tea and coffee before continuing along the Daintree Coast where we cross the mighty Daintree River by cable ferry. This great serpent of water is a special Aboriginal meeting and trading place. Our journey takes us through Cape Tribulation where we lunch at Coconut Beach Resort. Continuing into the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, we cross rivers and mountain ranges as we travel the famous 4wd-only Bloomfield Track. At Wujal Wujal we visit the Bloomfield Falls in the company of traditional custodians from the Walker Family, who share some of their knowledge about this special and sacred place. We journey on to Helenvale, where there is time for a cold beer at the famous Aussie bush pub, the Lions Den Hotel before arriving at your overnight accommodation in Cooktown. Dine with your travelling companions this evening.
Day 2 (B) Rainbow Serpent Tour depart Cooktown at 7.45am
Enjoy breakfast by the wharf this morning before being collected by Nugal-warra Elder, Willie Gordon of Guurrbi Tours. Willie, the traditional story-teller of the Nugal-warra clan, takes you to the Nugal rock art sites, set in stunning countryside high in the hills above Hope Vale, 40 minutes from Cooktown. You’ll visit six sites, including the Reconciliation Cave and an ancestral Birthing Site, where Willie shares the stories behind the art – stories which can only be told by Elders of the Nugal clan - 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 you an amazing insight into Aboriginal society and spirituality, and has you thinking about your own relationship with the land and how the lores of his people can apply to us all. The tour includes an estimated 30-minute bush walk on generally easy terrain. Water is provided, and cameras are welcome.
This afternoon we depart Cooktown following the backbone of Australia's Great Dividing Range, through the spectacular scenery of Far North Queensland's Outback. Your tour of amazing discovery comes to a close as you are transferred back to your accommodation in Port Douglas or Cairns
Rates
Standard Motel
Deluxe Motel
What to bring
Covered (closed-in) walking shoes must be worn (Rainbow Serpent & Bloomfield Falls Tours)
Beach shoes for walking in water (Coastal Beach Walk)
hat, sunscreen, insect repellent.
Cameras are welcome on all tours