Atherton Aboriginal Cultural Discovery Tour
Experience Aboriginal Culture and Nature on a Guided Tour Through Atherton Tablelands Queensland

Queensland
people
1 participant
hours
- • Explore Aboriginal Heritage in the Atherton Tablelands
- • Immerse Yourself in a 4 to 5 Hour Cultural Tour
- • Experience the Most Unique Insights from Local Aboriginal Guides
Why We Love This Unique Experience
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Australia with an unforgettable Aboriginal Cultural Discovery Tour! Journey through the stunning landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands and immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the Bundaburra-Yidinji and Mbabaram peoples. This tour is designed for those who want to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal culture while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the natural environment.
On this captivating tour, expert Aboriginal guides will lead the way, sharing their personal stories, cultural insights, and connections to the land. Begin at the magnificent Cathedral Fig Tree, where the rainforest culture of the Yidinji people will be introduced, followed by a visit to Lake Barrine, where the significance of the lake in Yidinji belief and traditional diets will be explored. Transition into the open bushland of Mbabaram Country, where traditional hunting methods and spear-throwing techniques can be experienced. The day will culminate at the Rainforest To Bush Tour Centre, offering a chance to view cultural artefacts and purchase arts and crafts to take home.
This Aboriginal Cultural Discovery Tour is more than just a day out – it’s a meaningful gift that provides friends and loved ones with an intimate look into the stories and traditions of Australia's First Nations people. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion, this experience will create lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal culture.
Check Availability & Book
Experience Overview:
Aboriginal Cultural Tour On The Atherton TablelandsDeparting from Cairns at 8am, the journey will take a little over an hour before reaching the 500yr old Cathedral Fig Tree, located in the heart of Yidinji Country. You will view a cultural presentation followed by a short 100m walk to view the fig tree, where your guide explains the cultural significance of the area and the fig itself.
We then travel to Lake Barrine where we take a 150m walk to view two ancient Kauri Pines and learn the creation story of the crater lakes.
Our 3rd stop is Hastie’s Swamp bird-hide, where you will get the chance to view many species of aquatic bird life, as well as learn about the cultural significance of the Swamp.
Our last stop is the Watsonville Culture Park. Here you will enjoy a picnic lunch before taking a 300m walk in the nearby bushland to view the many types of plants and trees used in traditional bushcraft, foods, and medicines.
We finish off our adventure with some spear throwing before returning you back to Cairns.
What to expect:
Duration: 8 hours
Cathedral Fig Tree
Danbulla Road, Danbulla State Forest, Yungaburra, 4884, Queensland
Our first stop of the tour is the Cathedral Fig Tree in Danbulla National Park.
Here we introduce you to Bundaburra-Yidinji Country and explain the rainforest culture of the Yidinji people. We will conduct a short 200m return walk to view the magnificent Cathedral Fig, and learn her stories.
30 minutes
Lake Barrine
Lake Barrine, Queensland
Lake Barrine is the second stop of our tour. Here we will explain the variety of fish in the lake and how the lake was created in Yidinji belief. We also explain the traditional diets of Yidinji people and how recent settlement of the area has caused Yidinji people to become more reliant on western foods.
We will then take a short 100m return walk to view the ancient giant Kauri Pines and learn about the history of timber harvesting in the region and it's impact on the rainforest.
30 minutes
Hasties Swamp National Park
Herberton Road, Herberton-Atherton Road, Atherton, Queensland
We make a short stop at Hastie's Swamp bird-hide to view aquatic birdlife and learn about the significance of the swamp as a traditional meeting area between 3 neighboring Aboriginal nations.
15 minutes
Watsonville
Watsonville QLD 4887, Australia
From Lake Barrine we journey out of the rainforest and into the open bushland of Mbabaram country to our 4th stop in Watsonville. Here we visit our Culture Park where we explain the early mining history and it's impacts on the Mbabaram people who have looked after the bushland and it's waters for thousands of years.
We explain the traditional hunting methods and tools used in the bush by Mbabaram people. You will also have a try at using a spear-thrower and learn how the Mbabaram people make didgeridoos using the trees that have been naturally hollowed out by termites.
We will also enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before returning to Cairns.
2 hours
> More Experience Gifts in Cairns
Details & Important Info
Additional Experience Details & Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellations & Refunds
Reservation Changes, Cancellations & Refunds
Changes to reservations for tickets can be made until 3 days prior to the date scheduled. Reservations may be re-scheduled by the operator of the activity due to reasons such as weather, minimum participation requirements, mechanical issues or other interruptions beyond their control.
Organized by
Rainforest To Bush Cultural Experiences
Product SKU: AU-22099-0001
Atherton Aboriginal Cultural Discovery Tour
Queensland
people
1 participant
hours
- • Explore Aboriginal Heritage in the Atherton Tablelands
- • Immerse Yourself in a 4 to 5 Hour Cultural Tour
- • Experience the Most Unique Insights from Local Aboriginal Guides
Best Experience Providers
Our Activity Partners are highly rated and experts in what they do, guaranteeing you an unforgettable experience.
Free Gift Exchanges
All ExperienceGifts Certificates are fully exchangeable if you change your mind, free of charge!
Instant E-Gifts
Our beautifully designed e-certificates are sent instantly the moment you place an order, great for last minute gifts.