Atherton Aboriginal Cultural Discovery Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through the ancient rainforests and open bushlands of the Atherton Tablelands, exploring the Traditional homelands of the Bundaburra-Yidinji and Mbabaram peoples. 
Discover some of the region's most breathtaking and culturally significant locations as our expert guides share the rich history, traditional lifestyles, and deep connection of the Aboriginal people to their land. Learn about the Bundaburra-Yidinji people who thrived in the dense rainforests and the enduring heritage of the Mbabaram people who continue to live in the open bushlands west of Atherton.

Our Aboriginal Cultural Discovery Tour offers a unique, immersive experience led by local Aboriginal guides who have grown up on their ancestral lands. Their unparalleled knowledge and personal connection to the culture and history ensure an unforgettable and deeply enriching journey into the heart of the Tablelands.

What to expect:

Duration: between 4 hours and 5 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

Watsonville

Watsonville QLD 4887, Australia

From Lake Barrine we journey out of the rainforest and into the open bushland of Mbabaram country to our third 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 heading off to our final stop.

1 hour, 15 minutes

Herberton

Herberton, Queensland

Our final stop is the Rainforest To Bush Tour Centre in Herberton, where you will have the opportunity to view cultural artefacts, historical photographs, and cultural heritage displays. You will also have a chance to purchase some Aboriginal arts & crafts, souvenirs and gifts before we take you back to your accommodation.

30 minutes