The Hands-On Country Eco-tour in Cairns is the first tour offered for independent travellers by Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours, who have until now, operated exclusively for the group market.
Owned and operated 100 per cent by Traditional Owners, the Hands-on Country tour starts at the Cairns Marina and takes visitors by boat across Trinity Inlet on Mandingalbay Yidinji Country.
On the tour, travellers get to walk the Mayi Bugan Rainforest Trail with indigenous rangers to discover native foods and bush medicines, ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artefacts.
The Indigenous rangers that guide the tour are direct descendants of lead warrior Jabulum Mandingalpai, who was born around 1858 and survived the occupation and settlement of his country.
Djunbunji Executive Director Dale Mundraby said the experience had been growing steadily since 2015 and was ready to cater to regular visitors in 2022 with the arrival of a purpose-built 42-seat boat.
“Mandingalbay is a small business currently supporting the equivalent of nine full-time jobs that will generate employment for future generations to preserve the Mandingalbay Yidinji culture and identity,” he said.
For more information, head to: mandingalbay.com.au
