Amazing Bama Way Discovery Tour - 3 Day Aboriginal Cultural Tour, Aboriginal Cultural Tours, Cairns Tours

The word 'Bama' (pronounced Bumma) is widely used throughout Far North Queensland to mean an Aboriginal person, but in both Kuku Yalanji and Guugu Yimithirr tribes, the word simply means 'person' regardless of nationality or race. The Bama Way links three individualy owned and operated Aboriginal Tours. Kuku Yulanji Cultural Habitat Tours, Cooya Beach with The Walker Family Tours, Wujal Wujal and Guurrbi Tours with Aboriginal Elder Willie Gordon, of Hope Vale, North of Cooktown.

Travel by air-conditioned 4wd vehicle from Cairns, Port Douglas north to Cooktown. You will journey along story-lines through coastal mangroves, rich rainforest and hilltop Savannah. In sharing these stories with you you will gain a greater understanding of our area’s rich Aboriginal history and culture and to add to your enjoyment whilst exploring our beautiful corner of Tropical North Queensland. You’ll learn so much more from the three Aboriginal-owned and operated tours. Please do come and become part of the story!

• Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
• Small groups maximum 13
• Experienced & professional Driver-guide
• Meals as specified
• 4WD only Bloomfield Track
• Spectacular Niau Waterfall
• 1 Hour Daintree River Cruise
• 1 night’s accommodation in Cape Tribulation
• 1 night’s accommodation in Cooktown
• 1 Hour Coastal Beach Walk-Cultural Habitat Tours
• 30 minute Bloomfield Falls Tour-Walker Family
• Rainbow Serpent Rock Art Tour-Guurrbi Tours
• Outback of Far North Queensland
• All meals except dinner on day three

Day One (L & D) Cairns, Port Douglas - 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 on to Daintree Village, for a 1 hour crocodile and wildlife spotting river cruise on the Daintree River.

Enjoy a picnic lunch before visiting the spectacular Niau Falls on a secluded 450acre private property, exclusive to the Bama Way. The Niau falls are a pristine natural wonder waiting for you to discover. You will see strange, primitive plants and learn about the original French settler family. Hear of their incredible story of survival. Your guided walk will unlock the secrets of this fascinating eco-system. There’s time for a swim in this magical rainforest environment, so don’t forget your swimmers.

Depart the falls and travel to Cape Tribulation, crossing the Daintree River by cable ferry, arriving at your overnight accommodation

Day Two (B,L & D) Cape Tribulation - Cooktown

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and walk along Cape Tribulation Beach before continuing on The Bama Way through the heart of the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park. Travel today is on the 4wd only Bloomfield Track, where you will cross rivers and mountain ranges. Arriving at Wujal Wujal it is time to visit the Bloomfield Falls in the company of traditional custodians from the Walker Family, who will share some of their knowledge about this special and sacred place. Travel on to Helenvale, where you will have lunch at the famous Lion’s Den Hotel, a famous Aussie bush pub established in 1875. After lunch visit Black Mountains, a unique geological oddity surrounded in mystery and spoken of in ancient Aboriginal legend. As you arrive into Cooktown have your camera ready as you will experience 360 degree panoramic views from Grassy Hill of Cooktown, the Coral Sea and the Endeavour.

Overnight in Cooktown, dine with your travel companions for the evening.

Day Three (B & L) Cooktown - Port Douglas, Cairns

An early breakfast is served in the morning before the 45 minute drive north towards Hope Vale to meet with Nugal-warra Elder Willie Gordon to visit his ancestral rock art sites which are set in the stunning countryside high in the hills above Hope Vale. Here Willie will share and interpret the stories behind the art, stories which can only be told by Elders of the Nugal clan. The Rainbow Serpent Rock Art tour takes you through a dramatic landscape to six rock art sites, including an ancestral Birth Cave and the Reconciliation Cave. Willie tells how the paintings speak of the essence of life and the lore of his people. The tour includes a 30 minute bush walk on generally easy terrain. Covered walking shoes must be worn. Your return journey will follow the backbone of Australia’s Great Dividing Range. You will travel through the spectacular scenery of Far North Queensland's Outback and the diverse landscape of the Palmer River Goldfield region.

Your Aboriginal tour of amazing discovery will come to a close as you are transferred to your accommodation at the end of the day.

• Adult AU$1169.00
• Child (3 – 14 years of age) AU$989.00
• Sole Use AU$1359.00

• Adult AU$1239.00
• Child (3 – 14 years of age) AU$1099.0000
• Sole Use AU$1249.00

Rates are per person and in AU$. Rates are valid from the 01st of April 2012 through to 31 March 2013. Tours are not suitable for children under 3 years of age. All tours are subject to weather conditions. All times are approximate and are subject to change. Extra nights are available in Cooktown (on application).