Amazing Bama Way Discovery Tour - 3 Day Aboriginal Cultural Tour

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
• Courtesy pick-up and drop-off from Cairns & Port Douglas accommodation
• Experienced driver / guide
• One of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives
• World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park
• Cable Ferry across the Daintree river
• Guided Rainforest boardwalk
• 1 hour Daintree River Cruise
• Lunch at an iconic Aussie Bush Pub 
• Black Mountains
• Grassy Hill Lookout
• Free time to explore Cooktown
• Outback of Far North Queensland via Inland road
• 4 Wheel Drive only Bloomfield Track
• 1 night's accommodation in Cape Tribulation (choice of Standard or Deluxe room) 
• 1 night's accommodation in Cooktown (choice of Standard or Deluxe room) 
• Rainbow Serpent Aboriginal Rock Art Tour with Willie Gordon

Day 1 (MT, L, AT ) Cairns to Cape Tribulation 
This morning you will be collected from your accommodation by a custom built 4 wheel drive vehicle. Travel north along the scenic route to Mossman, here lush farmland contrasts with seascape as you approach the majestic Daintree River. On arrival at the Daintree River it's time for a morning tea break, then its 'all aboard' for an informative one hour river cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and wildlife; this is nature at its best! Ascend the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea. Experience the rainforest intimately on via an elevated National Park Boardwalk. Accurate interpretations of flora and fauna will be given with ample time for photographs and questions as you search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary.

A delicious barbecue lunch with freshly prepared salads is served while you have the opportunity to hand feed a kangaroo and enjoy a cold drink from the bar. Journey further north from Cape Tribulation along the 4WD Bloomfield Track to pristine Emmagen Creek and time for a refreshing rainforest stream swim. Seek fish and turtles in the creek, butterflies and exotic birds in the trees and
indulge in a feast of tropical fruit, a complimentary glass of wine and a cup of traditional Billy Tea, all of which enhance the tranquil surroundings in which you will fing yourself.  At Cape Tribulation Beach there is a little time to swim in the Coral Sea (seasonal) or stroll along the beach and boardwalk. 

In the late afternoon you will be dropped off at overnight accommodation in Cape Tribulation with plenty of free time  to relax and enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. 

Day 2 (L) Cape Tribulation to Cooktown
After a leisurely morning it is time to continue your journey on to Cooktown, the 'last frontier of North Queensland'. The 4 Wheel Drive only 'Bloomfield Track' allows you to travel through the heart of this World Heritage Listed area providing incredible glimpses
of Australia hard to imagine. Travel over rugged mountain ranges and river crossings. Lunch is included at the infamous, quirky Lion’s Den Hotel, one of North Queensland’s oldest running bush pubs (est. 1875). Visit the mysterious Black Mountains steeped in Aboriginal legend before arriving mid-afternoon into Cooktown. From Grassy Hill enjoy panoramic views of Cooktown, the
Endeavour River and the Coral Sea. Have your camera ready! 

Overnight Cooktown at accommodation with the late afternoon and evening at leisure

Day 3 Cooktown to Cairns
It's an early start today as you will be collected from your accommodation by Nugal-warra Elder, Willie Gordon for a half day Rainbow Serpent Tour. Willie has a great smile, an infectious laugh and will be taking you to visit the rock art sites on his traditional country outside Hope Vale Aboriginal Community. The Rainbow Serpent Tour takes you through a dramatic landscape to
six rock art sites, including an Ancestral Birth Cave and the Reconciliation Cave.

Returning to Cooktown at approximately 1.15pm you can enjoy some more free time before your late afternoon departure via the inland road, The Mulligan Highway, travelling through a diverse landscape of cattle stations and the Palmer River Gold
mine region, which comprises the Outback of Far North Queensland. There is a stop for a meal break (at own expense) as you make your way back to Cairns or Port Douglas to arrive in the late evening at approximately 9.30pm

Meals as specified (B) = Breakfast, (L) = lunch, (D) = Dinner, (MT) = Morning Tea, (AT) = Afternoon Tea