Brown green waves flecked with cresting foam driven by the stiff afternoon trade winds crash onto the deserted beach. Grey clouds heralding the onset of the tropical wet season scud overhead and envelop the steep rainforest covered mountains that meet the sea. I am sharing the moment with Hazel Douglas who, for the past ten years, has put her unique stamp on showing her backyard to visitors from all over Australia and the world; the wonders of rainforest, rivers, gorges and ocean shores of Tropical North Queensland around the Daintree World Heritage area.

Around us on the low sand hummocks are the radiating green tendrils of the convolvulaceae, a distinctive ground cover plant of these coastal regions. Hazel crushes a handful of the lime green leaves, “this is an important bush medicine - useful for treating all types of marine stings and wounds. It is also good for boils, sores and muscular aches. If you are really hungry then the roots can be roasted and eaten.” Hazel breaks into a characteristic smile as she imparts this touch of Aboriginal wisdom indicating that there are many other much better things to eat. The conversation drifts from the plant and food uses around us on this beach to the landforms in the distance - the low outline shape of Snapper Island to the north or the distinctive pyramid shape of one of the mountains looming out of the cloud blanket to the south. All are important parts of the creation stories when the ancestral beings formed the surrounding landscape and laid down the rules for life.

Hazel has become well known for her distinctive perspective tying in Aboriginal cultural knowledge, contact history and the unique ecology of this region. Her wisdom, inclusive manner and ready smile readily envelop all who are fortunate enough to spend a day out with her. The sparkle of her personality and the passion she has for what she does shines through to illuminate even the grey days which do happen in sunny north Queensland.

As I stand on a sandy bank by the Mossman River with Hazel in full flight, my thoughts go back to our first meeting ten years back when my eyes were first opened to a different perspective of this environment and I fell under Hazel’s enchanting spell. The spark is still strong and nothing has changed other than a few more fine laugh lines illuminating that distinctive and welcoming smile.

Happy travelling!

Joc Schmiechen

Yalbiriga yura ngaigu jawun (welcome my friends). My name is Hazel Douglas and I belong to the Gugu speaking peoples of Far North Queensland. I was born at Daintree and grew up in a tribal lifestyle learning traditional values and culture from my parents and grandparents. My tribal land extends from Mossman, located 15 kilometres north of Port Douglas, to Lizard Island to the north and Laura to the west.

I own Native Guide Safari Tours which operates from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation and takes in some superb rainforest wilderness and coastal scenery. My tours are all about giving you an authentic introduction to Aboriginal culture and ecology through the eyes of one of the original inhabitants of the Daintree.

On a day trip I will take you through the World Heritage Listed rainforest from Port Douglas to Mossman Gorge and across the Daintree River to the Greater Daintree and Cape Tribulation visiting and interpreting areas along the way. My driver-guide Thomas provides a non Aboriginal perspective to the trip.

During our bus trip you will see beautiful rainforests, spectacular gorges and incredible coastal scenery. I will also be able to tell you all about the flora and fauna of the area as passed on to me by my elders and explain our relationship and rapport for the bush.

Hazel Douglas on the banks of the Mossman river

Hazel Douglas

Hazel explaining coastal dreaming

Explaining native plant use

:: PICK UP POINT

Visitors requiring transfers from Cairns or Cairns beaches can board a Quicksilver catamaran and meet me at the Port Douglas Marina. For visitors in Port Douglas I can collect them from their accommodation or any other place they select.

:: ACTIVITIES

During your 1 Day tour to Cape Tribulation you will:

• Learn about the Aboriginal and European history of Pt Douglas.
• Walk through the rainforest at Mossman Gorge.
• Hear the Dreamtime stories of Mount Demi.
• Hear the legends of Mossman Gorge, Daintree and Cape Tribulation.
• Cross the Daintree River by ferry.
• Stop at Alexandra Lookout to hear the stories of Snapper Island, Lowe Isles, Cape Kimberley and surrounding coastal areas.
• Stop at Marrdja Boardwalk or Dubiji where I will tell you all about bush tucker and bush medicine.
• View primitive plants and one recently discovered plant.
• Take a swim if you so desire.

Half Day and Private Charter Tours are also available.