DAINTREE - COOKTOWN - THE BAMA WAY

Length of Tour: 3 Days

Tour Dates: Departs Wednesday (Minimum 4 people) April 1st to November 30th

Cost:
NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS

Prices from April 1st 2013

Moderate accommodation
AUD$1,169.00 per person (twin share)
Deluxe accommodation
AUD$1,339.00 per person (twin share)

Moderate accommodation
AUD$1,359.00 per person Single
Deluxe accommodation
AUD$1,429 per person Single

Moderate accommodation
Child AU$989 moderate accommodation
Child AU$1,099 deluxe accommodation

Pickup Point: Cairns or Port Douglas

Includes: Air-conditioned 4WD
Three Aboriginal experiences
2 nights accommodation
Lunch on day 1
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on day 2
Breakfast on day 3

Highlights Include:

• 4WD only Bloomfield Track
• Daintree National Park
• Coastal Beach Walk-Cultural Habitat Tours
• Bloomfield Falls Tour-Walker Family
• Rainbow Serpent Rock Art Tour-Guurrbi Tours
• Outback of Far North Queensland

Overview:

The Bama Way is an Aboriginal journey through South East Cape York - a journey along story lines through coastal mangroves, rich rainforest and hilltop Savannah. The River Annan outside of Cooktown, marks the boundary of two Aboriginal nations on the Bama Way: The Guugu Yimithirr tribal lands lie to the north of the river, and to the south Kuku Yalanji, whose traditional lands are part of the beautiful World Heritage Rainforest area. Aboriginal guides from different clans of these tribal lands share their area’s rich Aboriginal history and culture. Each tribal group has its distinct language, culture, bush food, medicines and history. Visit ancestral rock art sites with Nugal-warra Elder Willie Gordon, or join the Walker Family, members of the Nyungkal clan from Kuku Yalanji,and see the rainforest through their eyes. Along the coast at Cooya Beach (Kuyu Kuyu) the Kubirri Warra brothers, Linc and Brandon Walker, will take you on a beach, mudflat and mangrove walk. This special place is a traditional fishing ground of the Kuku Yalanji bama. Night-time fishing is an option.
Explore this beautiful corner of Cape York from Cairns to Cooktown and beyond.

Itinerary
Day 1 (L)
Cairns – 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 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 along the Daintree Coast where we continue north to the Daintree Village, for a 1 hour river cruise on the mighty Daintree River. Have a picnic lunch on the shores of the river before we visit the spectacular Niau Falls on Tranquility on the Daintree a secluded 450 acre private property. 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.

Time for a swim in this magical rainforest environment, (don’t forget your swimmers).

We depart the falls and travel to Cape Tribulation, crossing the mighty Daintree River by cable ferry, arriving at your overnight accommodation. Spend the night in the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park of Cape Tribulation. Experience the rainforest at night, enjoy this evening at your leisure.

OVERNIGHT: Cape Tribulation

A leisurely breakfast and walk along Cape Tribulation Beach before we continue 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 we will cross rivers and mountain ranges. Arriving at Wujal Wujal we visit the Bloomfield Falls in the company of traditional custodians from the Walker Family, who share some of their knowledge about this special and sacred place. We travel to Helenvale, where we have lunch at the famous Lions 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. Arriving in Cooktown have your camera ready with 360 degree panoramic views from Grassy Hill of Cooktown, the Coral Sea and the Endeavour. Overnight Cooktown and enjoy dinner with your travel companions this evening.

OVERNIGHT: Cooktown

This morning enjoy breakfast at Cooks Landing by the wharf before being collected by Nugal-warra Elder, Willie Gordon of Guurrbi Tours. Willie, the traditional story – teller of the Nugal-warra clan, takes you to the Nugal rock art sites, set in stunning countryside high in the hills above Hope Vale, 40 minutes from Cooktown. You’ll visit six sites, including the Reconciliation Cave and an ancestral Birthing Site, where Willie shares the stories behind the art – stories which can only be told by Elders of the Nugal clan-and explains how the paintings speak of the essence of life and the lores of his people. With his great smile and infectious laugh, Willie gives you an amazing insight into Aboriginal society and spirituality, and has you thinking about your own relationship with the land and how the lore of his people can apply to us all. The tour includes an estimated 30-minute bush walk on generally easy terrain. Water is provided, and cameras are welcome.

This afternoon we depart Cooktown following the backbone of Australia's Great Dividing Range, through the spectacular scenery of Far North Queensland's Outback. Your tour of amazing discovery comes to a close as you are transferred back to your accommodation in Port Douglas or Cairns.

Additional Comments:

Return to Cairns by air options available - Just ask!

For any enquiries regarding booking this tour, or for more information about what Diverse Travel Australia can offer, please contact us.

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