Cultural Discovery Tour

Our tour provides a pick-up and drop-off service for passengers staying at accommodation in Atherton, Herberton, and Yungaburra.

We start the tour by travelling out to the Cathedral Fig Tree in Danbulla National Park, where we introduce you to the homelands of the Bundaburra-Yidinji Clan. This location involves a small 200m return walk to view the magnificent Cathedral Fig Tree and to learn about the rainforest culture of the Yidinji people.

Here, we explain the different Clan groups, our traditional borders, the tools and weapons used by rainforest people, and the recent history of the area.

We then get back on the bus and head to our next location, Lake Barrine.

At Lake Barrine we have a look at the traditional diets of Yidinji people and explain why the Yidinji people have had to change their diet to become more reliant on western foods. We also look at the lake itself and explain how scientific research has allowed us to date an ancient story.

We then take a short 100m return walk to view the giant Kauri Pines and explain the history of timber harvesting in the region and the impact is has taken on the Yidinji people and the local wildlife.

We will then take a long journey through the Atherton Tablelands, learning about the townships as we pass through on our way to the open bushland region of the Mbabaram people.

We will arrive at our culture park where we will have some lunch and learn about the early mining history of the Herberton area, and it's impacts on the Mbabaram people.

We will then discover the tools and weapons used in the open woodland forests and have a try at using a traditional spear-thrower.

Our final stop will be the Rainforest To Bush Tour Centre in Herberton where you will have the opportunity to see photos and maps and read some historical documents that tie together all of information you have learnt on the tour.

You may even like to purchase some Aboriginal art & crafts, gifts and souvenirs before we return you back to your accommodation.

The locations of this tour include:

- The Cathedral Fig Tree at Danbulla National Park (includes a short walk 200m return).

- Lake Barrine to see the Giant Kauri Pines (includes a short walk 100m return).

-The Watsonville Culture Park.

- RTB Tour Centre in Herberton.

Activities and features of this tour:

- Small rainforest walks.

- Small bush walk.

- Informative commentary both on and off the bus.

- Photo-friendly locations.

- Spear-throwing activity.

- Didgeridoo demonstration.

- Lunch in the bush. (Vegan & Gluten free options available)

- Cultural heritage display at our Tour Centre in Herberton.

- Opportunity to purchase Aboriginal art & crafts, gifts and souvenirs.

Accessibility:

-Unfortunately, our bus is not wheelchair friendly.

-Toilets are available at each location except the Cathedral Fig Tree.

What to bring:

- Water bottle

- Fully-enclosed footwear and a hat

-Weather appropriate clothing (light rain is common in the rainforest and it can get quite hot in the open bushland).

- Mosquito repellant and sunscreen