Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours

The Hands On Country Eco Tour begins at the Cairns Reef Terminal which is within easy walking distance from the city’s major hotels. Boarding our brand-new covered vessel, guests will cruise across the Trinity Inlet, dotted by yachts and luxury boats. Then continue up Hills Creek to a landing jetty where the salty water of the sea meets the freshwater flowing off the surrounding mountains.

Guests receive an authentic Mandingalbay Yidinji, welcome and cleansing smoking ceremony, and visit a cultural site which is also home to the Djunbunji Land and Sea Rangers who undertake traditional land practices to rejuvenate and nourish the land. 

Our Indigenous guides, recognised as the Traditional Owners since their native title proclamation of 2006 will then escort guests on a 20-minute guided nature walk at the base of Greys Peak National Park, discovering the Mandingalbay Yidinji bush "supermarket and pharmacy".

The region is abundant with food and medicinal plants used for sustenance and healing, which include edible flowers, sweet fruit and native herbs. All year around the air is alive with a chorus of birds and, in the winter months, you can enjoy a stunning cloud of colourful butterflies dancing through the air.

Light refreshments of coconut damper, tea and fresh fruit are served before guests transfer back to the ferry by bus, returning to the Cairns Marina.

Experience Highlights: 

• Short 15-minute Scenic ferry ride from Cairns Marina across Trinity Inlet
• Authentic Mandingalbay Yidinji welcome and cleansing smoking ceremony
• Learn about native bush foods and medicines 
• Indigenous guided nature walk
• Morning tea with coconut damper and fresh local fruit