Indigenous boat tours expansion is ready for visitors
THE completion of a $2.2m project is opening up an exciting new way to explore East Trinity, near Cairns, with the people who know the area best.
Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours has launched its 42-seat vessel and new tourism infrastructure at Hills Creek in East Trinity.
The new vessel complements the $2.2m stage 1 of the Mandingalbay Infrastructure Project that included a pontoon jetty with a 35m boardwalk to an arrival shelter.
The tours are owned and operated by Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation in collaboration with its subsidiary, Djunbunji Ltd, to deliver a diverse cultural tourism experience.
Djunbunji executive director Dale Mundraby said the vessel and the completion of the visitor facilities at Hills Creek meant they were now ready to welcome guests.
“A regular tour schedule will begin in January, the year we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), the first IPA in Australia to have tenure over both land and sea,” Mr Mundraby said.
It supports nine full-time jobs and is expected to grow.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said travellers were looking for authentic cultural experiences that gave them a better understanding of the land.
“Having Traditional Owners conduct tours on country so close to the Cairns CBD is an incredible opportunity for visitors to better understand First Nations culture and land management practices,” Mr Olsen said.
The vessel will leave from Cairns Marlin Marina, taking passengers to Trinity Inlet for cultural tours of about three hours, overnight stays and also deadly dinner events.