4 Day Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival
& Highlights

From Cairns we take the scenic coastal road to the jewel of the Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge.

We are met by our local Aboriginal guide who will interpret the ancient rainforest and give us an insight into how the Kuku Yalanji people were connected to this piece of paradise.

Swim amongst smooth granite boulders in the crystal clear waters of Mossman Gorge (conditions permitting).

After lunch we journey over the Rex Range where the landscape dramatically changes as we travel to the historic Lions Den Hotel .

We then have a short drive to Cooktown via Black Mountain for a classic sunset over the Endeavour River. Cooktown is a quaint historic coastal town with charm from yesteryear.

Accommodation Cooktown Motel (3 nights)
Day 1 included meals(L,D)

Join Balnggarrawarra traditional owners on a full day touring their homelands. Located approximately seventy kilometers from Cooktown is Normanby Station. Rich in cultural heritage and historic sites the station boasts a diverse natural and cultural landscape.

Take a guided interpretive walk to discover rarely seen rock art. Learn about traditional bush food and medicine. Explore Balnggarrawarra homelands as you cross the Normanby River and travel remote bush tracks. Visit the old Laura Railway line to get an insight into pioneer life.
Discover the contemporary life of the traditional owners through the current ranger programs. Get an insight into the importance of the projects which includes cultural mapping, erosion control, feral weed and animal eradication and environment protection.
This is an authentic cultural experience for those interested in traditional and contemporary culture of the Balnggarrawarra people. Guided by Aboriginal traditional owners on their homelands.

Day 2 included meals(B,L,D)

After breakfast we travel towards the remote town of Laura. We take a short walk up an escarpment to Split Rock Gallery to view exquisite rock art. Quinkan Rock Art has been acknowledged by UNESCO as being amongst the most significant in the world. The gallery has examples of the Quinkan figures linked to sorcery as well as paintings of the local wildlife.

We then travel a short drive to the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival which is the sight of a traditional Bora(Ceremony)Ground. Experience the culture of the communities of Cape York through song, dance and music.

This unique event involves over 20 Cape York Communities travelling to Laura to dance and share culture with one another and with audiences. There are cultural workshops, children’s games and entertainment, displays and art for exhibition and sale.

After the commencement of the days festivities we travel back to Cooktown to the comfort of your accommodation.

Day 3 included meals(B)

After breakfast we journey back to the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival for a full day of cultural celebration.

Beginning 30 years ago, this bi-annual event has become one of the largest gatherings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, and the most varied display of Indigenous culture in the world. Witness the passing on of Culture across the generations, along with showcasing the strength, pride and uniqueness of Aboriginal people.

On the commencement of the festival we journey back to Cairns after an unforgettable cultural experience.

Day 4 included meals(B)