Mossman Gorge And Aborignal Traditions

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in the Aboriginal culture on an enlightening Dreamtime walk through the rainforest of Mossman Gorge. Your guide will be a member of the Kuku Yalanji people that have inhabited this land for thousands of years. After a “smoking” ceremony to ward off bad spirits, you will begin walking a gently sloping trail through the lush woodlands. Along the way, you will gain an appreciation for the deep respect that the indigenous people have for nature and their spiritual belief in Dreamtime, when mythic ancestors formed the earth. You will pass bark shelters known as humpies, visit a sacred ceremonial site, learn about native bush foods and see how certain plants are traditionally used. It will be an authentic, eye-opening experience, especially when your guide demonstrates the ancient art of making bush soap and ochre painting. Afterwards, you will be served herbal bush tea and damper, a thick bread typically baked in campfire coals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through the rainforest in Mossman Gorge with an Aboriginal guide.
• Discover how the indigenous people have lived in harmony with nature for millennia.
• Learn about the Aboriginal belief in Dreamtime, when the earth was created.
• See traditional shelters, learn to identify bush plants and watch ochre painting.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a hat, towel, and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.