CASSOWARY COAST GOONDOI CULTURE EXPERIENCE

Journey into the heart of the Cassowary Coast on a premium small-group experience that connects rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife, agriculture, coastal landscapes, and authentic Aboriginal culture.

Travel south from Cairns, traversing the Great Dividing Range on one of the most scenic drives in Tropical Far North Queensland. Passing through Gordonvale, historic sugar cane farms, freshwater creeks, and river crossings, enjoy views of the majestic Walshs Pyramid set against the tropical green backdrop of the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

At the base of Queensland’s highest mountain, Chooreechillum, also known as Mount Bartle Frere, we arrive in the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest of Wooroonooran National Park. Here, your Tropic Tours guide will lead you on an interpretive rainforest walk to Josephine Falls, a beautiful cascade surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.

Learn about endemic flora and fauna, listen to the sounds of the rainforest, and immerse yourself in one of the most biodiverse environments on earth. Walk through Country connected to the Noongyanbudda Ngadjon people and learn about the cultural significance of local bush foods, traditional plant uses, and the natural environment. Take time to enjoy the beauty of Josephine Falls and its pristine rainforest surroundings while learning about the unique ecology of this remarkable area.

Continuing through the agricultural landscapes of the Cassowary Coast, we journey past sugar cane fields and banana farms before arriving in Innisfail, the heart of the Cassowary Coast. This historic agricultural town is known for its original Art Deco buildings, European heritage, and rich pioneering history. We stop briefly outside the town library to view the extraordinary photographic collage by local artist Liz Gallie, “From the Range to the Reef,” a beautiful tribute to the Cassowary Coast and its unique connection between rainforest and reef.

A short drive brings us to Goondoi Wetlands for the Cassowary Dreamtime Tour. Here, guests are welcomed by Goondoi Culture Tours and meet Traditional Custodians connected to the lands of the Dyirribarra and Bagirbarra people.

This immersive cultural experience includes a Welcome to Country ceremony with traditional dance, the Dreamtime story of the cassowary, and a guided wetlands walk sharing traditional knowledge of bush foods, sacred trees, and local plants including Juwumba, Milbur, and Jugurru. Guests will also experience weaving, sand art, language, and dance as part of this meaningful cultural connection.

A freshly prepared lunch is provided, featuring tropical fruits, sandwiches, and cold drinks supplied by Radiant Life College.

We then continue south through the scenic town of Mourilyan and onto Mourilyan Harbour, travelling across the Moresby Range with sweeping views over the wetlands east of Innisfail. As we make our way to Etty Bay, keep watch for the Southern Cassowary wandering through its natural habitat.

Etty Bay is a hidden gem where the rainforest meets the reef. Here, take off your shoes, wet your feet, and enjoy a relaxed walk along the golden sands at the ocean’s edge. This is one of the few places in the world where cassowaries may be seen walking along the beach. Your guide will share insight into the behaviours and characteristics of this remarkable bird, its importance to the rainforest ecosystem, and the vital role it plays in supporting biodiversity between the reef and rainforest.

This is also a chance to engage with your guide in a deeper conversation about the importance of protecting and preserving the natural environment, the impacts of climate change in this region, and simple ways we can all help reduce our impact on wildlife and fragile ecosystems.

Our final destination before returning to Cairns is Babinda, Queensland’s wettest coastal town. We spend the afternoon at Babinda Boulders, where two freshwater creeks flowing from Queensland’s highest mountain meet in a spectacular rainforest setting.

Enjoy the opportunity for an afternoon swim, explore the tranquil surroundings, and learn about the famous Devil’s Pool. Your guide will share the Dreamtime story of this sacred place, along with the cultural significance of the area to the Traditional Landowners, the Wanjurr Majay people.

To finish the day, relax with a cup of tea or coffee served with locally baked cake or slice while taking in the peaceful rainforest surrounds before returning to Cairns.