Cairns tourism: Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours launch new vessel

A $2.2m project is opening up an exciting new way to explore East Trinity near Cairns with the people that know the area best.

THE completion of a $2.2m project is opening up an exciting new way to explore East Trinity near Cairns with the people that 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 complemented 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 are now ready to welcome guests.

“A regular tour schedule will begin in January 2022, 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,” he said.

The tour supports nine full-time jobs and the team is expected to grow next year.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said travellers were looking for authentic cultural experiences that give 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,” he said.

The vessel will leave from Cairns Marlin Marina taking passengers to Trinity Inlet for a three-hour cultural tour, overnight stays and for deadly dinner events.

Originally published as Cairns tourism: Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours launch new vessel