Nestled in the lush Daintree region is a locally owned and operated tour business that offers visitors a rare opportunity to connect with First Nations culture while exploring the breathtaking landscapes and walkways of this ancient land.
Walkabout Cultural Adventures was created by Juan Walker, a Kuku Yalanji man form Mossman in far north QLD. At the heart of his business is a deep-rooted connection between First Nations culture and walking.
For countless generations, walking has been an integral part of Aboriginal life, serving not only as a means of transportation but also as a spiritual journey. The act of walking through the land fosters a profound connection with nature and the ancestors, a tradition that Walkabout Cultural Adventures strives to preserve and share with the world.
“The Kuku Yalanji people are the Traditional Custodians of the lands and seas extending from the Mowbray rive rain the south and north to the Annan river, east to the continental shelf and west to the the great dividing ranges. I developed WCA after working in the industry for 9 years. I wanted to showcase the area but also give people an insight into how the Kuku Yalanji people look and behave on country. I designed the experience on how I grew up and how I was taught about the country.”
The local landscape surrounding the Daintree is a living testament to its cultural significance. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed region is home to the world’s oldest rainforest, with lush, ancient trees that have borne witness to thousands of years of Aboriginal history.
As participants embark on guided walks through the dense rainforest, along picturesque coastal paths, or to hidden waterfalls, Juan highlights the unique flora and fauna and describes how the land has shaped beliefs and practices over the millennia.
“Our experiences give visitors an insight into the number of different ecosystems form rainforest, coastal beaches, mangroves and river systems.”
Visitors have the privilege of listening to captivating Dreamtime stories, learning about bush tucker and traditional medicine, and witnessing mesmerising performances of ancient song and dance.
“We think it important to share our culture to the world to help people understand, how humans have an important connection with the land and sea. But also to break down any cultural mis understandings and stereo types of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia. This is even more important for the next generations as they are the ones who will need to be able to work together in the future.”
Walkabout Adventures’ commitment to sustainability and respect for the land ensures that each tour is conducted with minimal impact on the environment and a focus on cultural preservation. As a result, visitors leave not only with cherished memories but also a newfound appreciation for the importance of preserving First Nations culture and the beautiful landscapes that hold its secrets.
Juan Walker
Juan is a Kuku Yalanji man from the Mossman/Daintree area and has been working as a tour guide in this region for twenty years. Juan enjoys living, learning and sharing his Aboriginal culture.
He believes that through interacting with visitors and sharing the Kuku Yalanji history and cultural practises, he is preserving the knowledge and continuing the connection between the people and the land. Juan’s ambition is to continue to learn and maintain the traditions of his people.
