
20 Jan Hands On Country Eco Tour
Hands On Country Eco Tour
3 Hours - 9AM TO 12PM
departs from cairns marina - WITHIN EASY WALK OF MOST CBD HOTELS
Product Code: HDCT

Tour Information
Travel in a small group fully hosted by Traditional Owners from the Mandingalbay clan of the Yidinji Nation discovering a stunning wetland environment just 10 minutes cruise from Cairns CBD.
Cruise up Hills Creek lined with mangrove forests and at low tide when the muddy banks are exposed, the chance to see our famous salt water crocodiles who call this river home.
This tour gives you exclusive access to an Indigenous Protected Reserve, one of only 82 in Australia. This is an environment full of fish, birdlife, a rejuvenated tropical landscape and countless stories.
Once you arrive at the Yulu (Stingray) Shelter, a short bus ride takes you to a working Indigenous Ranger base from where the Mayi Bugan Rainforest Trail begins. Join your Indigenous Guides to discover native foods and bush medicines, as well as ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artefacts. Enjoy light refreshments surrounded by the sounds of nature before returning to the Cairns Harbour arriving at the Marina close to the CBD, shops, restaurants and cafes.
Check In
- Please meet at 0845 at the Mooz Gelato and Juice Bar – Marina Point, 5/2 Pier Point Rd, Cairns. Look for our A-Frame sign out front of the cafe. Our guides will meet you there, and walk you down to our river cruise vessel.
Departure
- Currently departing from Finger Wharf C at the Cairns Marlin Marina
What to Wear
- Sturdy, covered flat footwear, sun protection (a hat and sunscreen) and insect repellent (also supplied).
- Wet Season: Between December and April, be prepared for wet weather. You may wish to pack a light umbrella, poncho or wear light waterproof jacket, closed in shoes with grip on wet rocks and surfaces.
What to Bring
- Bottle of water (no plastics please), hat, sunscreen, personal insect repellent, closed in shoes good for enough for a short bush walk, poncho or light waterproofs if raining, camera and any prescribed medications
What's Included
- Guided river cruise across the stunning waters of the Cairns Harbour.
- Exclusive access to an Indigenous Protected Reserve
- Mandingalbay Yidinji traditional welcome.
- Bus ride through regenerated mangroves forests, and tropical wetlands,
- Walk the Mayi Bugan Rainforest Trail. Discover bush foods, tools, and medicine as well as sites of cultural significance.
- Gather around a 3D map of Mandingalbay Country, created by the community and a great way for our guides to better communicate the size and diversity of traditional lands.
- Enjoy morning Tea with local fruits
- Return transfer by vessel to Cairns Marlin Marina

