8 coastal Indigenous experiences from the Gold Coast to the Great Barrier Reef

From the surf beaches and sand islands of the south right up to the rainforest-fringed shores of the tropical north, exploring Queensland’s coastline is a lesson in eco-diversity. But to really appreciate the significance of the state’s rich coastal regions (all 13,300 kilometres’ worth), you need to see them through the eyes of those who know them best.

Take a journey through coastal Queensland’s must-do Indigenous experiences and discover a culture deeply rooted in its connection to land and sea.

1. Forage for bush tucker on the southern Gold Coast

Begin your cultural journey on the Gold Coast and put yourself in the hands of an expert guide from Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Listen to 20,000 year old creation stories and brush up on your foraging skills as you hike to the summit of the Dreaming Mountain in Burleigh Head National Park. Get a sense of what this region means to the Indigenous Yugambeh people and leave with a newfound respect for the ingenuity of nature.

2. Cruise the Sunshine Coast’s canals on a 100 year old sailboat

Head north to the Sunshine Coast and hop on a meticulously restored timber ‘ketch’ for a tour of Mooloolaba’s picturesque canals with Saltwater Eco Tours. Behind the wheel is master storyteller Kerry Neill, a Kabi Kabi man whose lineage dates back hundreds of generations to the Torres Strait Islands. Listen to Indigenous origin stories of Mt Coolum and the Maroochy River as you cruise past lush coastal hinterland and the dramatic peaks of the Glass House Mountains.  

3.  Walk coastal paths with an Aboriginal elder on the Fraser Coast

Follow the coastal road north to reach Hervey Bay, gateway to K'gari (Fraser Island) and the departure point for Hervey Bay Eco Marine Tours.  Glide across the protected waters of the bay at sunset, then walk in the footsteps of the Butchulla people on Weenandan (Round Island). Learn traditional fishing methods and foraging techniques from your Aboriginal guide before cruising back to the mainland.

4.  Track down ancient rock art on a tropical Whitsundays island

The Whitsundays archipelago is tailor-made for island-hopping - so who better to spend a day on the water with than the seafaring Ngaro people? Hop aboard your charter boat, the Whitsunday Paradise Explorer, for a guided cultural tour of Hook Island with the region’s original island-hoppers.  Anchor off Nara Inlet, a secluded bay fed by a fresh water waterfall, and follow the uphill track reach an ancient cave decorated with 9000 year old Ngaro rock paintings.

5. Learn about reef conservation from its Traditional Owners

Take a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef with the Sea Rangers from Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel and experience this ancient wonder through the eyes of its Indigenous custodians.  Get schooled on Aboriginal history and marine biology as you learn about the Sea Rangers’ connection to the sea. Expect to walk away from your tour inspired by their commitment to preserving and protecting the reef.

6.  Go spearfishing on a Tropical North Queensland beach

The mudflats and mangroves of Cooya Beach, just north of Port Douglas, have been providing sustenance to the local Kuku Yalanji people for over 50,000 years. Find out how to live off the land and sea on an immersive fishing and foraging expedition with the Walker brothers of Kuku Yalanji Cultural Tours. Learn how to spear fast-moving mud crabs and collect tasty periwinkles that cling to the mangrove roots, then wrap up your tour with an informal culinary class as you cook up your catch on the shore.

7. Hike from reef to rainforest in the Daintree  

Tropical North Queensland is the only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed sites meet: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Discover the Kuku Yalanji’s cultural connection with both as you trek from the coast deep into the heart of the Daintree. Taste bush tucker, throw a boomerang and visit ancient Indigenous sites on a full or half-day tour with your local guide from Walkabout Cultural Adventures.

Ready to start planning your trip? Make it even more memorable by timing it to coincide with one of these incredible Indigenous events.