Images courtesy of Tourism Queensland (No.1 & 2), Kerry Trapnell (No.3 & 4) and George Serras, National Museum of Australia (No.5)
As you travel through the Endeavour Valley and branch off onto unsealed roads to an area known as Wangaar-Wuri, it’s hard to imagine the depth of stories these hills protect.
High in the dramatic outcrops of giant rocks above Hope Vale, outside Cooktown, Aboriginal Elder, Willie Gordon, of the Nugal-warra clan, will take you to his ancestral rock art sites and share the stories placed on these stone walls by his ancestors. With knowledge handed down from generation to generation, he helps to ensure that Aboriginal philosophies and lores are passed on and kept alive.
Together with intriguing rock art sites depicting mythical figures, spiritual beliefs and family stories, you will visit an ancestral Birth Site where Willie’s grandfather was born and walk on the very tracks that have been used by the Nugal people for centuries past.
Getting there:
Tours leave from Cooktown and self-drive options are also available. Cooktown is situated 235km north of Cairns and is easily accessed by road and air.
By train:
Travel to Cairns onboard the Tilt Train or The Sunlander. To book your rail adventure call Traveltrain Holidays on 1800 627 655.
Further information:
Guurrbi Tours leave every day from Monday to Saturday.
Ph 07 4069 6043
#101
I recently moved to Cooktown and my family have visited from the UK. We all went on Willie's Tour and loved it, we have recommended it to all our visitors since and to other tourists that have come to Cooktown. It's fun, informative and Willie is a great bloke.
#102
I was very lucky to have had the pleasure of meeting Willie Gordon from Guurrbi tours whilst on a tour with Adventure North Australia early October. A truly spiritual experience, Willie is a wonderful man. I felt very emotional & overwhelmed by the whole experience. Highly recommended. 10 out of 10.
#103
Visiting Cooktown, Queensland is a wonderful experience and going on the Guurrbi tour with Willi is a Queensland "must do" experience - so educating and uplifting.
#104
I have been in tourism and a friend of the indigenous people for 20 years and this is THE !! must do. Not one of them. Willie thank you for showing me, and others the beauty and of your land and people! Robert Ryan
#105
My ladylove and I have been on tour with Willie twice in the last three years. Willie's Tour just keeps getting better and better. Actually it is not a tour but a life experience. Try it!
#106
Having visited many countries and my partner being South African we found the tour from Cooktown with Willie to be the best. His presentation ( even to me as a born and bread Australian ) was full of educational information. He presented it in a most unique manner which enthused all those present. This was obvious by the way the people communicated back to Willie contantly. The locations were spectacular; his guidance was professional and fun;the tour was amust do. We have advise travellers we meet they must do the tour when in or around Cooktown. Keep up the good work Willie.
#107
I am a local to Cairns & found Willies tour to be very authentic & informative. He is a lovely, warm hearted man!
#108
Willie approach understanding and knowledge will remain with me for years to come. Cannot rate his tour any higher and I recommend it to all my friends.
#109
Willie doesn't take his clothes off and dance. He is a true 21st century aboriginal and without being in the least bit confrontational, he will change the way you look at life, the universe and everything. If you do ONE tour in Oz, do this one.
#110
Willie Gordon is a natural teacher and national treasure. I can't think of a more genuine Australian experience than to walk through the bush that Willie's people have been custodians of for more than 40,000 years and have its secrets explained - with themes of sustainability, family and community all inter-twined into his message. He's great company and a wonderful ambassador for Australia. This is a must-do tour.