#121
Val Shields
2008-11-27
Willie Gordon makes these tours such a special and moving experience, you leave feeling like you have had an emotional experience that you cannot explain to other people, a must do tour for everyone.
Guurrbi Tours, Cooktown
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
Voters Comments
Val Shields
#122
Penny Johnson
2008-11-27
This tour is truly a unique inspiring experience with man who spellbinds you with stories that are as real today as they were when first passed on and helps us understand how dynamic living Aboriginal culture is.
#123
edie weiss
2008-11-27
Willie Gordon of Guurribi tours made us feel so welcome in 'his' country, we were humbled by his invitation to spread our new found knowledge to others. Such a wealth of indigenous history and culture, with no signs of commercialism. One of the best tours we have ever done.
#124
barb rose
2008-11-27
Guurrbi tours is Incredible!!! Willy takes you on a special spiritual journey that had me laughing and crying and in awe of the wonderful place he is custodian to. A must-do for everyone, especially Queenslanders
#125
William Shaw
2008-11-27
The tour is an inspiration and Willie is an outstanding tour leader, has incredible knowledge of his people's history and is a first class person. Cannot rate Guurrbi Tours high enough. Our children continue to comment even after nearly six months has passed.
#126
Tom Troup
2008-11-26
This is not just a tour or something to do and see but an experience that is fulfilling and thought provoking. This is not just Queensland's must do but Australia's. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
#127
Lucie Higgins
2008-11-27
The Guurrbi Tours product represents the aboriginal Cooktown spirit. It translates the original history and philosophy of humans in area between Hope Vale and Cooktown.
#128
Rick Bichsel
2008-11-27
Very well explained by Willie. One of the best inter-reastion tours that I have attended. I has started the bond with the black and white Australians ans he is doing a gread job
#129
margaret oldham
2008-11-26
Willie's tour gives a wonderful insight into aboriginal culture, at the same time explaining how two races can happily co-exist because at the deep down our needs and beliefs are really the same. As well, the experience of walking in isolated bushland, away from the trappings of the commercial world, helped by Willie's gentlemanner, gives a sense of relaxation, calmness and belonging.A must-do spiritual journey to increase understanding and acceptance.
#130
David Nutt
2008-11-26
My family and I were among one of the first groups to go on the Guurrbi tour. As Americans we found the history fascinating and the staff was outstanding. We learned a lot and still have the photos circulating randomly on our computer. It was an experience we will never forget.