A new Indigenous cultural tourism centre is set to be built in the Daintree National Park at Cape Tribulation, offering both locals and visitors an opportunity to learn about the intersection of the rainforest and reef and the long history of its Traditional Owners, the Kuku Yalanji people. 

Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra Culture and Tourism Hub - artist’s impression

The Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra Culture and Tourism Hub will provide a unique cultural experience highlighting the significance of the area and the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people. As part of the world's oldest living culture, they take pride in protecting the oldest living rainforest in the world. 

The hub will be a welcoming space where visitors can engage with Eastern Kuku Yalanji people and learn about their land, sea, and culture. This will include traditional ceremonies, dance performances, and interpretive cultural and art displays. Additionally, information about the two World Heritage Areas it sits between will be provided, along with access to other cultural tourism experiences in the region.

In addition, the hub will support existing Eastern Yalanjiwarra tourism operators to grow and work with aspiring cultural entrepreneurs to ensure that there are more cultural tourism experiences on offer to visitors to the world-renowned Daintree National Park (CYPAL) and the surrounding region.

Boosting employment for First Nations peoples and others by creating jobs in construction, administration, customer service, and Indigenous cultural tourism, the project will work in partnership with the existing tourism industry and the local community.

The $4.84 million Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra Culture and Tourism Hub development is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments and is due for completion in 2023. It will be managed by the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (A registered Native Title Body representing the Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra).

Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs Meaghan Scanlon affirmed that the Queensland Government is collaborating closely with the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation to finalize the construction plans for the Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra Culture Tourism Hub.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is leading the planning process while also considering the environmental sensitivities and cultural significance of Daintree National Park. The government is dedicated to protecting the unique biodiversity in the area while achieving the best outcomes for the Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra people and the local tourism sector.

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Information for this article was sourced from the Queensland Government.