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Canapés under the canopy of night. An indulgent tour so traditional in its offering yet Instagram ready to dazzle and delight.
The magic begins with a boat ride through the approaching night. On arrival, the ancient custom of the welcoming to Country using traditional ochres to paint traditional patters on the face will infuse you with anticipation for the evening.
Imagine – Pushing off from Cairns by boat at sunset, bound for East Trinity Reserve. Being enveloped in the sights and sounds of Aboriginal ceremony and tradition. 
Be prepared for delicious culinary surprises using local and indigenous ingredients in a food fusion.
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1 ½ hour in
duration
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A 15-minute
guided river cruise across Trinity Inlet travelling through a mangrove forest
lined river. 
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Exclusive access
to the Mandingalbay Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) 
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Mandingalbay
Yidinji welcome and traditional welcome to Country. 
•                    
Enjoy seasonal
and locally sourced tropical canapes
•                    
Visit the
architectural, off-grid award winning Stingray Shelter 
•                    
Return transfer
by vessel to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal 
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 A must do experience in Cairns! We loved the sunset cruise with Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours!
A must do experience in Cairns! We loved the sunset cruise with Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours! Thanks to Captain Dale and the team of tour guides, we have learned so much about local aborigines customs, traditions and the essential (and many) roles that mangroves are playing in this area. The sunset from the water was amazing and accessing an indigenous territory was a real privilege.
We will recommend this tour to everyone looking for an intimate and authentic experience, we felt super welcomed and we had some good banters too. We will be back to renew our experience with them.
 
  A Profound and Peaceful Cultural Experience I would not hesitate to do this tour again either with family & friends visiting Cairns or again with my husband & work colleagues
A Profound and Peaceful Cultural Experience I would not hesitate to do this tour again either with family & friends visiting Cairns or again with my husband & work colleagues This tour was far more than just a scenic sunset cruise—it was a deeply moving cultural journey. From the moment we stepped aboard, the Mandingalbay team welcomed us with warmth and authenticity. The stories shared about Country, culture, and connection were powerful and respectfully delivered, offering insights that you simply won’t find anywhere else.. Its an amazing experience Keep up the great work guys!!
 
  A wonderful experience - highly recommend A wonderful experience. I loved the opportunity to hear about the Mandingalbay Yidinji country, culture and history and visit this special place.
A wonderful experience - highly recommend A wonderful experience. I loved the opportunity to hear about the Mandingalbay Yidinji country, culture and history and visit this special place. The tour hosts were so friendly and welcoming. I would highly recommend this to any visitors to Cairns. Delicious canapes too!
 
  Love of country Our guides were great. Sharing their love of country and culture. We cruised into the indigenous protected area. And were welcomed with smoking ceremony and stories of their grandfathers. Hunting artefacts and yummy finger food. Even saw a green tree frog. Wonderful.
Love of country Our guides were great. Sharing their love of country and culture. We cruised into the indigenous protected area. And were welcomed with smoking ceremony and stories of their grandfathers. Hunting artefacts and yummy finger food. Even saw a green tree frog. Wonderful. 
  Authentic experience This was a very authentic experience. Being a small group enhanced this.  The guides were friendly, and welcoming with a wealth of knowledge.  They were open to the group asking questions.  Great to learn  the history and culture of the Mandingalbay people. The uses of the plants and trees was very educational.  The morning tea was lovely however I suggest having some cultual food included. Thank you for this experience
Authentic experience This was a very authentic experience. Being a small group enhanced this.  The guides were friendly, and welcoming with a wealth of knowledge.  They were open to the group asking questions.  Great to learn  the history and culture of the Mandingalbay people. The uses of the plants and trees was very educational.  The morning tea was lovely however I suggest having some cultual food included. Thank you for this experience 
  Mandingalbay night experience It was a great experience.  Only wish I'd that it would have lasted longer! Highly recommend.  It was so cool to learn and be out in the water at night. Would love to do the other experiences offered some day.
Mandingalbay night experience It was a great experience.  Only wish I'd that it would have lasted longer! Highly recommend.  It was so cool to learn and be out in the water at night. Would love to do the other experiences offered some day. 
  Mandingalbay Aboriginal Tours Very good informative tour. Great people, good information about the tribes in their area,  tools used for life and survival. I would certainly do this tour again and highly recommend it.
Mandingalbay Aboriginal Tours Very good informative tour. Great people, good information about the tribes in their area,  tools used for life and survival. I would certainly do this tour again and highly recommend it. 
  Interesting, authentic experience Interesting authentic experience.  We were very fortunate to be on a day when the group was very small.   The guides were friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable.   Great to learn some more about the history and culture of the mandingalbay people.  And to top it off we saw one of the local crocodiles!
Interesting, authentic experience Interesting authentic experience.  We were very fortunate to be on a day when the group was very small.   The guides were friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable.   Great to learn some more about the history and culture of the mandingalbay people.  And to top it off we saw one of the local crocodiles! 
  An Engaging Tour An engaging tour up the creek, learning about the regeneration of the once degraded land,to traditional lands. After a welcome we took a short walk and had bush tucker  plants pointed out and their uses explained to us. This was followed by an interactive talk about weapons and tools. A delicious morning tea followed by an explanation of the land we were on.
An Engaging Tour An engaging tour up the creek, learning about the regeneration of the once degraded land,to traditional lands. After a welcome we took a short walk and had bush tucker  plants pointed out and their uses explained to us. This was followed by an interactive talk about weapons and tools. A delicious morning tea followed by an explanation of the land we were on.A most fascinating, informative tour. Huge thanks to all involved, especially Tess and Marshall.
 
  A great local organisation doing great things An incredible tour led by really passionate people. If you're craving a small tour with a personal touch, you won't be disappointed. Learning how the local plants and trees are used and the history of the tribes was fascinating - sampling a variety of different fruit was a particular highlight. The tour was really informative and fun, and it means all the more that it's helping the local community.
A great local organisation doing great things An incredible tour led by really passionate people. If you're craving a small tour with a personal touch, you won't be disappointed. Learning how the local plants and trees are used and the history of the tribes was fascinating - sampling a variety of different fruit was a particular highlight. The tour was really informative and fun, and it means all the more that it's helping the local community. 
  Experience indigenous culture Meet and talk with indigenous people.
Experience indigenous culture Meet and talk with indigenous people.  Learn their history, their tools, their past, and culture after boating their mangrove destination.
 
  An educational and beautiful day! An educational and beautiful day!
An educational and beautiful day! An educational and beautiful day!993530931
An educational and beautiful day! We took a boat ride into the mangrove forest, then a short drive to Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation Environmental and Tourism Facility.
Although it was a little too rainy and slippery for our jungle walk, there were plenty of plants to see there. Our guides were fantastic! We learned about aboriginal culture and history, various weapons, animals, and plant uses. They spoke about the influences of Western culture and the impact of the missionaries on their people - identical to so many other indigenous peoples experience, including sadly, our own peoples. There was a photo of the last king with tears in his eyes the day he surrendered and was shot. Our guides were 7th generation in his line. We had delicious snacks and coffee and headed back to our ship. We highly recommend this tour.
 
  Very informative A very interesting and pleasant morning with Brenda and co learning all about the Mandingalbay clan, their history and local fauna and flora.
Very informative A very interesting and pleasant morning with Brenda and co learning all about the Mandingalbay clan, their history and local fauna and flora. 
  Great night out We went on the deadly after dark tour last night! It was brilliant! Everyone from 7-60 loved it! The team was so brilliant, we could not have asked for more!
Great night out We went on the deadly after dark tour last night! It was brilliant! Everyone from 7-60 loved it! The team was so brilliant, we could not have asked for more! 
 I participated in the River Cruise, it's a good half-day trip to learn about the mangroves, it's flora and fauna directly from a family whose members are part of the land and have been taught since their young age.
Beautiful sights, chill tour (we went by boat, then bus, and did a short (20min?) hike into the forest.
I really enjoyed the tour, I felt really welcomed and was happy to get knowledge directly from traditional landowners, the Mandingalbay family.
Thank you to the tour guides for being so friendly and answering all our questions!
 10/10 We had a beautiful time cruising through the mangroves. The guides were so knowledgeable and we learnt so much. Food was delish!
10/10 We had a beautiful time cruising through the mangroves. The guides were so knowledgeable and we learnt so much. Food was delish! 
  Amazing experience Amazing cultural immersion
Amazing experience Amazing cultural immersion Absolutely lovely staff and so informative - so open to talking
Beautiful experience
Thank you!!
 
  Deadly cultural experience Deadly sunset cruise -  thank you for an amazing experience.   Privileged to have had the chance to learn from your deep cultural knowledge and connection to country.  Highly recommend to all visitors to Cairns.
Deadly cultural experience Deadly sunset cruise -  thank you for an amazing experience.   Privileged to have had the chance to learn from your deep cultural knowledge and connection to country.  Highly recommend to all visitors to Cairns. 
  Beautiful learning experience, beautiful country From the moment we stepped onboard through to leaving, the staff were so beautiful, welcoming and informative. Loved hearing all the knowledge they shared, the smoking ceremony was special. I can’t wait to come back and experience the other tours. Thank you so much for wonderful experience.
Beautiful learning experience, beautiful country From the moment we stepped onboard through to leaving, the staff were so beautiful, welcoming and informative. Loved hearing all the knowledge they shared, the smoking ceremony was special. I can’t wait to come back and experience the other tours. Thank you so much for wonderful experience. 
  One of Cairns' local hidden gems Great tour experiencing local traditional culture and stories. On the boat ride across, local landmarks around Cairns harbour and creation stories were explained, the various Indigenous tribe names and delineations of their boundaries. Arriving at an award-winning shelter constructed within the Mandingalbay Indigenous Protected Area, we found out more about the Traditional Owners' efforts to overcome high levels of acid sulphate degradation from past sugarcane land clearing. The area is now close to being restored, after decades of hard work in conjunction with scientists. We then boarded a bus and visited the Ranger Station, where a traditional welcome and cleansing smoke ceremony were performed. Ladies get a special clay face treatment as well! A nearby guided bushwalk uncovered Indigenous customs, bush foods, tools and medicines - make sure to wear sturdy covered shoes and plenty of insect repellent. Morning tea awaited us afterwards, consisting of fresh scones, jam & cream, seasonal fruit, tea and coffee. Highly recommended tour for someone seeking an authentic local experience that is out of the ordinary.
One of Cairns' local hidden gems Great tour experiencing local traditional culture and stories. On the boat ride across, local landmarks around Cairns harbour and creation stories were explained, the various Indigenous tribe names and delineations of their boundaries. Arriving at an award-winning shelter constructed within the Mandingalbay Indigenous Protected Area, we found out more about the Traditional Owners' efforts to overcome high levels of acid sulphate degradation from past sugarcane land clearing. The area is now close to being restored, after decades of hard work in conjunction with scientists. We then boarded a bus and visited the Ranger Station, where a traditional welcome and cleansing smoke ceremony were performed. Ladies get a special clay face treatment as well! A nearby guided bushwalk uncovered Indigenous customs, bush foods, tools and medicines - make sure to wear sturdy covered shoes and plenty of insect repellent. Morning tea awaited us afterwards, consisting of fresh scones, jam & cream, seasonal fruit, tea and coffee. Highly recommended tour for someone seeking an authentic local experience that is out of the ordinary. 
  Low value This 2.5 tour consists of meeting an aboriginal ranger who talks about his family's background and short work in the forest with an aboriginal guide who points out medicinal plants used by the Aboriginals. We were expecting more. Not worth the money.
Low value This 2.5 tour consists of meeting an aboriginal ranger who talks about his family's background and short work in the forest with an aboriginal guide who points out medicinal plants used by the Aboriginals. We were expecting more. Not worth the money. 
  Must do in Cairns! We had an amazing morning during the tour. We started with the boat ride and since we were with a small group there was more then enough time to ask any question. Our guide Barbara explained a lot about the Nation. After the boat ride we drove to the station and uncle Vic told more about the history of the people living on the land. We also learned more about native plants, food and medicine. Thank you all for the great experience. We absolutely recommend this great tour
Must do in Cairns! We had an amazing morning during the tour. We started with the boat ride and since we were with a small group there was more then enough time to ask any question. Our guide Barbara explained a lot about the Nation. After the boat ride we drove to the station and uncle Vic told more about the history of the people living on the land. We also learned more about native plants, food and medicine. Thank you all for the great experience. We absolutely recommend this great tour 
 Well organised ,easy access onto an open boat, travelled across the Cairns harbour to the inlet , learning all the time from the very informative guides, Alicia.
We even saw crocodiles, as well as many beautiful local birds , and wildlife.
Landed at a stunning shelter beside the Bund/wall.
So much to learn and see.
A comfortable and again informative drive to the Ranger station, where we partook in a welcome to country , smoking ceremony.
Another great guide Vic , explained , taught and regaled us with great information.
A terrific interesting walk up through native plants , trees , bush foods to a midden.
Finished with a lovely fresh morning tea.
A terrific experience all around
A superb way to learn and share some indigenous culture.
Thankyou all
 Highly recommended! Truely unique experience. We learned so much in a short time
Highly recommended! Truely unique experience. We learned so much in a short timeand really appreciate this genuine experience. All of the staff were friendly, open, informative and so knowledgeable. Thank you so much for today. I’ve never been able to experience Aboriginal culture like I did today. Thank you!
 
  A must do while in Cairns! I had a wonderful day learning about the Mandingalbay Yidinji people. Brenda and Jermaya were particularly fantastic, they were informative, fun and engaging. Particularly loved Jermaya's analogy of the forest as a free supermarket. All guides we encountered were passionate and charismatic.
A must do while in Cairns! I had a wonderful day learning about the Mandingalbay Yidinji people. Brenda and Jermaya were particularly fantastic, they were informative, fun and engaging. Particularly loved Jermaya's analogy of the forest as a free supermarket. All guides we encountered were passionate and charismatic. 
 The are fun, kind and polite. The scenery is just different to what you’re used to see in Cairns and it’s very necessary to realise where we all are standing at.
Smoke ceremony, displays and canapés all together are great.
100% recommended for half day or less time experience.
Book in advance as they do the Sunset tour for groups only
 An experience not to be missed. Yesterday after 2 earlier false starts my wife and I partook in this tour and so so glad we did. The highlight of our stay in Cairns. The tour was so natural and informative and the tour young tour guides Brenda and ? were absolutely fantastic-they were genuine and spoke from the heart. They told us stories of not only their background but their ancestors elders aunties and uncles. We got to see and hear about many native edible foods and medicines.
An experience not to be missed. Yesterday after 2 earlier false starts my wife and I partook in this tour and so so glad we did. The highlight of our stay in Cairns. The tour was so natural and informative and the tour young tour guides Brenda and ? were absolutely fantastic-they were genuine and spoke from the heart. They told us stories of not only their background but their ancestors elders aunties and uncles. We got to see and hear about many native edible foods and medicines.Highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to know more about the first peoples and their culture and traditions.
 Absolute must do! Such an amazing opportunity to learn and be welcomed to the lands of the Mandingalbay Yidinji people.  The day I took the tour was rainy so the itinerary adapted to the situation, but this was handled with ease and grace. We were so lucky to see a crocodile and brolga while in transit from Cairns. The tour was a wonderful sharing of knowledge on the land, history and experiences of the Indigenous peoples of this area. Absolutely recommend as a must do.
Absolute must do! Such an amazing opportunity to learn and be welcomed to the lands of the Mandingalbay Yidinji people.  The day I took the tour was rainy so the itinerary adapted to the situation, but this was handled with ease and grace. We were so lucky to see a crocodile and brolga while in transit from Cairns. The tour was a wonderful sharing of knowledge on the land, history and experiences of the Indigenous peoples of this area. Absolutely recommend as a must do.Mandingalbay Yidinji Country, with our Traditional Owners! What a privilege!
Joanne, Tess, Leeann and William were amazing guides as they showcased their magnificent sacred country.
Such an honour to have Victor Bulmer welcome us to country in his traditional language, introducing us to his ancestors.
A wonderful experience. Will be back, for sure!
 Learning about and connecting with the oldest most enduring cultures in the world. Wow! What a privilege. Taking time to listen, reflect, unlearn and learn about the rich local history, neighbouring the Gimuy country that we work, play and learn on.
Learning about and connecting with the oldest most enduring cultures in the world. Wow! What a privilege. Taking time to listen, reflect, unlearn and learn about the rich local history, neighbouring the Gimuy country that we work, play and learn on. Guided by the great grandchildren of a local King, sharing knowledge, culture that has been passed down to them through their Elders.
Joanne, Tess, Leeann and future Elder, William such authentic, engaging and informative guides.
Such an honour to have Uncle Victor Bulmer welcome us to country,
introducing us to his ancestors.
Will be back for sure!
 
  Good crew! Very nice operator, a family business that acts great.
Good crew! Very nice operator, a family business that acts great.Unfortunately we didn’t have the smoking ceremony.
 
  Simple and worth while The Traditional Owners share local Indigenous history and culture in this beautiful tour. A short cruise, scenic drive through bush land and then a walk through native flora and fauna is finished off with the best damper I’ve had!
Simple and worth while The Traditional Owners share local Indigenous history and culture in this beautiful tour. A short cruise, scenic drive through bush land and then a walk through native flora and fauna is finished off with the best damper I’ve had! A day well spent Fabulous and highly informative.  Plus getting to hear the language and experience a welcome was wonderful.
A day well spent Fabulous and highly informative.  Plus getting to hear the language and experience a welcome was wonderful. Eco tour This was a very informative tour.  The guides and Ranger gave provided us with an insight to how the traditional people lived on the land.
Eco tour This was a very informative tour.  The guides and Ranger gave provided us with an insight to how the traditional people lived on the land. 
  Generous sharing of culture and knowledge We felt beautifully Welcomed and very privileged to hear what was shared with us. If you are up this way, it’s a great way to get a to know more about people, place, land, waters, culture and history.
Generous sharing of culture and knowledge We felt beautifully Welcomed and very privileged to hear what was shared with us. If you are up this way, it’s a great way to get a to know more about people, place, land, waters, culture and history. 
  Great experience, very informative, highly recomend for all ages Met Marcus at the eco fair, he gave us information about tour,  as we had not seen anything about it.
Great experience, very informative, highly recomend for all ages Met Marcus at the eco fair, he gave us information about tour,  as we had not seen anything about it.This is a great experience, for all ages, from the minute you get on the boat, very informative. David and his family and extended family are very willing to answer any questions. Thank you so much for this experience,, Margaret & John Moodie from Scotland and Jenny and Jack
 Awesome Mandingalbay tours Hats off to our these guys. Personal and genuine sharing of knowledge. A really informative and fun experience. Made me feel welcome and relaxed ready to explore right from the start. I gained some insights into the incredible Mandingalbay Yidinji people's culture, history, and ways of life. There is so much we can learn from these guys!
Awesome Mandingalbay tours Hats off to our these guys. Personal and genuine sharing of knowledge. A really informative and fun experience. Made me feel welcome and relaxed ready to explore right from the start. I gained some insights into the incredible Mandingalbay Yidinji people's culture, history, and ways of life. There is so much we can learn from these guys! Heads up, beware… Full Disclosure:  I didn’t get to take the tour because it was cancelled two hours before departure.
Heads up, beware… Full Disclosure:  I didn’t get to take the tour because it was cancelled two hours before departure.I just want to give people a heads up .that even though we had a confirmation email the day before, due to low numbers in the tour, it was cancelled at the last minute.
I understand economics, but the timing is the issue for us. We were booked for the 1pm departure and this late cancellation notice prevented us from being able to book any other day tour and our last day in Cairns was a missed opportunity.
So disappointing.
Be aware.
 
  Work group bonding evening. Such a great way to experience a part of Cairns. Thanks to all the staff for the warm welcome. Very relaxing and peaceful. Keep up the great work.
Work group bonding evening. Such a great way to experience a part of Cairns. Thanks to all the staff for the warm welcome. Very relaxing and peaceful. Keep up the great work. 
  Do yourself a massive favour, check out this DEADLY tour!!! The Mandingalbay Yidinji (MY) descendants, Vincent & William welcomed us to Country.
Do yourself a massive favour, check out this DEADLY tour!!! The Mandingalbay Yidinji (MY) descendants, Vincent & William welcomed us to Country.  We did the short hands on eco-tour.
The tour group was the perfect size, length of time was adequate (half day) and included both interstate and international visitors of all ages and capabilities.
The weather was initially overcast ferrying through the mangroves, then the heavens opened up and provided us with a true rainforest experience and then sunny for the trip back to the pier.
.
We were treated to an overall amazing experience & we recommend, no you must do this if visiting Cairns.
Thank-you for sharing your Culture & providing us with an experience we will always remember.
Shout out to those behind the scenes and mainly to Vincent, David, Marcus & William for your patience, guidance and spectacular personalities.
Here are some pics of our day with a great bunch of people!
 
  An awesome afternoon Vincent and William were informative and engaging guides and we learned so much from them about Mandingalbay culture and country. The tour takes you through beautiful landscapes -  across the water,  through rainforest and mangroves and was topped off with afternoon tea. I’d recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cairns!
An awesome afternoon Vincent and William were informative and engaging guides and we learned so much from them about Mandingalbay culture and country. The tour takes you through beautiful landscapes -  across the water,  through rainforest and mangroves and was topped off with afternoon tea. I’d recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cairns! 
  Don’t miss this part of your visit to Cairns My family had the pleasure of experiencing this tour and it was so nice to see and learn about this piece of history so close to Cairns. It was a the humbling experience every trip needs. I would recommend to anyone. Even with the baby, it was manageable with a baby carrier.
Don’t miss this part of your visit to Cairns My family had the pleasure of experiencing this tour and it was so nice to see and learn about this piece of history so close to Cairns. It was a the humbling experience every trip needs. I would recommend to anyone. Even with the baby, it was manageable with a baby carrier. 
  Deadly After Dark was Deadly ???? Had the privilege of being able to join a group for the Deadly After Dark experience. Knowledgeable and friendly guides who make the tour interesting and engaging. Delicious canapes too. ☺️ Highly recommend it if you are looking to learn more about the local Country in the Cairns region.
Deadly After Dark was Deadly ???? Had the privilege of being able to join a group for the Deadly After Dark experience. Knowledgeable and friendly guides who make the tour interesting and engaging. Delicious canapes too. ☺️ Highly recommend it if you are looking to learn more about the local Country in the Cairns region. 
  
								 
								 
								 
								

















































