Deadly After Dark Sunset Cruise + Outback Platter at Ochre
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Dial up your connection to Country with this package which combines our Deadly After Dark Sunset Cruise with a special 2 course dinning package, available for lunch or dinner and presented in partnership with Cairn’s most award-winning restaurant, Ochre.
Meet your Mandingalbay Yidjinji guide and push off from Cairns Marina in our River Cruise vessel, bound for wetlands and mangrove forests of East Trinity Reserve. Discover an Indigenous Protected Area where ancient knowledge meets latest science to deliver world-first conservation programs and a regenerated wetland 30 years in the making.
Cruise along an avenue of one of the worlds most diverse mangrove forests featuring over 30 species.
Upon arrival at the Stingray (Yulu) Shelter, our guides want to create a safe space for guests while on Country with a traditional welcome to country using traditional ochre (Mugra) painted on the face or forearm.
Listen to our Mandingalbay Yidinji guides speak of ancient language and dialects, cultural seasons, traditional practices and implements that are still made and used today.
Light Canapes and cold nonalcoholic beverages will be served throughout the evening.
During the warmer months, enjoy spotlighting for Crocodiles on the banks of the river as we glide back to the Cairns Marina, enjoying the lights of the city.
Then, just a short 10-minute walk away is Ochre Restaurant.
In Ochre Restaurant, we have found our natural partner who carries the same philosophy of presenting locally sourced, native inspired food. A philosophy towards food that is to keep it simple and fresh while being locally and sustainable sourced. The team at Ochre aim to source the freshest seasonal ingredients, produced in the lush environment of Tropical North Queensland. Quite simply our food reflects the natural abundance of the region. Our rich volcanic soils, tropical environment and sparkling clean ocean produces the most incredible range of goods from lush tropical dairy and meats produced on the Atherton Tablelands to exotic produce such as vanilla, pepper and tropical fruit produced on the Cassowary Coast.
Ochre connects to a range of wonderful producers and artisan manufacturers that are equally as committed to ensuring the freshest and best produce from our region. This is identified in our supplier’s glossary so that you can scan the authenticity of our purchasing of these regional ingredients.
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Wonderful staff, very informative and interesting background to their culture on their land.
It was topped off with a spectacular morning tea..the best scones with jam and cream and a super platter of fresh fruits,.
I would definitely recommend this tour and will revisit on my next holiday in Cairns.
Thanks so much for sharing your land and stories with me.
Annie Parks
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.
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!!
The tour hosts were so friendly and welcoming. I would highly recommend this to any visitors to Cairns. Delicious canapes too!
A most fascinating, informative tour. Huge thanks to all involved, especially Tess and Marshall.
Learn their history, their tools, their past, and culture after boating their mangrove destination.
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.
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!
Absolutely lovely staff and so informative - so open to talking
Beautiful experience
Thank you!!
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
and 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!
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
Highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to know more about the first peoples and their culture and traditions.
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!
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!
Unfortunately we didn’t have the smoking ceremony.




















































