Aboriginal Culture Immersion

• Learn about the deep connection Traditional Owners have with land
• Create your own dot painting under the tutelage of an Aboriginal artist
• Discover Indigenous story places when you camp on country
• Understand plants used for food and medicine
• Learn to throw a spear and observe how Indigenous guides catch their own food
• Observe how tradition and modernity combine in Aboriginal peoples’ lives
• Swim, snorkel and see the Great Barrier Reef through Indigenous eyes

• Risk assessment
• All activities as described in the itinerary
• Cairns airport transfers
• Ground transportation
• Small World Journeys guide(s) Days 1-5
• Additional specialty guides and educators
• 4 nights at Cairns 3-star hotel (2, 3 or 4 share rooms)*
• 2 nights bush camping on country
• All continental breakfasts
• All lunches
• All dinners except on Day 5
• Snacks (includes fresh fruit & share containers of chips, biscuits, & crackers)
• Mask, fins, and snorkel hire for outer Great Barrier Reef trip
• 101 Animals of the Great Barrier Reef field guide for each student
• National Park and Marine Park taxes and levies
• Community service project materials
• A hand-painted piece of art made by you to take home
• Donation in your group’s name to Reforest for tree planted in Mabi Forest and its ongoing maintenance for the first several years
• A reusable BPA free water bottle and cloth shopping bag for each participant
• “Care for a Coral” through Reef Restoration Foundation
• NEW: we offset the carbon emissions from your trip activities AND your flight to Cairns!

*Two teacher rooms (private twin or triple share rooms) are included in the trip price for groups of 15 students or more.  For trips with low numbers (10-14), one teacher room is included. A supplement is charged if an additional private room is required for the trip (please ask us for pricing). If teachers are happy to share a room, no additional costs are incurred.

Small World Journeys reserves the right to change the order of activities for logistical reasons.
Prices are valid for travel until 31 March, 2026 outside of peak travel times.

Peak travel times: 1-7 April 2026 | 21 June – 13 July 2026

• 1 dinner
• Airfare to Cairns
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)

Planning Your Trip

ACCESSIBILITY MENU: Small World Journeys’ website provides an accessibility menu. Visitors to our website can click on the “person” icon on the right side of the screen to bring up this menu. Options include increasing/decreasing font size, increasing/decreasing contrast, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and the ability to hide images, among other things.

On each of our trip pages, we offer specific information about the activities we include and accessibility.

BOOKING FORM: On our online booking form, we ask all participants to list any special needs they have, be them medical, dietary, or accessibility needs. We also offer free sensory packs to our guests who are neurodivergent, which include headphones, a timer for transitions, a squeezy fidget toy, and other treats to appeal to the senses like flavoured lip balm.

WAIVER FORMS: We understand that not all of our participants’ parents have a strong command of written English and therefore understanding and signing our on-line waiver may prove challenging. We therefore have our wavier form available in the following languages on request: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.

Arrival at Cairns Airport

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS: Public toilets are located throughout the terminals. Each toilet facility includes an accessible toilet suitable for wheelchair access.

TGSI and HEARING LOOPS: The Cairns Airport makes use of Tactile Ground Service Indicators (TGSI) and Hearing Loops to assist people with vision impairments and hearing difficulties, respectively.  For example, Braille is included on toilet doors/signs to assist a person with vision impairment locate the correct facility.

ASSISTANCE FOR HIDDEN DISABILITIES: If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, you can request a hidden disability lanyard through a form here.  Wearing a sunflower lanyard when you are at Cairns Airport is a discreet way for you to indicate to the airport team that you may need a little extra help, guidance or time with the airport processes. The airport team has been trained to recognise the lanyard and provide the assistance and support you may need. Some of the airport staff will also be wearing a Sunflower badge on their shirts or lanyards to help you feel a little more at ease.

VISUAL AND WRITTEN STORY GUIDES: Visual Story Guides are available for Domestic Arrivals and have been designed to help you to understand how an airport works and what to expect. Written Story Guides are also available for Domestic Arrivals.

Our Safety Talks

Our arrival safety talk is done verbally but is supported by cards that illustrate the main talking points. Similarly, our snorkelling safety talk is done in the same manner, supported by cards with pictures and illustrations.

We can provide a transcript of our safety talk to any hearing-impaired guest.

Transport

Our buses have two steps up of approximately 40 cms to get inside. There is no lift for a wheelchair or mobility device. Similarly, on occasion we hire large coaches for bigger groups and those buses also have two steps up of about 40 cms to get inside. All buses are equipped with seatbelts.

Presentations & Workshops

OUR OFFICE & PRESENTATION SPACE: We use the Small World Journeys office space for presentations, workshops and some community service projects. There is a rise of approximately 2 cm to enter the presentation room. We have one accessible, gender-neutral toilet block with shower.

In the outside area of our office, planes fly overhead frequently and the noise can be startling and confronting. However, as part of the terms of construction, the entire building has sound mitigation devices (double glazed windows, etc.) which creates the opportunity for multiple breakout spaces for neuro-divergent people who desire a quiet space with reduced stimuli.

Our presentations are designed to teach using both visual and auditory methods. We can provide a transcript of our presentations to any hearing-impaired guest.

NOVOTEL PRESENTATION SPACE: We also use Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort for presentations at dinnertime.

Overall accessible resort information:

• All entries to the hotel are wheelchair-accessible
• 2 accessible spaces in the on-site car park, near lifts
• 1 accessible toilet in hotel lobby (hand rail | grab bar)
• Most walkways within the hotel are wheelchair-accessible
• Well-lit main areas
• All meeting rooms are accessible
• Braille call buttons for lifts on each floor (external)
• On-site restaurant & breakfast buffet is mostly accessible – Please ask for assistance at hot food station

Hotels

FLEXIBILITY WITH ACCOMMODATION: We have flexibility with the accommodation we choose; therefore if we know in advance that we have a guest with a wheelchair, mobility scooter or is short statured, we can choose hotels that cater accordingly.

PREFERRED HOTEL 1:  The reception and breakfast room are widely accessible through a double automatic door as there are no steps or thresholds. Accessible guest rooms are all on the ground level.  The staff are happy to move the furniture around if required, and the rooms are fitted with a zipped-together queen bed or two single beds depending on preference. The under-bed clearance is 40mm, and there’s around 1000mm of space between the side of the bed and the wall. Unfortunately, the balconies have sliding door tracks and may not be completely accessible. Light switches are all large dish-style type and located 1000mm from the floor in accessible locations. The air conditioning can be remotely controlled. Moving into the bathroom, Heritage Cairns boasts accessible showers and toilets that are hobless and fitted with a fold-down seat. Both horizontal and vertical grab rails are fitted and the shower is home to a hot and cold flick mixer tap. The lifts which provide access to the third accessible room provide ample space for wheelchairs, and also boast buttons fitted with Braille.

PREFERRED HOTEL 2:  With accessible rooms that boast a double bed and a single bed, the staff at Coral Tree Inn are also happy to move the room furniture around to suit guests who use a wheelchair or mobility device. With a coffee and tea making space and a small bar fridge at hand, the TV can also be controlled by the remote. It’s worth noting that at this hotel the air conditioning unit cannot be operated by a remote. There is an accessible combined toilet and shower facility fitted with grab rails and a fold-down set. The shower is also hobless for added accessibility. Unfortunately, the balconies have sliding door tracks and may not be accessible to all guests, and there are also no designated accessible parking bays. However, there is ample room for drop offs immediately in front of reception.

Entering the reception may also be a little difficult as the door is manual, but staff are always happy to assist (and man the desk 24 hours). There are wide paths that lead from the reception to every area of the resort, including the BBQ area, the pool and the adjoining dining room.

Meals & Restaurants

FLEXIBILITY WITH RESTAURANTS & CATERING: We have quite a bit of flexibility with the restaurants we choose and the food that is prepared whilst camping on country; therefore if we know in advance that we have a guest with specific needs, we can choose accordingly.

We offer flexible menu options for people who have food allergies or intolerances, and in many cases religious requirements relating to food.

Guests are given space on our online booking form to specify their allergy, intolerance or religious requirement. On arrival we then give them a bag containing, for example, lactose-free milk, nut-free cereal and snacks, and/or other food items that cater to this allergy or intolerance. Unfortunately, we are not able to guarantee catering for preferences like low carb meals or FODMAP.

Similarly, we inform all caterers and restaurants of our guests’ food allergies or intolerances.  Breakfast is typically served at the hotel, whilst lunches are often boxed lunches as we move around quite a bit on our tours.

Activities

Activities vary from trip to trip. If we are informed in the planning phase of your trip about  any participants or (potential participants) who have disabilities or special needs, we can suggest certain activities over others.  For example, one boat that travels to the reef has a lift for a guest in a wheelchair to get in and out of the water which is a great choice for guests with wheelchairs or mobility devices. Conversely, we know that the facilities on the boat that travels to the Fitzroy Island reef is not well set up for those with wheelchairs or mobility devices.  We also can include activities such as the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which recognises and supports the Sunflower program for people with hidden disabilities. This particular trip includes an overnight camping excursion, an art project, and a beach walk/muddy mangroves exploration with hunting and gathering, none of which have accessible toilets available nor have provisions for wheelchair or mobility device users. For activities that take place in the bush, there are usually quiet places available where a neurodivergent person could find with reduced stimuli.

Departure at Airport

VISUAL AND WRITTEN STORY GUIDES: Visual Story Guides are available for Domestic Departures and have been designed to help you to understand how an airport works and what to expect. Written Story Guides are also available for Domestic Departures.

Arrival: Welcome to the tropics!  You arrive in Cairns and are warmly greeted by one of our staff members at the airport and you receive a safety talk and orientation.  (Arrive before 1pm today).

Community Service Project for Indigenous Women:  Next you learn to make “Moon Sick Pads” to distribute to women in need. These pads provide women with a healthier, more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to disposable sanitary products. This service project provides free reusable, washable menstrual pads to girls who miss school when menstruating and face other barriers during that time of the month! During this activity you master some basic sewing skills, gain an understanding of the complex cultural barriers that affect women in remote communities in the world, and learn about the environmental and social benefits of reusable sanitary products. The Moon Sick Pads are donated to the women in remote Indigenous communities — places where costs of sanitary items are prohibitive and these products are gratefully received.

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Alternate Service Project: Alternatively, you can assemble comfort packs for a charity that assists local Indigenous people who are experiencing hardship. This is a hands-on opportunity for students to engage in meaningful, practical giving—while also learning about social responsibility, empathy, and the needs of the local community. Each pack includes essential items like soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary products, and more, making a real difference to someone’s dignity and wellbeing.

Accommodation: Cairns 3-star hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Visit to Yarrabah Aboriginal Community: Located just outside of Cairns on the traditional lands of the Gunggandji people, Yarrabah is home to one of the largest Aboriginal populations in Queensland. It is is situated between the lush Wet Tropics rainforest and the coral-fringed coastline of the Coral Sea. What sets Yarrabah apart is its deep cultural roots and creative expression—especially through art, music, and storytelling. Historically, Yarrabah was established as a mission in the late 19th century, and despite decades of control by outside authorities, the community has fought to reclaim its autonomy and cultural strength. Yarrabah stands as a proud example of Aboriginal resilience, community-led development, and cultural preservation—and here you have an opportunity to learn directly from Traditional Owners and experience living culture in a meaningful and respectful way.

Cultural Activities: While on country with Indigenous rangers, you take part in a diverse and culturally rich program that blends environmental stewardship with traditional knowledge. Student begin with a beach walk and marine debris clean-up, collecting and recording rubbish data into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database to contribute to national conservation efforts. You listen to cultural storytelling and take part in traditional dance, deepening your understanding of Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji heritage. Boys participate in a men’s cultural session that includes a spear-making demonstration and spear and boomerang throwing, while girls engage in basket weaving and Indigenous art activities, respecting cultural protocols. The group also learn from the rangers during an engaging presentation, experience flying a drone, and enjoy guided Polaris (a type of buggy) rides across Country, gaining insights into Indigenous land management practices and connections to sea and land.

Rainforest Discovery with Indigenous Guide: You begin your day with a welcome to rainforest country by your Indigenous guide, a man whose ancestors came from both the rainforest and the dry sides of the range. The setting is the dramatic Cathedral Fig Tree–a 500-year-old strangler fig with massive buttress roots and a hollow centre, showcasing the dramatic growth patterns of tropical rainforest trees. Not only is does this site provide a crucial habitat for wildlife, the tree holds a cultural significance as sacred place and a symbol of connection to Country and ancestral stories.

Tablelands Cultural Sites: Next with your Traditional Custodian you journey through Atherton Tablelands, visiting special and sacred sites to both the Bundaburra-Yidinji and Mbabaram people. Rolling hills, giant trees and shimmering lakes take on new significance when your Indigenous guide relays creation tales and ancestral practices that link all of these story places. You learn about meanings his people drew from country and about the importance of the rainforest to every aspect of life. You then cross over to dryer savannah land, where you set up camp on country and settle in to a slower, gentler pace of life for a few days.

Camping on Country and Campfire Storytelling with Elder: Tonight you sit for a powerful campfire talk on country with a respected Mbabaram Elder. In indigenous communities, becoming an Elder is not based on age alone, but on wisdom, cultural knowledge, experience, and community respect. Grandma Jean shares personal stories of growing up on Country, the impacts of WWII, life on Aboriginal reserves, and how they avoided being taken during the Stolen Generations. This intimate setting provides students with a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts that bring Australia’s history to life in a deeply human and emotional way. The experience fosters truth-telling, empathy, and meaningful cultural understanding, aligning with the “authenticity” goals of the program.

Accommodation: Bush Camping (tents, sleeping bags and pads provided)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Damper Making Lesson: Making damper over the fire is today’s first lesson – a hands-on activity that offers students a tangible connection to Aboriginal culture. While damper is often associated with colonial bush traditions, Aboriginal people adapted and used similar bread-making techniques using native grains long before European arrival. This activity sparks discussion about resourcefulness, food sovereignty, and how Aboriginal communities blended traditional knowledge with introduced ingredients, highlighting both resilience and cultural adaptation. 

Traditional Fishing and Swimming:  Next you learn to fish the traditional way, then prepare and cook the catch over a fire–a powerful way to connect with Indigenous culture and gain an essential life skill. This activity teaches you about traditional ecological knowledge—such as seasonal patterns, respect for natural resources, and the importance of only taking what is needed—values deeply embedded in Aboriginal culture. This activity requires patience, and may offer a deeper appreciation for Country and the skills that have supported Indigenous communities for tens of thousands of years. For those who do not wish to fish, you can still have fun swimming in the clear waters of the river.

Debate Activity on Mbabaram Land Development: Next on offer is a respectful and thought-provoking debate activity in which students role-play stakeholders responding to a proposed development on Mbabaram Country. Each group presents arguments either for or against the development, considering environmental, economic, and socio-cultural impacts, and reflecting on what course of action would be most beneficial to the Mbabaram nation. This activity not only builds critical thinking but also symbolises the complexity of real-world decision-making—where multiple voices, often with competing priorities, influence outcomes that directly affect Indigenous communities. The exercise mirrors how government, industry, Traditional Owners, and the broader public engage in dialogue—though often unequally—about land use and cultural heritage. By asking students to centre Indigenous perspectives in their arguments, the activity highlights the need for meaningful consultation and self-determination in decisions affecting Aboriginal land and people. Teachers voting on the outcome underscores the imbalance that can exist when non-Indigenous authorities have the final say, offering a valuable opportunity to reflect on fairness, representation, and cultural respect.

Kup Murri and Bush Tucker Sampling: Tonight your dinner involves a “kup murri”, which is a traditional Aboriginal method of cooking food in an underground earth oven, commonly used by First Nations people in parts of Queensland. Heated stones are placed in a pit, and food—such as meats, vegetables, and bush tucker—is wrapped in leaves and layered over the stones, then covered with earth to slowly cook using radiant heat and steam. During this experience, students are invited to sample a kup murri meal that may include kangaroo and a variety of bush tucker, such as native yams, lemon myrtle, or wattleseed, depending on what is seasonally available. This shared meal highlights Indigenous culinary traditions, and fosters a memorable sensory connection to Country.

Aboriginal -Themed Film Under the Stars: Tonight, you’ll snuggle into your sleeping bags for a movie under the stars. On the big screen is a powerful film exploring the joys and challenges faced by Indigenous people. It thoughtfully captures the tension between tradition and modern life, with themes centred on land and cultural lore.

Accommodation:  Bush Camping (tents, sleeping bags and pads provided)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Guided Walk on Country: A guided walk up Lion Mountain with your Indigenous host offers you a unique opportunity to view ancient rock art. These artworks, created by Traditional Custodians, are not just decorative—they are part of a rich system of storytelling, law, and cultural identity that has been passed down for generations. As you explore the site–know locally as “The Castle” where two giant boulders make a cave-like structure–you learn how rock art conveys spiritual, environmental, and historical knowledge, deepening your understanding of Aboriginal connection to Country and the enduring significance of these cultural places. 

Dot Painting Art Lesson: Dot painting, while originating in Central Australia, has been adopted by Aboriginal artists in North Queensland as a powerful form of storytelling and cultural expression. The technique is used to depict Dreaming stories, Country, and ancestral connections, with each dot and symbol carrying layered meanings. Today you learn how this style of art reflects both the continuity and evolution of Aboriginal culture—preserving traditions while adapting to contemporary forms of expression–and you try your hand at painting a small canvas yourself. Your artwork becomes a souvenir of your time on country to take home with you.

You are returned to Cairns in the afternoon having had an authentic experience with Far North Queensland’s Indigenous people.

Accommodation: Cairns 3-star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Boat Ride to Reef with Aboriginal Culture: Your day begins with an air-conditioned boat ride to the outer Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World-Heritage site and one of the most biodiverse spots on the planet.  On the way, you are treated to the recounting of creation stories by the Aboriginal staff as well as a demonstration of Indigenous tools and instruments. A presentation by a marine biologist will help you understand the marine species you are likely spot today at the reef.

Snorkelling: Snorkelling can be done right off the back of the boat.  For snorkelers, giant clams, angel, butterfly and parrot fish, turtles, sea stars and corals of a thousand hues are all within reach.  Among the 1,800 species of fish and 450 species of coral, you can expect to see Wally the giant wrasse, fan corals, sea cucumbers and just about the entire cast of “Finding Nemo”.  You also may see beauties such as luminescent parrot fish, the chocolate-dipped damsel, the Picasso triggerfish and several species of turtles.

Field Guide: 101 Animals of The Great Barrier Reef, written by Dr. Martin Cohen, helps you to better understand the underwater world and is yours to keep.

Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast this morning you have free time for last-minute shopping or souvenir purchases and then you are transferred to the Cairns airport.

Meals Included:  Breakfast