Official launch for new Wunyami Cultural Walking Tour

14th of July 2022

A traditional smoking ceremony and ceremonial dancers treated guests on Green Island - Wunyami - today, for the official launch of a brand new indigenous tourism product now available with Great Adventures. The Gunggandji and Yidinji Traditional Owners have commenced Wunyami Cultural Walking Tours, providing an authentic indigenous experience for visitors to Green Island.

The new venture was officially launched by Michael Healy MP, Member for Cairns and Assistant Minister for Tourism.

Quicksilver Group Managing Director Tony Baker said, “The Wunyami Cultural Walking Tour is 100% indigenous owned and operated. It’s a wonderful addition to the island experience bringing traditional stories to life and a whole new perspective to the cultural history”.

Wunyami, which means “Place of Spirits” is Green Island’s original name. The tour, designed for small groups, is very engaging and interactive, providing a fascinating insight for children and adults alike. Participants learn about traditional food and medicinal uses of the rainforest plants, participate in traditional fire lighting techniques and can learn about cultural importance of clay painting. 

Elders Gudju Gudju Fourmile and Garth Murgha (Muka) say,” Our guides explain how the island is connected to an ancient journey of two ancestorial story-time beings who fought and formed the island and who still protect it today. This story is shared by the GuruGulu Gunggandji people (Yarrabah) and the Gimuy Yidinji people (Cairns). Our guides tell of the relationship of these warriors and the connectivity of this iconic island to the ancient seascape.”

Guides have been given special permission from their elders to share the stories of the island and the Great Barrier Reef with all who come on this tour.

The new business venture also includes the Black Seahorse gift shop which has opened in Green Island Resort’s day visitor area, selling a range of authentic indigenous artworks and merchandise. The shop draws its name from the Black Seahorse, a known lucky charm for the saltwater women of the Great Barrier Reef in memory of Alma Fourmile (nee Patterson Katchewan).

The Wunyami Cultural Walking Tour will be available daily and takes approximately 1 hour. Tours can be pre-booked with Great Adventures Reef and Green Island Cruises or from the Black Seahorse gift shop on the island. 

Photo: Pictured left to right cutting the ribbon to the Black Seahorse Shop are Michael Healy, Gunggandji Elders June Noble and Dorita Wilson, Tony Baker.