Discovering People and Culture
The Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival is an exciting biennial gathering celebrating the world’s oldest living culture, an opportunity to highlight the diverse communities of Cape York Peninsula and pass on culture across generations through language, song, dance and stories.
28 June – 2 July 2017
Exclusive to six guests traveling in comfort
Priced from $3,250 per person twin share
Special offer
Book for our Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival Expedition and receive 15% discount on Tablelands Explorer .
Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival
2017 Itinerary
Day 1 (Wednesday 28 June)
Pick up from Cairns City, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas accommodation.
Discover the lush, green rainforest with a walk through Mossman Gorge.
Spot wildlife while cruising on the Daintree River.
Visit iconic Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.
Adventure on the Bloomfield Track, visiting Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre.
Stop in for a cold one at the historic Lion’s Den pub (guests buy own drinks) on the way to our base for the next few days, Cooktown.
After dinner tutorial on getting the most out of your phone and camera settings.
Day 2 (Thursday 29 June)
Heading north from Cooktown, travel through incredible coastal dunes to Cape Bedford, site of the original Hope Vale mission. Experience the spectacular coloured sands, meet traditional owners, and explore beautiful Elim Beach.
Return to Cooktown for a delicious lunch, and take time this afternoon to explore the Botanic Gardens and gallery, and the fascinating James Cook Museum.
The day will wrap up with a sunset cruise on the Endeavour River with opportunities for wildlife spotting and pre-dinner drinks and snacks.
Return to our accommodation for a relaxed dinner and a chance for expert help to review and edit the day’s photos.
Day 3 (Friday 30 June)
Early morning drive (or walk for the fit!) up Grassy Hill to check out the breathtaking views of the district and out to the Great Barrier Reef.
Visit the Hopevale Arts and Cultural Centre and Nganthanun Bamawi Gayan Gallery, where artists work in both contemporary and traditional styles.
Traverse Lakefield National Park, with stops at Horseshoe Lagoon and for a picnic lunch at the Old Homestead before entering the Laura Dance Grounds for the opening of the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival.
Early evening light dinner at the dance grounds, returning to our accommodation later for supper and a chance to review the day’s photos.
Day 4 (Saturday 1 July)
Head to picturesque Archer Point and learn about the Yuku Baja Muliku Indigenous Rangers’ program at the Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.
We may stop for a coffee break at the historic Quinkan Hotel in Laura before spending the rest of the day and evening at the Dance Festival.
Lunch and light dinner at the dance grounds, followed by supper on return to our accommodation.
Day 5 (Sunday 2 July)
This morning we check out of our accommodation and return to Laura for the close of the Festival. Before we enter the dance grounds for the last time, we’ll check out the Split Rock art site.
After lunch, we’ll depart via the Mulligan Highway, with stops at scenic locations to enjoy the sweeping views and at the historic Palmer River Road House. Our trip back to Cairns will see us return to the rainforest via the Rex Range.
Optional
Cairns airport pick up/drop off and accommodation
Before or after your tour: Stay at a B&B for a more intimate, local experience.
Guided Aboriginal rock art tours at Laura
Yalangi Galleries, Quinkan Galleries, Giant Horse, Mushroom Rock sites.
Tablelands Explorer day tour
Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival guests who also book this tour receive 15% discount on Tablelands Explorer.
Day or overnight tours and charters
Explore the Great Barrier Reef, Atherton Tablelands, Rainforest or outback Queensland.
Contact us for a customised itinerary.
