Guurrbi Tours, Cooktown

Summer is coming to Guurrbi (2)

2009-10-26T15:04:00.016+10:00

This is mulun, the quandong tree, which is in flower at the moment. This clever tree sends off a single branch of bright red leaves to attract passing birds to eat its fruit and disperse its seeds. It helps us on the ground to find the fruit too! The blue plums are very sweet, but it's best not to eat too many as they can cause constipation.

This is also when all the reptiles are mating and laying their eggs. The pictures below were taken a couple of weeks ago and are of manuya, the sand goanna, who stands on his back legs when he's searching for a mate. This is the goanna after which Lizard Island was named, and we believe its fat helps to prevent arthritis. The best time to extract the oil is just before the wet season when they hibernate. This is when they are at their plumpest.

Willie on Imparja TV's 'Footprints' (short video)

On Tour with Willie (short video)

Summer is coming to Guurrbi

2009-09-18T18:22:00.011+10:00

Here’s some pictures of walanggar, the death adder, which were taken on tour last week. When we found him he was lying very still, trying to hide himself in the earth. As soon as we woke him he showed off his bright colours. At this time of year the snakes have mated and there are young snakes about, so we keep an eye out for snake tracks.

This is an exciting time at Guurrbi, with the flowers beginning to bloom and attracting many birds and insects. The beautiful red flower of nanggaarr-buurra, the kapok, is out now, showing us the seasons are changing and summer is on its way. This is the time diwaan, the brush turkey, lays its eggs in a leaf-mound scratched together to act as incubator. And recently we heard our first Torres Strait pigeon, the wabul, so we know the migrating birds from Papua New Guinea are now nesting on the outer islands and coming in to feed.

More pictures from Guurrbi...

Bush creatures

Bush foods and medicines

Rock art & Picture Gallery

Seen in 'The Weekend Australian'

2009-09-12T08:43:00.005+10:00

Michael Gebicki, in Travel & Indulgence this weekend, describes Willie as "The exemplar of indigenous tourism in tropical north Queensland" and "an outstanding interpreter of Aboriginal culture, with the knowledge and the communication skills to make this a spiritual as well as a physical journey." Thank you Michael!

Here's the link...

Michael went on our Rainbow Serpent Tour in October last year

A lovely 'thank you' from Spain

2009-09-09T12:27:00.010+10:00

Dear Willie (and Judy),

Still trying to adapt to our daily routines after our amazing holiday in your country, here's a few lines to send you a big heartfelt thank you for a magical afternoon. The beauty of your land, your art, your mind and your heart will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Don't forget you have friends in Barcelona now: we'd be honored to be able to show you both a few of our Mediterranean Guurrbis too. Until then, here's a big fraternal hug from us all to you and yours.

Isabel, Fernando, Marc, Roser and Hector.

9 September 2009 (by e-mail)

Isabel and family went on our Great Emu Tour with Mason's Tours

More customer reviews...

Reviews on TripAdvisor...

Another lovely e-mail...

Australia's Best Indigenous Experience!

2009-08-24T12:58:00.008+10:00

Great news! Guurrbi Tours has just been selected as Runner Up of Australia's Best Indigenous Experience in Travelling in Australia Magazine 's 20 Best Experiences Awards.

This is an exciting award for us, as it's the first we've received from the tourism industry overseas. Our nomination was one of many presented to an international panel of Premier Aussie Specialists, who voted for the best of the best.

Gone are the days of bumping and bouncing!

2009-07-02T09:37:00.010+10:00

Whoopee! After years of bumping and bouncing up to the rock art sites, we now have a very smart new track, which means for those wishing to take our self-drive tour options, the sites are now normally accessible to ALL vehicles, including regular 2wd saloon cars. Just remember that during or after wet weather it can get a bit slippery, and if you're renting a vehicle remember to check that your insurance covers off-road driving.

Guurrbi Picture Gallery

2009-07-01T01:15:00.000+10:00

A beautiful thank-you e-mail

2009-06-01T14:55:00.012+10:00

Hi Willie

I have just returned from a trip to Cooktown at the weekend and would like to thank you for your inspirational tour of your special place.

I had discussed with my children that morning what a wonderful adventure we were about to embark on but had no idea how true my words were. It was a very moving experience for all of us, in particular my sons, Dain (12) and Noah (7). They were captivated by the beauty of your land and have wanted to share their story many times since returning home. My daughter Maya (6) woke the next day and her first words were, "I love Willie. Can we go see him again?"

I thank you for sharing a part of your self, your family and your land.

Sincerely

Karen Thesinger

(by e-mail 1-6-09)

The Thesinger family went on our Rainbow Serpent rock art tour.

More customer reviews...

TripAdvisor reviews...

Guurrbi in 20 TOP TOURS list !!

2009-05-28T00:17:00.014+10:00

Guurrbi's Rainbow Serpent Tour has been named One of Australia's 20 Top Tours by Australian Traveller magazine!

What they said about Guurrbi...

And we were runner-up in the Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards for Australia's Best Indigenous Tourism Experience as well!

More information about our Aboriginal rock art tours....

What's on in Cooktown

2009-05-26T09:10:00.036+10:00

Did you know?

Cooktown has been named One of Australia's Top 100 Towns by Australian Traveller magazine (March 09) - and Guurrbi's Aboriginal tours get a mention as well! Read what the judges say...

Here are some photos from the Aboriginal Dance Festival in Laura which took place in June. The festival is held every two years and brings together Indigenous people from Cape York and north Queensland, and visitors from all over the world.

Forthcoming events...

Month of November 2009 - "Nature Dreaming"

An exhibition of Clare Bonnin's beautiful photography of Cooktown and environs at Nature's Powerhouse in the Botanic Gardens. Open daily. Ph. 07 4069 6004.

Thursday, 26 November 2009 - 'Stylin' Up' Hope Vale Showcase

Everyone is invited to a night of free entertainment at Hope Vale Aboriginal Community with local performers, hula and traditional dancers, dance competitions and a free barbeque. Hope Vale's young people have been creating dance pieces and writing songs, beats and lyrics all year with the assistance of Arts Queensland, so please come along and support their big night! Starts at 6pm at the community stage next to the coffee shop. Ph 07 3229 8055 for details.

Sunday, 6 December 2009 - Breakfast with Santa

Cooktown Swimming Pool from 7am to 11am.

Sunday, 20 December 2009 - Carols by Candlelight

Evening of celebration in Endeavour Park, with free Sausage Sizzle from 6pm and Carols commencing at 7pm. Everyone welcome.

11-13 June 2010 - Cooktown Discovery Festival & Re-enactment

Every year in June, the small town of Cooktown re-enacts the landing of Lt. James Cook and his damaged ship on the banks of the Endeavour, and tells the story of the first interaction between British and Aboriginal people, and Australia’s First Reconciliation.

Over the past few years, the input of local clans has enriched the event beyond our imagination, with the Guugu Yimithirr now adding their stories to the written accounts in Cook's Journals, on which the original event was based.

To more fully celebrate our shared histories, in 2010 the re-enactment will become part of a 3-day historical and cultural event, with Guugu Yimithirr arts and craft workshops and displays, firelight malgarri (corroboree), costume ball, historical tours, 18th century concerts, an exhibition of Sydney Parkinson's drawings, boat excursions to Cook's Turtle Reef and much, much more.

Be sure to book early—it’s going to be a great weekend!

More pictures of the 2009 Re-enactment

For more local information...

Cooktown e-Guide - to read more about Cooktown and the surrounding region, what to do, what to see, where to go, where to stay, check out our new 2009-10 e-brochure, which is packed with local information.

Cooktown Image Gallery - for images of our beautiful town and region.

Celebrating the new road from Cairns to Cooktown

2009-05-24T11:59:00.012+10:00

Guurrbi Tours sends good wishes to Ron Veivers, a 63 year-old Cairns man who, 25 years ago in his local pub, made the rash statement that if the road to Cooktown was ever sealed, then he'd walk the length of it. Today Ron sets off from Kuranda with 10 other walkers, all over 60, to fulfil his promise. Guurrbi is supporting Ron in his Charity Walk - and Cooktown is looking forward to giving him a rousing welcome during our Discovery Festival in a couple of weeks time.

If you would like to support Ron's charities go to http://cairnstocooktownwalk.com

(Pic of Ron courtesy www.cairns.com.au)

Read about Willie's World

2009-05-04T12:39:00.018+10:00

We were very happy to welcome members of the Mitchell family from Cairns Family Holidays on one of our Aboriginal tours over Easter. Click here for Peace Mitchell's online review of Cooktown and Guurrbi Tours.

And here's another Blog about Willie's Rainbow Serpent Tour from customers Andrew & Nikki

Michael Gebicki's article "Willie's World" in The Weekend Australian, can also be viewed online.

What our customers said on the RACQ 'Must Do' website...

Reviews on TripAdvisor...

Laura Dance Festival, June 2009

2009-04-02T08:50:00.001+10:00

Cooktown Discovery Festival 2009

2009-04-02T07:37:00.001+10:00

Guurrbi hosts members of WAITOC

2009-03-29T11:08:00.005+10:00

Guurrbi Tours was very proud to host more than 30 established and aspiring tour operators from the West Australian Indigenous Tour Operators group, who visited Cooktown in March to hear how we started and developed our Aboriginal tours on a shoe-string.

It was wonderful to be able to share what we'd learnt, and hear others' stories and experiences. A very inspiring bunch of people!

Guurrbi in Queensland's Top 10!

2009-03-02T13:25:00.003+10:00

Guurrbi Tours was really excited last year when our Aboriginal tours were nominated one of Queensland's 150 Must Dos in a competition to find the State's top ten experiences as part of its 150th birthday celebrations. The winners would be those scoring the highest number of votes, and from the campaign's launch in November over 150,000 votes were registered.

Queensland has enough wonderful experiences to last a lifetime, so just to be nominated made us really proud. To get into the final shortlist of 20 - when we are probably the smallest nominee in terms of size - was unbelievable. And now, to find ourselves in the winning Top Ten (we came in at No.7) we're over the moon!

Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who voted for us, and to our customers who posted the most amazing comments on the Guurrbi page. We've been really touched and humbled by the wonderful things you've written.

See the final placings... and our congratulations to Paronella Park who came in at number one.

Read some of those wonderful customer comments...

Willie's message carried to the nation

2009-01-21T12:23:00.006+10:00

Guurrbi has had an unforgettable few days, with Willie's message of equality and reconciliation shared across the nation during the launch of the country's pre-Australia Day celebrations from Cooktown.

At a (very wet!) Dawn Event on Cooktown's Wharf, filmed by all the major TV networks and broadcast to a potential audience of 2.5 million people, Willie talked about his rock art tours and encouraged Aboriginal people to take part in the celebrations, saying all Australians needed to learn from the past and move forward together.

With Reconciliation as its theme, the National Australia Day Council had picked 'iconic' Cooktown as the location for their fifth annual Dawn Event because of its history of First Contact between James Cook and the Aboriginal people. And they wanted their VIP guests to experience a tour with Willie, because of the way he embodied the spirit of reconciliation, making his culture accessible and relevant to everybody.

We therefore had the honour of hosting, amongst others, Adam Gilchrist, outstanding cricketer and Chair of the National Australia Day Council (pictured); Jonathon Welch, Australia's 2008 Local Hero best known for his work with The Choir of Hard Knocks; Senior Australian of the Year, David Busseau, who launched Opportunity International (which coincidentally had a hand in helping Willie get a loan to buy his first bus), and Richard Fidler from the ABC.

This inspirational group of people were, in turn, inspired by Willie, describing their tour of his ancestral rock art as 'Brilliant', 'Insightful', 'Thought-provoking', 'Wonderful', 'Provocative' and 'Absolutely inspirational'. Adam even gave Willie's tours a huge rap during his interview on TV the following morning.

They also loved Cooktown. Adam said he couldn't believe how beautiful it was, and both Jonathon Welch and country music legend Lee Kernaghan (who arrived from Tamworth in time for the Dawn Event) told Mayor, Peter Scott, that they would love to hold a concert here. So watch this space!

And Willie is still pinching himself. As he said after it was all over, never in his wildest dreams could he ever have thought six years ago, when he started the business, that this would happen to him.

Backyard cricket on a wet Cooktown wharf after the Dawn Event. Willie batting, with Adam Gilchrist at the wicket, Lee Kernaghan fielding with help from young Kevin Dukes.

(Photo Cooktown Local News)

Behind The Scenes photos

Australia Day launch: behind the scenes...

2009-01-21T03:00:00.000+10:00

We've been blown away by your comments...

2009-01-20T17:42:00.003+10:00

Our customers left some wonderful comments about our Aboriginal tours on the RACQ "Queensland's 150 Must-Dos" website. Here are some examples.

"This is not just a tour or something to do and see but an experience that is fulfilling and thought provoking. This is not just Queensland's must do but Australia's. I cannot recommend it highly enough." Tom Troup, 26-11-2008.

"If you are looking for a mass produced choreographed product tailored to appeal to the lowest common denominator, avoid this tour. With Willie you will have a personal, intimate, entertaining experience with a traditional story keeper in his traditional land that will make you reflect on your own life and spirit. You will feel priveleged to be there." Ann Dark, 31-12-2008.

"This is the best trip I have done in Australia. I learnt more about the true Australia and its early peoples and way of life on this three hour trip, than I have living in this lovely land for the past 44 years" Rosemary Thomson 27-11-2008.

"It is 18 months since visiting Cape York and of all the great experiences on that trip and many others into remote parts of Australia in the past 20 years I will always rate my walk with Willie as one of the greatest, informative and enjoyable few hours of my life. The way he imparts the history, knowledge and culture of his ancestors and current family is absolutely beyond compare. My daughter, Alex, then aged 9 also enjoyed her time with Willie immensely." Murray Ravenhall, 19-1-2009.

"Cannot rate it highly enough, I nominate Willie as a candidate for rating as a national treasure." William Shaw 8-12-2008.

"Willie Gordon is a natural teacher and national treasure. I can't think of a more genuine Australian experience than to walk through the bush that Willie's people have been custodians of for more than 40,000 years and have its secrets explained - with themes of sustainability, family and community all inter-twined into his message. He's great company and a wonderful ambassador for Australia. This is a must-do tour." Richard Hayward, 27-11-2008.

"Absolutely inspirational. One of the best things I've ever done." Christina Katterfeld, 27-11-2008.

"Sheila and I travelled by camper van from Perth, north and around to Brisbane - 10300 kilometers. 10 weeks having made a 6 week visit some years ago. We are in love with your wonderful country and people. When we met Willie we began to gain respect and some understanding for the culture, lore and pride of Australia's first people. His small tour and his questions, stories and dreams (past, present and future) was the most interesting and intriguing time of all - 2 hours." Roger Bradshaw, 27-11-2008.

"The excursion was not only what we expected, a discovery of Queensland nature through the eyes of its first people, but also a great, exciting and human experience. We keep Willie alive in our memories." Family Marique from Belgium, 26-11-2008.

"I have travelled overseas to Europe and America and nothing actually reduced me to tears. I was in awe of the Acropolis in Greece and the Vatican in Rome but in Willie's tour when Willie took me to "the birthing cave" such emotion overcame me, I couldn't stop crying. I don't know why. I am a white Australian so to be so "moved" amazed me. To anyone reading this do not miss Willie's tour it is a "one in a million" experience. The real Australia. A tour that I hope many people have the privilege to share. Willie I wish you all the best you are a great ambassador for all Australians." Marion Raftery 26-11-2008.

"Willie doesn't take his clothes off and dance. He is a true 21st century aboriginal and without being in the least bit confrontational, he will change the way you look at life, the universe and everything. If you do ONE tour in Oz, do this one" Richard Lee 27-11-2008.

"Willy is one of the very few "genuine" and sincere people in the tour industry that I have encountered in my travels. He welcomes his guests and delights and involves them in his tour, his country and its stories. Our tour group left at the end of the day with long lasting memories and appreciation of the simple but wonderous places we visited and stories we heard. I had my own tour business from Brisbane from 1995 to 2006 (Rob's Rainforest Explorer) so I base my opinion of seeing many other operators and the tour guides they hired. A "150 Must Dos" list without the inclusion of Willie Gordon would be without credibility and lack the honesty and spirit that Willy gives to the people he meets." Rob Jimmieson 26-11-2008.

"What we, as high school students, learnt from Willie was absolutely invaluable. His way of teaching us about his world is unique and unforgettable. We will remember his tour and its positive message for the rest of our lives." Anna Shaw 27-1-2009.

"This is not simply a tour. Willy takes you back to the common roots of all mankind, where things that really matter in life lie: the meaning of birth, death, manhood, motherhood, friendship...." Maria De Nobili, 15-1-2009.

"What our children learnt from Willie Gordon was worth more than we could ever teach them. His tour was the best educational experience we have ever had as a family. We'd go back tomorrow if we could!" Jill Shaw 27-1-2009.

"I have never experienced such an amazing inspirational tour in all my life! Experiencing true culture first hand is something I will never forget. I was so moved by the stories told by Willy that I quietly shed a tear. What made the tour even more special was Willy's incredible natural ability to connect with everybody. Willy is a special man whose skills are second to none. DO NOT MISS THIS TOUR!!!!!!" Sally Featherstone 23-12-2008.

"We had 40 days to get to know Queensland. 40 days to absorb 40,000 years of Aboriginal culture; that adds up to 1,000 years per day; that's some itinerary; some history lesson! Our day with Willie gave us 40,000 living years in one day, and framed the rest of Queensland for us! That's some teaching; some teacher!" Ian Berry, 26-11-2008.

"Guurrbi tours is Incredible!!! Willy takes you on a special spiritual journey that had me laughing and crying and in awe of the wonderful place he is custodian to. A must-do tour for everyone, especially Queenslanders." Barb Rose 27-11-2008.

"I have been in tourism and a friend of the indigenous people for 20 years and this is THE !! must do. Not one of them. Willie thank you for showing me, and others the beauty of your land and people." Robert Ryan, 28-11-2008.

To read many more, scroll to the bottom of the '150 Must-Dos' Guurrbi page.

A beautiful thank-you e-mail...

Reviews on TripAdvisor...

A Happy New Year - and a great new road!

2008-12-31T09:26:00.001+10:00

Guurrbi is celebrating a wonderful new stretch of road between Cooktown and Hope Vale, which means that visitors wishing to take our self-drive tour options no longer need a 4wd to reach the Nugal rock art sites. Now all vehicles, except those with very low road clearance, can be used.

We thought you would enjoy these 'before and after' photos. The first was taken in 2006 after Cyclone Monica; the rest during the last two months. And thank you to a terrific road crew who always made sure our tour vehicles were never held up for long!

150 Must-Dos in Queensland - Please vote for us!

2008-11-19T17:47:00.001+10:00

We are thrilled that our Aboriginal tours have been nominated one of Queensland's top 150 Must-Dos - but we need your help to get Guurrbi & Cooktown to Number One!

Please vote for us!
Final ranking is decided by public vote, and the link will take you to our page where you can rate us, vote for us, and see where we are in the rankings. You have three votes a day so can vote for other nominees as well if you want to.

Make us your homepage!
We're really up against some Big Competition with HUGE voting power - from Australia Zoo to the Great Barrier Reef -so if you really love us (!), please make the Guurrbi page your homepage until the end of January, and quickly zap a vote through every time you open your browser. We might not be as big as Australia Zoo, but with your help we're going to try to get up there in the rankings! And please add a comment, as it would be great if one of our customers won the Subaru Forester X.

Voting ends 31st January.

Filmed by Imparja TV for 'Footprints' 2008

2008-11-06T03:00:00.001+10:00

Bush foods, medicines & crafts

2008-10-28T17:53:00.000+10:00

Bush creatures

2008-10-28T15:17:00.000+10:00

A most elegant customer

2008-08-13T10:07:00.002+10:00

Guurrbi was proud to host Queensland’s Governor, Quentin Bryce for a Great Emu Tour in June, not long before she became Australia's Governor General. The tour was booked by Cook Shire Council who wanted the Governor to experience one of Willie’s tours, as they felt he was “Cooktown’s best ambassador.”

Afterwards the Governor told everyone that her tour with Willie had been a highlight of her trip to Cooktown, and that it was an experience she would never forget. Willie says he’s beginning to get a swollen head!