cairns family activities & tours: tjapukai aboriginal cultural park by night
What a powerful and personal experience that will leave you with a deep and lasting memory and open your heart to the beauty and power of Australia’s ancient indigenous Aboriginal culture.
Enter the great hall in light and then be thrown into the darkness. Thunder and lightning excite the senses as the Gadja a glowing good spirit takes centre stage and tells of the past, then his opposing spirit appears Quinkan towering 6 meters above the audience, bidding you to enter the past. This haunting spirit welcome leaves you breathless.
As you move to the Tjapukai Lakeside you are given tap sticks (Bibarra) where you become part of an ancient corroboree ritual which climaxes in the ceremonial making of the fire (Biri). You feel like a privileged participant as the Tjapukai people hurl the fire spear across the lake where it contacts tribal lands to become an explosive mushroom fireball illuminating the lakeside.
The Tjapukai appear in a canoe carrying flame torches, the dancers from the corroboree guide the canoe to shore. From here they bid you to follow the light as a pathway is created by their flame up towards the restaurant.
Here you can enjoy the awesome buffet that caters for all nationalities and all appetites. There’s enough food to feed a small army.
The Tjapukai claim the stage for the last time presenting their culture with an inimitable blend of theatre and humor. (Not to give anything away but they breakout in a song that is hilarious) This is also a chance for audience participation of fire (Biri) making and dancing.
On your way out take some time to brows through the multi award winning gallery and take home something indigenous and special to mark your evening’s journey back in time.
The Tour Specialists Tip
LouiseDon’t miss the chance to see this ancient culture up close and personal you will leave with a different prospective and don’t wear heels as I did. Great for families and all nationalities are catered for.
