Take a tour of Cooktown in Australia and learn about the history and culture of the local Aboriginal people
Take a tour of Cooktown in Australia and learn about the history and culture of the local Aboriginal people
A tour of the area around Cooktown in the Australian state of Queensland, including ancient Aboriginal rock art and an Aboriginal dance festival.
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Transcript
DI: Cooktown and its surrounds has a strong and rich indigenous culture. And this region offers you a number of ways to connect with the ancient rhythms of this land and its people.
This is Black Mountain, a natural and unique formation with mysterious stories to be told about it. And you'll pass it on your way to Cooktown. And believe me, when you see it, what a sight to see.
As you make your way to Cooktown, keep an eye on your surroundings as there are pretty waterfalls to stop at and places to see. To gain an insight into the history of the local aboriginal people, you can visit the museum in town and check out some of its displays. Or you can experience it firsthand and go on a tour with local elder and storykeeper Willie Gordon.
WILLIE GORDON: And that's what we call a song line. This is a story line. And the story line won't be understood if you don't have a story keeper.
DI: As you are guided through the hills outside of Cooktown, Willie takes you to many of his ancestral rock art sites and explains the significance and stories of the paintings.
GORDON: And one of the things that we do here is that we recognize the artist. And sometimes the recognition comes through the designs and patterns.
DI: You will also gain an insight into how the aboriginal people lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years.
GORDON: These are called green ants or tree ants, and I can eat them. Give them a try. When we're out here, we would use a communication. And that communication was a whistle. So we made a whistle from a gum nut.
DI: Laura is about a one and 1/2 hour's drive west of Cooktown, and it's known for its aboriginal rock art. So when you do come into town, come to the Quinkan Cultural Center. And they'll help to explain exactly where you need to go and what you need to do to see some of this rock art.
The center offers a lot of interesting information. You can come in, have a look at the boards, and read all about the history of this town. Split Rock is one of the most frequently-visited attractions by tourists in this area. It is a self-drive site located 12 kilometers south of Laura. Or contact the Quinkan Center to organize a guided tour.
So this is Split Rock with a lot of aboriginal rock art. So let's go have a look.
Many of the sites provide you with a basic insight into the rock art. However, a guided tour will really enrich this experience for you and bring the rock art to life.
The Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival is a fantastic event. And it happens every two years where the communities of North Queensland come together for a dance competition. And, really, it's so wonderful to see. You get kids from such a young age growing up to your elders all getting together and dancing the dances of their ancestors.
[ABORIGINAL MUSIC AND SINGING]
The cultural experiences of Far North Queensland are vibrant with passion and color. Come experience and learn about the real history and culture of Australia from the people whose ancestors have been here for thousands of years.
This is Black Mountain, a natural and unique formation with mysterious stories to be told about it. And you'll pass it on your way to Cooktown. And believe me, when you see it, what a sight to see.
As you make your way to Cooktown, keep an eye on your surroundings as there are pretty waterfalls to stop at and places to see. To gain an insight into the history of the local aboriginal people, you can visit the museum in town and check out some of its displays. Or you can experience it firsthand and go on a tour with local elder and storykeeper Willie Gordon.
WILLIE GORDON: And that's what we call a song line. This is a story line. And the story line won't be understood if you don't have a story keeper.
DI: As you are guided through the hills outside of Cooktown, Willie takes you to many of his ancestral rock art sites and explains the significance and stories of the paintings.
GORDON: And one of the things that we do here is that we recognize the artist. And sometimes the recognition comes through the designs and patterns.
DI: You will also gain an insight into how the aboriginal people lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years.
GORDON: These are called green ants or tree ants, and I can eat them. Give them a try. When we're out here, we would use a communication. And that communication was a whistle. So we made a whistle from a gum nut.
DI: Laura is about a one and 1/2 hour's drive west of Cooktown, and it's known for its aboriginal rock art. So when you do come into town, come to the Quinkan Cultural Center. And they'll help to explain exactly where you need to go and what you need to do to see some of this rock art.
The center offers a lot of interesting information. You can come in, have a look at the boards, and read all about the history of this town. Split Rock is one of the most frequently-visited attractions by tourists in this area. It is a self-drive site located 12 kilometers south of Laura. Or contact the Quinkan Center to organize a guided tour.
So this is Split Rock with a lot of aboriginal rock art. So let's go have a look.
Many of the sites provide you with a basic insight into the rock art. However, a guided tour will really enrich this experience for you and bring the rock art to life.
The Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival is a fantastic event. And it happens every two years where the communities of North Queensland come together for a dance competition. And, really, it's so wonderful to see. You get kids from such a young age growing up to your elders all getting together and dancing the dances of their ancestors.
[ABORIGINAL MUSIC AND SINGING]
The cultural experiences of Far North Queensland are vibrant with passion and color. Come experience and learn about the real history and culture of Australia from the people whose ancestors have been here for thousands of years.