A Region Steep in Aboriginal Culture, and the Man Keen to Share It

Juan sharing his culture

Juan Walker, Karanba, of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people has always been proud and passionate about his Aboriginal ancestry. It is with his passion that propelled him in to his chosen profession of tour guiding. Now 15 years later, Juan Walker is the sole trader owner/ operator of his own business, Walkabout Cultural Adventures. Taking people on half and full day tours through his traditional land in Far North Queensland and sharing with them the history, traditions and culture of his people.

“I have always been fascinated by the land, our connection to it and the stories my elders would tell,” Juan says. Juan would spend countless hours listening to the stories of his Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles, first hand stories of life in a time of European introduction. He tells of when his Grandmother reminisced about being told to wear clothing from the missionaries, of his Aunts and Uncle being removed from his Grandparents and their fight to have them returned. He has learnt about the bush foods and medicines still readily found and used by himself, and his people. “We are lucky,” he says, “as the Europeans didn't actually come through up here until much later than other parts of Australia, therefore we still have our language and knowledge, as it is all still alive and being passed down. I am so grateful that my Grandparents recognized the significance in preserving our traditional ways and made sure they passed it on to us.”

It is these stories and more that Juan covers in his tours, taking those interested, tourists and locals alike, out and about for a day, either sightseeing and visiting culturally significant sites, or on a cultural hunting day, trying out some traditional methods including spear throwing. He combines his knowledge and passion for his culture, with the environment and wildlife of the region, and pretty much tailor makes his day to best suit the guests on board each day. "That's the advantage of being small, and it being my business," says Juan, "I can do what I like with my guests, I make it personalised and I can change the day to incorporate their individual interests."

LOCATION: Far North Queensland.
Tours include Port Douglas, Mossman and Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and Daintree region.