60,000 years of songlines and stories celebrated in the Scenic Rim

With over 60,000 years of songlines and history to call on, Ugarapul man Kruze Summers is in a unique position to tell the stories of Mount Barney, the second highest peak in South East Queensland and the magnificent, rugged reminder of the ancient volcano which erupted 24 million years ago.

Thanks to Mount Barney Lodge, launching the first and only cultural immersion program in Southern Queensland just over 12 months ago called YARRIBA DREAMING, Kruze is doing just this, and he’s being recognised for it – last week this extraordinary cultural leader won the Young Achiever Award at the Destination Indigenous Queensland Awards, held in Cairns

Kruze, also known as Gurruhmun or ‘Old Man Kangaroo’, partnered with Mt Barney Lodge and Savannah Guides to develop Yarriba Dreaming, which is also the first indigenous tourism experience for the Scenic Rim, the region recognised globally as a must-visit destination by the famous Lonely Planet guide in 2022.

The half-day, full day and three-day immersion experiences sees participants immersed in the ancient landscapes of the Scenic Rim - walking, sharing stories, learning traditional Indigenous ways of living, and considering their own place in nature.

Yarriba means ‘walking’ and ‘we will walk together’, with Kruze and the acclaimed Mt Barney Lodge guides hosting the walks, fireside talks and ensuring a memorable and experience-rich stay at Mount Barney Lodge, acclaimed as an advanced ecotourism retreat.

Kruze’s ties to the area and the mountain run deep. He is descended from the Ugarapul people on his grandfather’s side and the Bidjara people on his grandmother’s side. He was very close to his grandfather (Uncle John) and because of this he began to understand the importance of the physical, emotional and spiritual connection to country. His thirst for knowledge and his deepening connection to his indigenous heritage led to the Yarriba Dreaming partnership.

His depth of cultural knowledge and connection to country is shared with Yarriba Dreaming visitors, providing a truly unique experience, while walking on one of the most beautiful places on earth.

About the area: Just on two hours from Brisbane and Gold Coast airports, the distinctive peaks of Mount Barney, Mount Maroon, Mount May, Mount Lindesay, Mount Ernest, Mount Ballow and Mount Clunie make up Mount Barney National Park, the remains of the ancient Focal Peak Shield Volcano which erupted 24 million years ago. The mountains and valleys around Mount Barney are the traditional homes of the Mununjali, Githabul and Yugambeh people. Driving from either metropolitan base takes people into the magnificent Scenic Rim region.

MOUNT BARNEY LODGE and YARRIBA DREAMING

1093 Upper Logan Rd, Mt Barney, Queensland
Ph: (07) 5544 3233 or email info@mtbarneylodge.com.au
Website HERE

What Guests Say About Yarriba Dreaming:

• The morning spent with our host and guide gave us valuable insights, connections and an appreciation of respect for nature.
• The highlight for myself and others was absolutely the First Nations tour! I could talk positively about this for days!
• This trip was incredible! The walks were so enjoyable and full of wildlife - we saw Catbirds, wallabies, Lyrebirds and even a friendly Python, across beautiful trails that are easy to walk while taking it all in! This trip is the perfect opportunity to experience the Scenic Rim on a variety of trails and activities that teach you tonnes about the area and First Nations. Truly an iconic, beautiful experience that I would recommend to anyone!
• Yarriba Dreaming was fascinating and I learned so much that morning.
• The cultural morning with Innes and Cruze was fantastic. We learnt so much.
• Loved Yarriba Dreaming - very informative and inspiring.

* Kath Rose at kath@kathrose.com