A transformative new tourism experience is taking shape in Tropical North Queensland, with construction now underway on the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub—a cultural centre set to celebrate one of the world’s oldest living cultures in one of the planet’s most stunning natural settings.
Nestled in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland and the iconic Daintree National Park (CYPAL), the $3.76 million project is a collaboration between Traditional Owners, the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).
A Space to Celebrate Culture and Country
Funded jointly by the State and Federal Governments—with $3.5 million from the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund and $260,000 from the Queensland Government—the cultural hub is due for completion by December 2025.
The centre will serve as a vibrant meeting place where Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra culture comes to life through dance, art, ceremonies, guided tours, and immersive displays. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to engage directly with Traditional Owners and gain a deeper appreciation of their spiritual connection to land and sea.
A Milestone for First Nations Tourism
Queensland’s Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, described the project as a gateway to cultural discovery:
“Positioned in the iconic Daintree National Park, the hub will serve as a gateway for interstate and international visitors to connect with the stories, knowledge, and deep spiritual connection the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people have with the land and sea.”
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Fiona Simpson, added that the project marks a significant step forward in supporting First Nations tourism:
“The cultural centre is expected to become a key drawcard for the Daintree and Tropical Far North Queensland, enhancing the visitor experience while supporting the local economy.”
Community-Led, Country-Driven
According to Craig Carttling, Tourism Facilitator at the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji community is already a national leader in First Nations tourism:
“This centre, together with our new tour company Yalada Tours, will allow visitors to see the world’s oldest rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef through the eyes of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, and experience a cultural legacy that stretches back 65,000 years.”
The Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub is not just a place—it’s a powerful step toward cultural preservation, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism in one of Australia’s most cherished landscapes.
