Page 82 - Port Douglas Magazine 29

THE FOOTSTEPS

OF

WALKERS

WORDS by Jeremy Lebeuf

I’m just here having some fun, but to the custodians of the area. There’s something very time learning ancient hunting techniques as Linc
Kubirri Warra clan this is how they provide for special about visiting a spectacular location with and his cousin Willie demonstrate by hitting the
their families every day. After a walk in their the people who know it best. The brothers quite coconut targets with ease. Looks simple, right?
sandy footsteps I’m left with a smile on my face literally take you off the beaten track as they share
Steely eyed, locked and loaded I launch the spear
and story in my heart. their family’s stories, traditional fishing methods
from my out stretched arm… falling from grace
and ways of the land.
We all know Port Douglas is brimming with it embarrassingly lands far from target, epic fail
wonders - the Great Barrier Reef, the oldest Before we get hands on with the row of bamboo after epic fail. My instincts are 100% wrong - it’s
living Daintree Rainforest – check and check… spears lined up on the beach, Linc heartily very apparent that spear throwing isn’t my forte
but were you aware of the rich history of its explains how for more than 40,000 years and if face to face with a punchy mud crab I will
Indigenous heritage from the land’s guardians, his ancestors have preserved and protected succumb to be its pin cushion.
the Kuku Yalanji people? this land and in turn nature always provided
Guided by Willie we venture off on our
and nourished. Surprise, surprise … by not
If you’re looking to check some serious culture walkabout. I’m gobsmacked by the vast beauty
off your bucket list then you need to mingle ransacking the life-giving resources and still of Cooya Beach - the shimmering sun reflecting
living in the ways of their descendants, they
with true locals the Kubirri Warra brothers, get a off the shallows of the low tide that goes for
have maintained a thriving healthy balance by
little native in their backyard following them on days, crusted coral popping out in the distance
only hunting and foraging what’s in season in a
a Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tour. and Port Douglas beyond that. Looking inland
sustainable manner. Seems legit.
I’m greeted to stunning Cooya Beach, located just I’m equally impressed by the dramatic range that
Class is in session when Linc playfully calls out makes up the Mossman Gorge, filled in with
a little north of Port Douglas by brothers Linc
and Brandon Walker who are the modern-day “grab a spear and get to work.” We spend some lush rainforest. Willie points out the hill crests
84 tourismportdouglas.com.au