Page 82 - Port Douglas Magazine 36

The Laura Quinkan Dance Festival is guaranteed to saturate your senses... didgeridoo, try some weaving or even sing and dance along to the occasional
jam session that happens under the big tent.
It’s a three-day celebration where the indigenous communities of Cape York
come together and share their rich culture and stories of the land through It’s an interesting crowd of people that attend the festival. Avid campers
dance and song. BUT understand this, the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival (often on their way to or from Cape York), young families, the grey nomads,
is not refined, shortened, or watered down to suit tourists’ sensibilities. It’s backpackers, hippies plus of course all the indigenous people from the nearby
the REAL THING. Its Indigenous community pitted against Indigenous communities. But this mix seems to work well. While the days are filled with
community. For them it’s an opportunity to involve all ages from lil’ ones the traditional owners of the land performing, the nights are filled with the
to the elders, to compete and hopefully take home a coveted shield back to audience having their opportunity to get up and dance. Bands such as Mau
their mob. Power, Zenith and Yothu Yindi took to the stage at the last festival and on
Of course, it’s not all about the final night you could see an eclectic mix of people dancing together in a
friendly ‘mosh pit’.
“ACCOMPANIED BY winning for the communities.
THE RHYTHM OF THE It’s more than that. Not only The journey to Laura is itself an adventure. From Port Douglas it’s a three-
do they get to showcase and hour drive along (thankfully) a sealed highway, with a smattering of pubs
DIDGERIDOO, CLAP
celebrate their culture and and roadhouses along the way. Don’t forget to pull in at Bob’s lookout along
STICKS AND CHANTING,
songlines, through dance and the Mulligan Highway to get great views and a lay of the land that you’re
EACH DANCE TROUPE their art, but they also gain driving through.
PERFORMS CENTRE- recognition from their peers.
There is limited accommodation in Laura itself, but the Laura Festival is
STAGE ON A DUSTY Accompanied by the rhythm really set up as a three day camping event for visitors. Camping is basic and
of the didgeridoo, clap sticks
AMPHITHEATRE amenities (such as showers and portaloos) are transported in to deal with
and chanting, each dance
“SURROUNDED BY AN the burgeoning number of people who descend to watch this unique festival
troupe performs centre-stage that is held biannually. Another option is Tent City which you can pre-book
AUDIENCE EAGER TO
on a dusty amphitheatre and basically it allows you to pretty much arrive empty handed in terms of
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE surrounded by an audience
your accommodation, perhaps more suited to the unseasoned bush campers
STORIES OF THEIR LAND.” eager to learn more about the among us. Further afield you have Cooktown which may serve up more
stories of their land.
comfort but the downside, it is a good one and half hour or so drive. For us
The dances take place on sacred Bora ground. Bora are ceremonial grounds bush camping was the go and we loved it, as you truly felt submersed in the
where local tribes traditionally gather for important ceremonies, which experiences of the Laura Quinkan Festival.
often includes dance. All ages get involved, from youngsters who can barely
Another gem close by is the UNESCO recognised Quinkan Rock Art
walk through to the elders in the community who lead the dances and sing
which is estimated to be between 15,000 to 30,000 years old. It is one of the
the stories, helping to pass down their traditions to the next generation.
oldest and largest Indigenous art galleries in the world and is rated as one of
Occasionally multiple dance groups enter the amphitheatre and the audience
the top 10 rock art sites.
is called upon to join in, learning how to shake a leg and rock the baby,
Interpretive tours with traditional owners are available. Rich in history, they
dependant on what sex you are.
are well worth taking the time out to visit while in the area. Split rock is
The Amphitheatre is part of the Festival Village, and nearby stands a large
both eerie and breathtaking. You can also take a self-guided walk around
canopy where people gather. Surrounding are food trucks, market stalls
Split Rock, but just remember to leave a donation.
- which sell genuine Aboriginal art straight from the communities (no
If you drive into Laura (15min north) you should also check out the
middleman here) - as well as an art gallery to browse in. This is also where
Quinkan Cultural Centre. Home to an interpretive display showcasing the
cultural workshops happen, where you can select, sand and paint your own
84 Port Douglas Travel Planner