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overall history of the area, it also covers a variety of aspects including Aboriginal GOOD THINGS TO KNOW
and non-Aboriginal heritage and the natural environment. You can also book
• The Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival first began in the
guided tours to the rock art sites at this centre.
1980s and it is believed to be the longest running Aboriginal
One thing you need to be aware of is that the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival is cultural festival in Australia.
a dry affair with NO ALCOHOL allowed in. Personally, I wasn’t sure how I was
• This is a dry event!
going to cope! For me, chilling and having a few coldies at the end of the day
• Take your chairs to the festival amphitheatre as early as
is all part of the camping adventure. But I must admit, it proved to work well
possible to nab a good spot!! Picnic blankets are a good ploy
- friction was non-existent and once the evening festivities were out of the way
if you want to sit right up front
pretty much everyone just crashed and burned.
• Whilst you are encouraged to be self-sufficient as far as food,
Over the course of our three days we witnessed the celebration of culture and
a variety of food trucks were on offer when we went and
appreciation of the history of the Laura Quinkin Dance Festival through and
some of them sold traditional fare too, so make sure you give
through. Educational, fun, it certainly was, and is one that should slide into your
your taste buds a go
travel bucket list of authentic experiences. An amazing weekend away and one
our whole family will not forget. • There’s a NGUMUMA TENT which is a safe & creative
space for babies and where caregivers can relax
The next Laura Quinkan Dance Festival will be held from Friday 7th July –
Sunday 9th July 2023 and I have no doubt will sell out quickly - you have been • There’s a river to swim in if you’re keen
warned. • There is disability parking, toilets and limited camping
available. Just remember though that the Festival grounds
are very remote and accessibility is limited.
lauraquinkanfestival.com.au
CAMPING TIP S
• Get there early to select a good camping site – fear not
though there is plenty of room to set up a great campsite.
• It’s wise to BYO toilet paper as the portaloos get very busy
…. and if you can pack a portaloo of your own that’s even
better!
• The road to Laura from Cairns is sealed all the way and the
journey takes an average of four hours, three hours from Port
Douglas
• There is no mobile data or reception in the area. You’ll need
to head north to the township of Laura.
• There’s opportunity to volunteer over the four days – just
Kate Richards is a Travel and Lifestyle Blogger.
contact the organisers
Mumma of two teens. Adventurer at heart.
• It’s worth checking out the acclaimed rock art of the Quinkan
Lover of Tropical North Queensland and the great outdoors!
country and the Quinkan Cultural Centre. A bus runs every
Follow her journey and inspiration at @adventuremumma
few hours too from the Festival to the Split Rock gallery.
PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 85