I've lived on the Sunshine Coast for 16 years and have always enjoyed its beaches, rainforests and beaches, but the Saltwater Cultural Tour, provided a whole new level of knowledge, awareness and appreciation of the cultural heritage of the Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi lands and waterways of this region.
I can’t put into words how moved and humbled I was by the experience. We were welcomed by a Traditional Welcome to Country, and smoking ceremony. Auntie Bridget’s knowledge, charisma, and generosity provided us with stories, laughs and a whole new level of appreciation of the Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi people’s connection to land, water and culture. And the tour was a good reminder about how much we (settlers) have to learn. Simon's beautiful renovation of the boat and storytelling, the incredibly delicious, fresh and abundant food, and kind and friendly service were literally second to none. The whole experience was incredible.
It was also lovely having my family experience the tour and we recounted the stories we heard all the way home, committing them to memory. So good for children to hear/learn, and for Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi knowledge to be retained and shared.
I can't recommend this tour enough. Just beautiful.