Sisters are doing it for themselves in Tropical North Queensland

Joanne (34), Leeann (30) and Brenda Mundraby (27) currently lead groups of Australian and International visitors on the Hands-on Country Eco Tour to East Trinity, Cairns. 

Working with the Indigenous owned and operated Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous tours in Cairns,  the trio are playing a crucial role in promoting sustainable, responsible and community-based tourism on their traditional lands.  All three are new to tourism and have worked hard to build their confidence to be able to share their culture in front of groups of people. As Indigenous Tour Guides, they have become powerful cultural ambassadors for Mandingalbay Yidinji people. 

Commenting, Joanne Mundraby said: “I love that our guests are wanting to come to us and learn about our culture and we’re able to create that safe space for them to ask questions.” 

Leeann Mundraby added: “It means the world to work on country, as it makes me feel close to the old people and connected to them. My hope is that the younger generation will dive into this as they too can learn so much. They’ll have the beautiful opportunities we have been blessed to have."

For Brenda Mundraby, working on country is about the next generation: “I get to keep my culture alive and pass it  down to my children. Once I’m on country, my worries go away. With some guests, we feel a personal connection to them right away and I feel that by  coming on to our country with us, in some way heals them too." 

Operations Manager (and the sisters' uncle), Dale Mundraby, sees a bright future for the three sisters:  “Our people are our business and we believe that Indigenous tourism is reconciliation in action, with the interactions and conversations with our guests bringing about greater understanding of our culture and our people’s history.” 

Travelling in small groups that are fully hosted by Traditional Owners from the Mandingalbay clan of the Yidinji Nation, visitors will discover a stunning wetland environment that is only 10 minutes by boat from Cairns Harbour. Passing mangrove forests, and with the possibility of seeing crocodiles at low tide, these tours give guests exclusive access to an Indigenous Protected Reserve, which is an environment full of fish, birdlife and of course myriad stories.

There are currently two tours offered by recently-launched Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous tours: Hands On Country Eco Tour (AUD149/GBP77 per person) and Deadly After Dark Sunset Cruise (from AUD99/GBP51 per person). Private charters are also available. All are trade bookable.