TNQ Indigenous Experiences Cluster

Tourism Tropical North Queensland facilitates the TNQ Indigenous Experiences Cluster Group where operators and stakeholders share knowledge and work together to build our Indigenous experience offerings. The group’s role, scope and guiding principles are here. To be included in group emails please email TTNQ.

Through the TNQ Indigenous Cluster Group a mentoring program was funded by the Department of Tourism Innovation and Sport in the Year of Indigenous Tourism to support 19 Indigenous tourism operators to grow their business. See some of their stories here. While the program is not ongoing, there are opportunities for Indigenous businesses to join TTNQ-led business mentoring program by being a part of the TTNQ operator network.

TNQ First Nations Tourism Action Plan

The Tropical North Queensland Indigenous Experiences Cluster Group, identified the need to develop a region-specific First Nations Tourism Action Plan for Tropical North Queensland (the Plan). A Steering Committee, starting with three nominees of the Cluster, was formed in May 2021 to oversee the development and implementation of the Plan. Over 30 regional workshops and consultations were undertaken in the development of the Plan in 2022, with over 300 stakeholders consulted. The findings of this work are summarised in the Consultation Report.

The Plan builds on local tourism plans and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan 2020-2025. The State-wide plan provides the framework for a strong future for Indigenous tourism in Queensland. QTIC has also produced the Best Practice Guide for Working with First Nations Tourism in Queensland.

The Cluster would like to thank and acknowledge the Queensland Government through the Year of Indigenous Tourism program, who provided the funding for the Plan, along with TTNQ who co-funded this important initiative. The Plan is now a ‘living document’ meaning that its actions and priorities are reviewed at each monthly Cluster meeting, and they changes can be made to the plan, in consultation with the Steering Committee and relevant agencies. Changes can be proposed at each Cluster meeting or by emailing TTNQ.

Acknowledgment:
The TNQ First Nations Tourism Action Plan is funded by the Queensland Government through the Year of Indigenous Tourism program, with support from Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

#ExploreTNQ

🚀 3…2…1… Forget about far-flung destinations; the world’s largest and most spectacular coral system awaits right here in Tropical North Queensland.

🎥 @abcsnorkelcharters

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@queensland  @australia  @portdouglasdaintree 

ID: This video captures an underwater tableau at the Great Barrier Reef, highlighting a lively coral ecosystem teeming with marine life, including a green sea turtle, a manta ray, assorted corals, and a diver exploring the depths.
☀️ 📣  Sun’s out, and it’s whitewater season. 

Did you know the #TullyRiver is considered one of the best white water rafting rivers in Australia, with over 45 rapids cutting through World Heritage-listed rainforest.

Who’s calling dibs on the next trip? 🌊🚣‍♂️

🎥: @ragingthunder 

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@queensland  @australia  @cassowarycoastaustralia 

ID: A group of rafters paddling a yellow inflatable raft through the rushing rapids of a river surrounded by dense, green rainforest. The video captures the energy and excitement of whitewater rafting in Tropical North Queensland.
When classical meets culture…this Father-Daughter duo from #JarramaliRockArtTours certainly know how to put on a performance, wouldn’t you agree? 🎻🪃. 

🎥 @jarramali_rock_art_tours 

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@queensland  @australia 

ID: A young girl playing the violin and an older man playing the didgeridoo stand on a rugged cliff overlooking a lush, tree-filled valley with distant rock formations. The scene captures a unique cultural exchange in the remote outback of Tropical North Queensland.
Friday plans? Sorted. Start your weekend right at @pachamamabycrystalbrook, the Mexican restaurant and bar at @crystalbrookbailey . Think sunset aperitifs, tapas and masterpieces on your plate. 🌅🌮🍹

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@queensland @australianopen 

ID: A video showcasing Pachamama, a Mexican restaurant and bar in Cairns. Features include a series of shots of colorful cocktails and authentic Mexican dishes, emphasising fresh ingredients and stylish decor. The setting includes large agave plants and decorative tiles, creating a lively dining atmosphere.
Fairies must exist because this place is magical 💚 🤎 Just 20 minute’s drive from Cairns’ CBD and you too could be dipping your toes in…

📍 Fairy Falls, Crystal Cascades
📸: @krystalsierra__

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@queensland @australia 

ID: A cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered rocks, with a person wading in the calm pool at the base of the falls.
Some moments don’t need words - just someone to share them with 🧡

🌅 #GoldenHour @fitzroyisland.

🎥 @jesswardphoto 

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@queensland @australia 

ID: A swing hanging from a tree on a sandy beach at sunset, with golden light illuminating the rocks and calm ocean waters in the background.
🌴 Cape York calling…

This is where wild meets wonder. This stunning piece of @queensland coastline is at the very tip of Australia. Bucket list places like this are meant to be experienced, not just admired. 📍 Save this post for your next adventure.

📸:@adventurossy 

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@queensland @australia @cooktowntnq 

ID: An aerial view of a river mouth meeting the ocean. The water is a bright turquoise colour weaving through white sandbanks and thick rainforest, with a striking contrast of red-hued rocks along the shoreline.
🌧️ Rainy days + the #DaintreeRainforest = the perfect excuse to take the plunge at #MasonsSwimmingHole. 🌴💦

🎥: @baxterbackpacks 

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@queensland  @australia  @portdouglasdaintree @destinationdaintree 

ID: A video showcasing Mason’s Swimming Hole in Cape Tribulation. The footage features a woman standing in clear water under light rain, surrounded by rainforest. A split-level shot highlights the underwater and surface view as raindrops ripple on the water.
Pause that scroll! #OpalReef is bringing you the ultimate ‘pinch me’ moment 😲 with glass out days and a playful pod of dolphins 🐬. Just when you thought the #GreatBarrierReef couldn’t get any more epic, nature turns it up a notch…

🎥 @tahnmiller and @wavelengthreefcruises 
 
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@queensland @australia @portdouglasdaintree 
 
ID: A playful pod of dolphins dances around a boat as it moves through the water, with passengers sitting at the bow watching on.
🌅🌴 Dawn Patrol Lineup: Grab your coffee and hit these sunrise hotspots.

▸ Palm Cove
▸ Four Mile Beach
▸ Cape Tribulation Beach
▸ Mission Beach
▸ Etty Bay
▸ Cardwell Beachfront

📍 Drop a pin and see the day wake up in @tropicalnorthqueensland .

📸 FB/ross.palm.9 ╰┈➤ @visitpalmcove #cairnsnorthernbeaches 

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@queensland @australia 

ID: Sunrise at Palm Cove, with tall palm trees framing a golden sky over the calm sea. Early morning beachgoers are visible in the distance, enjoying the peaceful start to the day. The scene captures the quintessential tropical charm of Cairns’ Northern Beaches