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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.

Indigenous Documents

View & Download

TNQ FNTAP

Tropical North Queensland First Nations Tourism Action Plan 2023

View & Download

Northern Peninsula Area Tourism Guide

The Northern Peninsula Area, which is the very top section of Cape York Peninsula has published a very comprehensive guide to the region, including some great information on the Traditional Owners and their language groups as well as visitor information.

View & Download

Cape York Tourism Guide

Cape York Peninsula is a region of ancient and continuing cultural landscapes, with countless culturally significant places. Over 50% of the region is privately owned and managed by Traditional Owners. While you’re on Country, the Traditional Owners want you to be safe, so please respect the people and the land as you explore.

View & download

Deeper Into Dreaming

Discover the reef, rainforest and everything in between with Indigenous experiences.

View & Download

Cultural Protocols

Cultural Protocols – A guide to engaging.

View & Download

Larrakia Declaration

Larrakia Declaration on the development of Indigenous tourism.

View

Dual naming resource

A guide for industry to assist when using duel naming.

#ExploreTNQ

tropicalnorthqueensland

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate #RexSmealPark? Drop your score below. 👇 We would give it a 10… obviously...🌴

📸 IG/kel.and.dyl

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @portdouglasdaintree #portdouglasdaintree

ID A park with lush green grass stretches toward the waterfront, framed by tall, evenly spaced palm trees. In the background, a calm body of water reflects the sky, with distant mountains and a tree-covered shoreline.

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On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate #RexSmealPark? Drop your score below. 👇 We would give it a 10… obviously...🌴 📸 IG/kel.and.dyl #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @portdouglasdaintree #portdouglasdaintree ID A park with lush green grass stretches toward the waterfront, framed by tall, evenly spaced palm trees. In the background, a calm body of water reflects the sky, with distant mountains and a tree-covered shoreline.

tropicalnorthqueensland

No snorkel? No worries! A glass-bottom boat tour lets you see the #GreatBarrierReef without getting wet. Who’s up for an underwater adventure but above water 😉?

🎥 @sunloverreefcruises

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia

ID The video opens with on-screen text that reads “Have you ever been on a glass-bottom boat tour?”. The footage then shows a glass-bottom boat floating over the Great Barrier Reef, with coral formations below. The perspective shifts between above-water shots of the boat and views through the glass panels, where tropical fish and marine life can be seen swimming beneath.

Open
No snorkel? No worries! A glass-bottom boat tour lets you see the #GreatBarrierReef without getting wet. Who’s up for an underwater adventure but above water 😉? 🎥 @sunloverreefcruises #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia ID The video opens with on-screen text that reads “Have you ever been on a glass-bottom boat tour?”. The footage then shows a glass-bottom boat floating over the Great Barrier Reef, with coral formations below. The perspective shifts between above-water shots of the boat and views through the glass panels, where tropical fish and marine life can be seen swimming beneath.

tropicalnorthqueensland

Journey through #Mareeba along the historic Wheelbarrow Way to discover #Chillagoe, a hidden outback gem filled with ancient limestone caves, rich mining history and landscapes that take your breath away. Have you heard of it? Time to add this “secret” to your TNQ bucket list.

Planning a trip? @visitmareebashire offers a 2-day
Wheelbarrow Way itinerary and all the tips you need to make the most of your adventure.

🎥 @overlandtravellers

ID Aerial and ground footage showcasing Chillagoe’s outback landscapes, ancient limestone formations and scenic walking trails. Clips feature a couple exploring caves, hiking throughthe rocky terrain and enjoying sunset views among towering limestone pillars. Text overlays highlight Chillagoe as one of TNQ’s best-kept secrets.

#exploretnq #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #australia @queensland @australia

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Journey through #Mareeba along the historic Wheelbarrow Way to discover #Chillagoe, a hidden outback gem filled with ancient limestone caves, rich mining history and landscapes that take your breath away. Have you heard of it? Time to add this “secret” to your TNQ bucket list. Planning a trip? @visitmareebashire offers a 2-day Wheelbarrow Way itinerary and all the tips you need to make the most of your adventure. 🎥 @overlandtravellers ID Aerial and ground footage showcasing Chillagoe’s outback landscapes, ancient limestone formations and scenic walking trails. Clips feature a couple exploring caves, hiking throughthe rocky terrain and enjoying sunset views among towering limestone pillars. Text overlays highlight Chillagoe as one of TNQ’s best-kept secrets. #exploretnq #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #australia @queensland @australia

tropicalnorthqueensland

If paradise had a waterfall, this would be it. #ZoeFalls on #HinchinbrookIsland is the ultimate reward for those who make the trek offering up the ultimate freshwater experience. Who’s taken the plunge here? 👇 #HinchinbrookIsland #zoefalls

📸 IG/markfitz

ID A half-underwater, half-above-water shot of a woman standing in a clear pool at the base of a waterfall. Below the water, small fish swim among smooth rocks. Above the water, a cascade flows down dark, rocky cliffs surrounded by green rainforest.

Open
If paradise had a waterfall, this would be it. #ZoeFalls on #HinchinbrookIsland is the ultimate reward for those who make the trek offering up the ultimate freshwater experience. Who’s taken the plunge here? 👇 #HinchinbrookIsland #zoefalls 📸 IG/markfitz ID A half-underwater, half-above-water shot of a woman standing in a clear pool at the base of a waterfall. Below the water, small fish swim among smooth rocks. Above the water, a cascade flows down dark, rocky cliffs surrounded by green rainforest.

tropicalnorthqueensland

Monday mood? ➡️ Wishing you were here instead… 🌴 #MissionBeach

🎥 @_markfitz

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia missionbeachqld

ID Aerial drone shot featuring a long stretch of beach with golden sand palm trees.

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Monday mood? ➡️ Wishing you were here instead… 🌴 #MissionBeach 🎥 @_markfitz #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia missionbeachqld ID Aerial drone shot featuring a long stretch of beach with golden sand palm trees.

tropicalnorthqueensland

Ever peered into the depths of Mt Hypipamee Crater on the @athertontablelands? 🤯 This volcanic pipe is just one of many geological marvels of this region. Who’s visited?

🎥 @jessadventuresaus

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia #athertontablelands

ID A deep, cylindrical crater with sheer rock walls drops dramatically into a still, green pool far below. The surrounding landscape is dense with rainforest, with trees lining the rim of the crater.

Open
Ever peered into the depths of Mt Hypipamee Crater on the @athertontablelands? 🤯 This volcanic pipe is just one of many geological marvels of this region. Who’s visited? 🎥 @jessadventuresaus #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia #athertontablelands ID A deep, cylindrical crater with sheer rock walls drops dramatically into a still, green pool far below. The surrounding landscape is dense with rainforest, with trees lining the rim of the crater.

tropicalnorthqueensland

Two historical landmarks captured in one beautiful image – can you name them? 🤔 (Answer at the end!)

📸 @amys.camera.lens

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @australia @queensland @portdouglasdaintree

A small white church sits among tall palm trees near a sandy shoreline. Behind it, the ocean stretches to the horizon with a wooden pier on one side and distant mountains in the background.

⚓ Port Douglas Sugar Wharf
⛪ St Mary’s by the Sea

Open
Two historical landmarks captured in one beautiful image – can you name them? 🤔 (Answer at the end!) 📸 @amys.camera.lens #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @australia @queensland @portdouglasdaintree A small white church sits among tall palm trees near a sandy shoreline. Behind it, the ocean stretches to the horizon with a wooden pier on one side and distant mountains in the background. ⚓ Port Douglas Sugar Wharf ⛪ St Mary’s by the Sea

tropicalnorthqueensland

Every day is an adventure in @TropicalNorthQueensland. ☀️ And if you need a little inspo, here are 8 experiences that made 🎥 @kellerdiaries` list.

🚂 Take a scenic ride through the rainforest on the @kurandascenicrailway.
🐎 Gallop along the beach between two World Heritage sites with @capetribhorserides.
🛥️ Cruise to Mackay Coral Cay for pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
🍍 Hunt for hidden gems and fresh local produce at the Port Douglas Markets.
🍇 Indulge in a delicious road trip through the @athertontablelands’ foodie trail.
🏝️ Spend a sun-soaked day exploring @fitzroyisland.
🤿 Snorkel the @gbrmarinepark and meet its incredible marine life.
🌴 Chase waterfalls and secret swimming spots in @portdouglasdaintree.

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia

ID Text over video reads “8 must-see places in Tropical North Queensland” followed by a series of videos showing a train travelling through a rainforest, people riding horses along a sandy shoreline, people standing on a white sand cay in the ocean, an outdoor market filled with people and stalls, a person admiring views from a lookout beneath a tree, a white sand beach with bright blue water, colourful coral underwater and a person jumping into a rainforest waterhole.

Open
Every day is an adventure in @TropicalNorthQueensland. ☀️ And if you need a little inspo, here are 8 experiences that made 🎥 @kellerdiaries' list. 🚂 Take a scenic ride through the rainforest on the @kurandascenicrailway. 🐎 Gallop along the beach between two World Heritage sites with @capetribhorserides. 🛥️ Cruise to Mackay Coral Cay for pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. 🍍 Hunt for hidden gems and fresh local produce at the Port Douglas Markets. 🍇 Indulge in a delicious road trip through the @athertontablelands’ foodie trail. 🏝️ Spend a sun-soaked day exploring @fitzroyisland. 🤿 Snorkel the @gbrmarinepark and meet its incredible marine life. 🌴 Chase waterfalls and secret swimming spots in @portdouglasdaintree. #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia ID Text over video reads “8 must-see places in Tropical North Queensland” followed by a series of videos showing a train travelling through a rainforest, people riding horses along a sandy shoreline, people standing on a white sand cay in the ocean, an outdoor market filled with people and stalls, a person admiring views from a lookout beneath a tree, a white sand beach with bright blue water, colourful coral underwater and a person jumping into a rainforest waterhole.

tropicalnorthqueensland

Heaven IS a place on Earth… and it looks a lot like this 💙. #LizardIsland is serving up some pretty spectacular views so, who’s coming with you? 🏝️

🎥 @lizardisland

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @cooktowntnq

ID Aerial and close-up shots of the landscapes of Lizard Island, featuring crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life.

Open
Heaven IS a place on Earth… and it looks a lot like this 💙. #LizardIsland is serving up some pretty spectacular views so, who’s coming with you? 🏝️ 🎥 @lizardisland #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @cooktowntnq ID Aerial and close-up shots of the landscapes of Lizard Island, featuring crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life.

tropicalnorthqueensland

OMG, Is that a baby dragon? Meet the newest additions to the @WildlifeHabitat - Wilma and Whiplash’s tiny but mighty Boyd’s Forest Dragons. After months of careful incubation, they have finally hatched. Who else thinks they need names? 👇

🎥 @wildlifehabitat

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @portdouglasdaintree

ID A Wildlife Habitat keeper introduces newly hatched Boyd’s Forest Dragons, explaining the incubation process. The video shows gloved hands gently handling tiny eggs and placing baby dragons in an incubation container. The scene shifts to their parents, Wilma and Whiplash, perched in their enclosure. The keeper describes the careful temperature and humidity control needed for hatching.

Open
OMG, Is that a baby dragon? Meet the newest additions to the @WildlifeHabitat - Wilma and Whiplash’s tiny but mighty Boyd’s Forest Dragons. After months of careful incubation, they have finally hatched. Who else thinks they need names? 👇 🎥 @wildlifehabitat #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @portdouglasdaintree ID A Wildlife Habitat keeper introduces newly hatched Boyd’s Forest Dragons, explaining the incubation process. The video shows gloved hands gently handling tiny eggs and placing baby dragons in an incubation container. The scene shifts to their parents, Wilma and Whiplash, perched in their enclosure. The keeper describes the careful temperature and humidity control needed for hatching.