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
TNQ FNTAP
Tropical North Queensland First Nations Tourism Action Plan 2023
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.
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.
Deeper Into Dreaming
Discover the reef, rainforest and everything in between with Indigenous experiences.
Cultural Protocols
Cultural Protocols – A guide to engaging.
Larrakia Declaration
Larrakia Declaration on the development of Indigenous tourism.
Dual naming resource
A guide for industry to assist when using duel naming.
#ExploreTNQ
🔆 Max your vaycay days and check out our top tricks to turn 2025 public holidays into @tropicalnorthqueensland adventures! 🌴🐢
From island getaways to outback road trips, we have you covered 🫶🏼
#ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #ThisIsQueensland #SeeAustralia
The only appropriate time to say “Hey, look at those Boobies!” 👀 🐦 is on #WillisIsland
Our seabird friends, the Booby, really know how to steal the spotlight with their bright feet and quirky moves 🕺💜
Birdwatching is at its best in @tropicalnorthqueensland
📷 @jasminewildlife
#ExploreCairnsGBR #ExploreTNQ #ThisIsQueensland #SeeAustralia
[ID: Booby bird walking along the beach]
📌 Save for your ultimate @australia bucket list 🌴
An epic day trip from Cairns! @thalabeach Nature Reserve is only an hours drive north towards @portdouglasdaintree
⚠ Remember to watch out for falling coconuts! 🥥🤍
📷 @zac_and_tay
#ExploreCairnsGBR #ExploreTNQ #ThisIsQueensland #seeaustralia
[ID: Three images showcasing Thala Beach Nature Reserve, which is a field of bright green palm trees, perfectly planted in rows along a winding road, nestled beneath the mountains]
From reef to runway, @cairnsfashionweek has landed in the heart of the tropics 🪸👠
Six days of cutting-edge fashion, set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef, where breathtaking landscapes and bold styles collide. See you on the catwalk! Book your tickets now – Ends Sunday!
#ExploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
[ID: Behind-the-scenes footage of Cairns Fashion Week, featuring interviews with models and designers, alongside runway highlights.]
The greatest LOVE STORY is happening on the Great Barrier Reef right now ❤️
Trillions of coral eggs and sperm unite in an underwater snowstorm, setting the stage for the ultimate (coral) baby boom 🪸✨ AKA: Coral Spawning
And this year, it’s getting a helping hand! A team from @australianmarinescience is training Cairns and @portdouglasdaintree marine industries in the cutting-edge Coral IVF technique. These tiny bundles of life will then be planted on reefs affected by bleaching 🩵🐠
With Coral IVF boosting fertilisation success rates by 100 times, the program is supporting the future of our @gbrmarinepark
#ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #ThisIsQueensland #SeeAustralia
[ID Video showcasing coral spawning taking place on the Great Barrier Reef, which looks like a beautiful snowstorm of coral eggs and sperm uniting]
Galloping into the week like…
The views are better on horseback in the #DaintreeRainforest 💚 Join @capetribhorserides to ride beneath the rainforest canopy and into the clear blue shallows of @portdouglasdaintree #CapeTribulation
🎥 @australia
#ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #ComeAndSayGday #ThisIsQueensland
[ID: Text over video reads “POV: Exploring the Daintree Rainforest on horseback” over a montage of videos showing a group of people riding horses in a line through lush green rainforest, over streams and across a flat, sandy shoreline.]
While the quokka’s adorable @westernaustralia - your bucket list mammal should definitely be the Mareeba Rock Wallaby!
These little legends, have specialised feet and tails for their environment, and are known for their ability to leap and scale steep rock faces 🪨 🍃
You can see them in their natural habitat at Granite Gorge Nature Park @visitmareebashire
#ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #ThisIsQueensland #SeeAustralia
[ID: Close up photo of Mareeba Rock Wallabies, coming up to visitors to say hello and get their picture taken]
Meet you for a @portdouglasdaintree sunrise? 🌴🩷
Early mornings, salty air and sunrises that take your breath away - there’s no better start!
🎥 @kellerdiaries
#ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #ThisIsQueensland #SeeAustralia
[ID: A point of view video of someone running to catch a pastel pink and purple sunrise in Port Douglas.]
If magic is what you’re longing for, then it’s time to visit @mossmangorge in @portdouglasdaintree 💚 Hailed for its sparkling streams, cascading waterfalls & stunning rainforests, this breathtaking gorge holds more secrets than you could ever imagine 🌴 Not only will you find amazing art, great food & an incredible gorge 🦋 But you can learn all about the Kuku Yalanji people & their connection to the land 👣🌿✨
📸 @zac_and_tay #ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #ThisIsQueensland #SeeAustralia
[ID: Image of three people relaxing in the clear green waters of Mossman Gorge, surrounded by dense rainforest. Large rocks line the riverbank, and the lush foliage creates a tranquil, untouched atmosphere.]
This coral nursery is a part of the @coralnurtureprogram, which helps restore coral reefs on the @gbrmarinepark. By growing and replanting corals, they enhance the natural recovery of reefs, helping these ecosystems thrive for generations 🪸🩵🐠
🎥 @tahnmiller
#ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #ThisIsQueensland #SeeAustralia
[ID: Footage from within a coral nursey on the Great Barrier Reef. Looking up through the coral with colourful fish swimming all around. The video is accompanied by text overlay “POV: You’re coral in a nursery on the Great Barrier Reef.”]
