Indigenous Queensland
Aboriginal people have inhabited Australia for at least 40,000 years and make up around 2.4 per cent of the current population. Aboriginal culture is a huge part of Australian’s identity and Queensland is home to one of the very best venues to sample the dance and art that is unique to the Aboriginal people.
Situated on land owned by the Tjapukai people at Caravonica, north of Cairns, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is a $9 million enterprise, designed to showcase Aboriginal culture from the beginning of time into the future.
This park gives a well-rounded view of all aspects of indigenous history. It combines the latest in theatrics, technology and interactive activities with local Aborigines’ traditional culture and customs.
One of the major problems Aborigines face today is a lack of employment and this park was partly set up to combat this. With 85 of the 100 workers Aboriginal, there is a strong sense of pride and achievement in the park at the accomplishment of being the single biggest private employer of indigenous people in Australia.
The great thing about Tjapukai is that you don’t simply admire rock carvings and walk around the wildlife. It is truly interactive so you can really get into the experience. Don the war paint, throw a spear as the first hunter gatherers did and immerse yourself in the culture.
There is an old Aboriginal saying “only in the darkness can we see the light.” It is from this saying that the best part of Tjapukai comes to life. Tjapukai by night is a powerful experience. An actor invites you to take part in an interactive corroboree (indigenous spiritual ritual), you are then given tap sticks until the whole thing climaxes in the ceremonial making of a fire.
After the corroboree, you can sit back and relax as the Tjapukai take the stage and showcase indigenous culture with their inimitable blend of theatre and black humour.
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