Cairns: Three-Hour Guided Eco Cruise with Mandingalbay Indigenous Experience
Embark on an intimate journey with Traditional Owners from the Mandingalbay clan of the Yidinji nation on a guided eco river cruise across the stunning waters of the Cairns Harbour. Be greeted with a traditional ceremony, sail through Hills Creek’s mangrove-lined waters and try your luck spotting saltwater crocodiles. You’ll have exclusive access to an Indigenous Protected Reserve, teeming with fauna and Aboriginal stories. Your knowledgeable Indigenous Guides will share insights into native foods and bush medicines, allowing you a glimpse into the rich culture of the Yidinji nation.
Inclusions
- Valid for one child (5–16), one adult (17+), or one family (two adults + two children)
- Three-hour guided eco river cruise with Mandingalbay indigenous experience
- Exclusive access to an Indigenous Protected Reserve
- Mandingalbay Yidinji traditional welcome either through smoke or marking the face with traditional paint
- Bus tour through the mangroves, wetlands, and market gardens
- Guided Mayi Bugan Rainforest Trail – discover bush foods, tools, and medicine as well as sites of cultural significance
- Morning tea with local fruits
- Return transfer by vessel to Cairns Marlin Marina
- Available selected days (see Booking Calendar): Departs 9am; returns 12pm (please note return times are approximate)
- Departure point: Finger Wharf C, Cairns Marlin Marina (may be subject to change)
- Bookings valid to 8 December 2025
Pricing & availability
1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Things to know
Things don’t always work out, so enjoy peace of mind knowing that the following cancellation options are available to you.
- From 1 day before your chosen date, onwards - Non-refundable
- Up to 7 days after purchase (and at least 1 day before your chosen date) - 100%
- Cancellations made more than 24 hours before tour departure date: no cancellation fees apply
- Cancellations within 24 hours of tour departure date, late arrivals and no-shows: 100% cancellation fee applies
Changes to Booking
24 hours’ notice is required to change a booking you have made
- Sturdy, covered flat footwear for a short bush walk
- Wear comfortable clothing like light, long-sleeve shirts and pants or skirts
- Water bottle (non-plastic only)
- Hat, sunscreen, personal insect repellant
- Poncho or light waterproofs (in case of rain)
- Camera
Selected days
Availability:
- Available selected days (see Booking Calendar): Departs 9am; returns 12pm (please note return times are approximate)
- Not valid: 25 December and 1 January
- Meeting Point: Mooz Gelato and Juice Bar – Marina Point, 5/2 Pier Point Rd, Cairns (look out for an A-Frame sign in front of the cafe)
- Departure point: Finger Wharf C, Cairns Marlin Marina (may be subject to change)
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your start time
- Bookings valid to 8 December 2025
Important:
- Exclusions: Additional food and drinks not mentioned above, hotel transfers
- Please allow up to three hours for this experience, including travel time
- Concession rates are valid for holders of an Australian Concession card or student card that must be presented at check-in
- Biting insects can occur at forested sites throughout the tour. Wearing light, long sleeve shirts and pants or skirts as well as bringing along personal insect repellent is highly recommended
- Morning tea is included
- For guests with mobility issues, Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours will need to contact the guest or their carer a day prior to the travel date, to make arrangements
- Between December and April, be prepared for wet weather. You may wish to pack a light umbrella, poncho or wear light waterproof jacket, closed in shoes with grip on wet rocks and surfaces
Terms & Conditions:
- Smoking is not permitted inside the vessel or vehicles
- Itinerary is subject to change depending on availability, weather and road conditions
- Days of extreme weather may result in the cancellation of the tour, in which case you will be contacted by the Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours reservations team, and given the choice of re-scheduling your tour to another date, or a full refund
- Children must be a minimum of 5 years old to participate
- Children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a supervising adult guardian or parent. If children are taken onboard, the adult guardian passenger shall be fully responsible for their conduct and entertainment and no crew shall be held responsible for their conduct or entertainment
Please Note:
- Bookings for this offer are limited and subject to availability. Not valid with any other offer
- Entire value must be used in one visit; any unused portions will be forfeited, and cannot be used at a later date
Important:
- The destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your visit
- We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions are located on the terms and conditions page of our website
Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours
Recognized as custodians since 2006, Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours is 100% owned and operated by MYAC and offers visitors a chance to explore ancient lands with cultural significance. The Mandingalbay Yidinji people, Traditional Owners of land and sea Country, have thrived near the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest for millennia.