A new First Nations visitor centre has opened in the Daintree Rainforest as part of a $4.8 million tourism hub supporting ecotourism growth on Eastern Kuku Yalanji Country.
The visitor centre marks the first stage of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub, which has been developed to support tourism in Cape Tribulation and the Daintree.
Designed to reflect the natural beauty of the rainforest, the centre celebrates the culture of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people and will share their stories with visitors to the region.
The centre is operated by the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation.
Eastern Kuku Yalanji chair Laurel Denman described the opening as an important milestone for Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.
"To finally have an Indigenous owned tourism business based on Eastern Kuku Yalanji Country, led by EKY Bama and extending north of the Daintree River is something we are very proud of," Ms Denman said.
"We would not be here without the strong support and the trusted relationships we have built with our partners over the years, including the Australian and Queensland Governments and many others we have worked alongside.
"Most importantly, this centre reflects the vision of our EKY Bama. Their cultural knowledge and understanding of Country will guide the success of this venture into the future."
The project has been framed as a way to strengthen visitor experiences while placing Eastern Kuku Yalanji culture at the centre of tourism in the Daintree.
Federal Minister for the Environment Murray Watt described the centre as a way to share the cultural significance of the Daintree with visitors.
"The Daintree is a World Heritage-listed site and one of Queensland's most stunning natural landscapes, and the new visitor centre will showcase the stories and traditions of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people who have cared for the region for thousands of years," Mr Watt said.
Queensland Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the completion of the project would improve the visitor experience at Cape Tribulation.
"As the world's oldest living rainforest, visitors to Cape Tribulation will enjoy an immersive experience like no other, and this is what true ecotourism is about," Mr Powell said.
