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Study Tours

Join us for one of our study tours to explore more of what Cairns and surrounding areas have to offer. Each tour has been designed by local planners to showcase the Cairns region. 

Tours have strictly limited numbers – first in best dressed – so be sure to secure your spot early. If tours are SOLD OUT, you will be placed on a waitlist.

Please note these are not included in the full registration fee and are available as optional add-ons.

Wednesday 16 September, 10.30am - 2.30pm
Study Tour 1
Hands on Country Eco Tour

 

Study tour 1 departs from the Cairns Marina at 10:30, and a short cruise through Trinity Inlet brings the group up Hills Creek which is lined with mangrove forests.  Depending on tide times, there will be the chance to see the estuarine crocodiles that inhabit the area.  The tour gives access to an Indigenous Protected Reserve, one of only 82 in Australia.  This is an environment full of fish and bird life, a rejuvenated tropical landscape.  
 
Upon arrival, we will hear from Helen Tait and Dewayne Mundraby on their land use planning undertaken to date and challenges they have faced in advancing Mandingalbay Yidinji People’s ambitions.    

  • Helen Tait, Executive Officer Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate (GMYPPBC)
  • Dewayne Mundraby, Economic Development Manager Mandingalbay Yidinji Eco Cultural Tourism Infrastructure Project and Chairperson for the Gunggandji Mandingalbay Yidinji People PBC (GMYPPBC)

Following this, a short bus ride takes the group to a working Indigenous Ranger base from where the Mayi Bugan Rainforest Trail begins.  The walk is led by Indigenous Guides to discover native foods and bush medicines, as well as ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artefacts. Enjoy light refreshments surrounded by the sounds of nature before returning to the Cairns Marina by 2:30pm.  

Departure and Return point: Cairns Marina
What to bring: Sturdy covered flat footwear, sun protection (a hat and sunscreen) and water.
Ticket: $195

Register for Study Tour 1

 

Study Tour Partner:

Wednesday 16 September, 10.30am - 2.30pm
Study Tour 2
Saltwater Creek Catchment Resilience and Adaption

 

This is a bus tour from 10:30am to 2:30pm, departing from and returning to the Pullman Cairns International.  
 
The Saltwater Creek Catchment is a vital natural system made up of three main waterways which flow through urban areas of Cairns: Saltwater Creek, Lily Creek, and Hamliffe Creek.
 
This catchment is home to diverse ecosystems including mangroves, wetlands, and riparian corridors that provide essential environmental services such as water filtration, flood mitigation, and habitat for wildlife. It also holds deep cultural significance for the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji peoples, whose connection to Country spans thousands of years.
 
Over time, the catchment has been modified through channelling, concrete-lined drainage, and flow realignment. Situated within a growing urban area, its health faces increasing pressures from development, flooding, pollution, heat, and climate change. With landscapes ranging from hillside forests to low-lying wetlands, protecting this unique system is critical for both nature and community.  The Saltwater Creek Catchment Resilience Master Plan and Local Implementation Plan establishes a long-term vision for the catchment while identifying actions to enhance its health, function and resilience. The Master Plan has been developed in close collaboration with key stakeholders who live and work in the catchment.  
 
This study tour will visit a number of locations including Centenary Lakes and a revegetation site along Lily Creek.  Lunch will be provided at The Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove Boardwalk.
 
In addition to hearing from Sri Leach, Sustainability Officer Cairns Regional Council about the Saltwater Creek Catchment Resilience Master Plan, information will be shared from:
 

  • Phil Laycock, Cairns Chapter President of OzFish and project manager, about revegetation projects that have been undertaken.
  • Ellen Buttrose, City Architect Cairns Regional Council about the Cairns City Precincts Urban Regeneration Project.
  • Lucy Friend, Environment Manager Cairns Airport to speak on the Blue Carbon project issues with the Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove Boardwalk as well as other adaption planning.
  • A speaker from Ports North, TBC, on adaptation planning.   
  • Additional speakers to be confirmed

Departure and Return point: Pullman Cairns International 
What to bring: Sturdy covered flat footwear, sun protection (a hat and sunscreen), insect repellent and water
Ticket: $60

Register for Study Tour 2

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