Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours
Darriyay yilaaming (welcome) to Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours! Wajaana Yaam translates to ‘from this country’ in the local Gumbaynggirr language. We offer a 2.5 hour adventure paddle in Coffs Harbour’s Solitary Islands Marine Park on the NSW North Coast, home of the Bundi Barrway – Big Banana! Paddle with the direct descendants of the world’s first stand up paddlers and connect to land and sea through stories and language and collect and taste seasonal bush tucker. No fitness level or SUP/kayak experience is necessary to participate in our tours. Our qualified instructors provide a SUP lesson at the commencement of each tour in order to ensure a highly enjoyable and safe experience for all. By undertaking our tour you contribute to the well-being of our community. Our social enterprise provides an employment pathway for our youth and community members through knowledge of language and culture.
COVID-19 update: Open for business!
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Giingan Experience
The Giingan Experience is about Gumbaynggirr people, language and culture. The Cultural Experience takes place at an important cultural site of the Gumbaynggirr people, the stunning location of “Niigi Niigi” (Sealy Lookout) within the Orara East State Forest. Guests bask in the ambience of 360 degree views and immerse in our culture through stories, songs, language and the uses of native plants. By taking part in the experience, guests are making a direct contribution to the revitalisation of Gumbaynggirr language and culture. We are driven by our culture, and by the knowledge that we are competing against time to revitalise the Gumbaynggirr language. We work closely with our community and Elders, and have a strong personal relationship with our last remaining Elder whose first language is Gumbaynggirr- Uncle Cecil ‘Bing’ Laurie. Our Giingan Tour not only offers guests an unforgettable cultural experience, but also offers our Gumbaynggirr community the opportunity to participate and experience speaking traditional language and to practice culture on Country. This is something that we are truly passionate about- not only offering an amazing tourism experience, but giving our community the opportunity to regain culture and identity, and to be proud of who they are and what we are all achieving.
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Stand Up Cultural Paddle
Wajaana Yaam Cultural stand up paddle tours take the guests for a 2.5 hour paddle allowing them to experience the authentic Gumbaynggirr culture including language, bush tucker and local stories. We have 3 stand up paddle locations guest's can choose from that are all located within the Solitary Islands Marine Park.