Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

Frommer's Review

Whether you choose the day or night experience, the Tjapukai (pronounced Jab-oo-guy) Aboriginal Cultural Park is one of the best chances you'll have to discover the history and culture of the Aborigines without going to Central Australia. However, it is a much different experience from that which you would have in the Red Centre. From humble beginnings in 1987, Tjapukai has become a slick, sophisticated production, which has won multiple international awards and is worth a look. As this book went to print, Tjapukai announced the appointment of one of its founders, dancer David Hudson, as creative director, with a promise to rejuvenate and refresh dance routines and music as well as other aspects of the park.

Housed in a striking modern building that incorporates Aboriginal themes and colors, the Tjapukai experience needs at least 2 to 3 hours. Start in the Creation Theatre, where performers use the latest in illusion, theatrics, and technology to tell the story of the creation of the world according to the spiritual beliefs of Tjapukai people. Actors work with special effects and holographic images to illustrate the legends. The production is performed in the Tjapukai language, translated through headsets.

Move on through the Magic Space museum and gallery section of the complex to the History Theatre, where a 20-minute film relates the history of the Tjapukai people since the arrival of white settlers 120 years ago.

Outside, there's a cultural village where you can attempt boomerang and spear throwing, fire-making, and didgeridoo playing, and learn about bush foods and medicines. Shows and demonstrations are planned so visitors can move from one to another easily, without missing anything. The complex also includes a restaurant and coffee shop. An arts-and-crafts gallery and shop stocks the work of Aboriginal artists and crafts workers.

Tjapukai by Night tours run daily from 7:30 to 10pm. They include interactive time in the Magic Space museum, a Creation Show performance, and an outdoor Serpent Circle -- an interactive show featuring tap sticks for each guest to use, a join-in corroboree (an Aboriginal nighttime dance), and a ceremony involving fire and water. Following are a buffet dinner and dance show, and the chance to meet the dancers. The cost is A$104 (US$94/£47) adults, A$52 (US$47/£23) children, or A$269 (US$242/£121) for families of four, including transfers to and from Cairns.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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