Cannot recommend this tour highly enough. Johnny shared his culture, the real life experiences of... read more
Cannot recommend this tour highly enough. Johnny shared his culture, the real life experiences of... read more
We planned our 3 week trip to Australia around this experience, and it did not disappoint... read more
From the moment we hit the 4WD to bush camp, it felt more than just a tour, but a personal invitation into his family, culture and land. Johnny noticed a wildlife road causality on our way there and immediately jumped out of the truck to rescue “boomerang” the roo from his mum’s pouch - this set the tone of the tour - of compassion, a love for country and a healthy dose of get up and go good larrikin energy.
Johnny’s knowledge and storytelling, openness to answer questions, helped me to connect with the symbols and stories of the Quinkan rock art and Kuku Yalanji people in a way that it felt reverent just being there witnessing it. As the galleries are very remote they are in incredible condition; it is a privilege just to be there (and it certainly deserves the title UNESCO has granted - top 10 most significant rock art galleries in the world). But being there didn't just educate me about the place's history; it made me feel part of a larger, interconnected narrative of what it means to be Australian. This strengthened and solidified my desire to celebrate and be proud of our First Nations people and cultures. The bush buggy that took us to the rock art gallery felt like a bit like a (very safe) roller coaster, so I got my healthy dose of thrills/adventure in too, no gold coast necessary.
Johnny shared a lot of himself, (which I think is very generous) and I felt like his family grew a little over the course of the few days to include us. One particular instance that reminds me of this and Johnny's kindness was his invitation to join him and his kids for a second visit to their local swimming hole. The simplicity of this gesture, his willingness to include me with his family in their after school activities, was incredibly touching.
This experience was more than I hoped for. The facilities genuinely lovely and a luxury out bush! But I’ll remember not because of the extravagant bush loo and shower… but because of the honesty, generosity, and spirit of connection that Johnny and his family brought. I’ll be impacted by the generous offering of lived-experience views on reconciliation. I’ll remember the deeper understanding of and connection to the stories the land held that I was now bearing witness to, the awesome swimming holes, along with a lovely feeling of community. I will cherish for a lifetime. - Mel, Melbourne
Hi Mel,
It was a pleasure to have you come into our family, and share the beauty of our country. From waterholes to Rock Art. Boomerang is doing really well still in wildlife care. Sharing everything with you about our culture Mel is truly a pleasure.
Thank you for your heartfelt review!
All the best,
What an experience - we thoroughly enjoyed our time with Johnny and family. We were very privileged to see amazing artwork, learn so much about culture, and enjoyed an amazing location. Johnny is a fantastic Ambassador for his people, and managing to keep the knowledge alive. He was very flexible with time, and very safety conscious. Keep up the great work Johnny and family - you so deserve success with the effort you all are putting in.
Hi Alexis,
Thank you for your awesome review, it was an absolute pleasure to host you on country. We love what we do but it's also good to have the family join me every now and again. And glad we could share the experience altogether.
All the best,
Johnny
Johnny has an ancestral connection to the land and is very knowledgeable about the ecosystem as well as the art on the escarpment walls. He provided a great mixture of local lore, botanical identification, fire management techniques, aboriginal art education and relaxing activities. The food was delicious and plentiful. Evening campfires with a hauntingly beautiful didgeridoo performance made the experience our number favorite activity on our month long trip.
Hey guys,
Pleased to have had you guys on country. Thank you for your awesome review!
Wish you all the best,
Johnny
Highly recommended this to anyone wishing to get in touch with the past. With the greatest of respect to Johnny and Alonzo, and their ancestors we were made to feel welcome and respected ourselves. Memories forever, thank you!
Thank you for giving a shoutout to Alonzo, he's a great team player and young fella who loves his culture and his country. Glad we could help create memories in our special place of the world.
All the best,
Johnny and Alonzo
We joined Johnny for an overnight tag along tour and we couldn’t have been more impressed! Johnny’s such a knowledgeable, kind and accommodating guide. When we arrived we were given the most touching welcome to country and his words stuck with me the whole time we were there. He said “walk with me land you’ll be safe with me.” It was such a lovely welcome.
Soon after arriving it was time to set off to see some of the rock art. I discussed with him that I may have some limitations because of a chronic Illness and I was concerned about being able to keep up with the others. He was so kind and showed me slightly easier paths and stayed with me, rather than charging ahead. Through his patience, he helped me achieve something I didn’t physically think I could.
It was wonderful hearing his history and connection to the land, my kids were particularly mesmerised by this.
When we got back in the afternoon we set up our camp, prepared dinner and shared stories while we ate. Johnny was very hospitable and a great host. The beautiful hot showers and clean, flushing toilets were a welcome bonus too!
This experience is a must!
Thanks so much, Johnny!
Olivia, Kevin, Lilly, William and Violet.
Olivia, Kevin, Lilly, William and Violet.
Was so good to see you all accomplish the challenge of the hikes that were set before you, especially you Olivia. I was so proud of what you mentally and physically achieved. Some of the Rock Art as you know are quite remote and can be difficult. But you did it!
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share our country with you!
How fortunate, and a privilege, for us to be on country with Johnny M and Tony for a 2 night tour in May 2023 of the most amazing Quinkan rock art - a special privilege to witness the Magnificent gallery ( the best indigenous rock art we have seen on our travels across Oz this year, and we have been so lucky to see many others) and other galleries that Johnny took us to , each so well presented and interpreted so well for us by Johnny. We tagged along in our 4wd save for the coach Rd where Johnny’s ATV driving skills were awesome. We learnt so much of the amazing culture from these guys and Johnny even had us enjoying green ants. Altogether an experience we will forever cherish, Thanks so much to Johnny and Tony. Peter and Kim
Hi Peter and Kim,
Pleasure is all ours! You took a bit of country back with you and that's what we want!
So awesome to have you on our country.
Johnny and Tony