Cultural Red Rock Paddle & Giingan Walking Tour in Coffs Harbour
EXCURSION
Experience a unique stand-up paddle tour guided by the direct descendants of the world’s first stand-up paddlers. This 4.5-hour adventure takes you through the unspoiled waters of the Gumbaynggirr tribal homelands and offers a deep cultural and natural immersion, connecting you to the land and sea through Gumbaynggirr language, Dreaming stories, and seasonal bush food.
Paddle through a pristine marine park waterway and learn the Gumbaynggirr language while exploring the history and spiritual connection of the Gumbaynggirr people to the land. The word Ngaalgan translates to "ear" in Gumbaynggirr, representing a place for hearing, contemplation, and connection to country. Along the way, you’ll learn simple Gumbaynggirr phrases and hear Dreaming stories that have shaped this rich cultural landscape.
Your Gumbaynggirr guides, who have strong familial ties to the Gumbaynggirr country, will introduce you to a variety of bush foods such as lemon myrtle, yams, pig face (barridamam), honey suckle banksia (maawa), native sarsaparilla, and paper bark tree (balawungga). These traditional foods are sourced sustainably from the land, allowing you to experience the Gumbaynggirr culture through taste.
After your paddle, head to Sealy Lookout in Orara State Forest for 360-degree views of the breathtaking landscape. Learn about traditional Gumbaynggirr eco-practices, including fire stick farming, a sustainable land management technique used by the Gumbaynggirr people for thousands of years. Discover how the Gumbaynggirr people cared for their country, ensuring the land’s health and vitality.
This stand-up paddle tour is more than just an outdoor adventure—it’s an opportunity to connect deeply with the Gumbaynggirr people’s culture and their timeless connection to the land and sea. Book your stand-up paddle experience today and gain an authentic, immersive understanding of one of Australia’s oldest living cultures, while enjoying the natural beauty of the Gumbaynggirr country.
