Welcome to the Djabugay Community website
From time immemorial the Djabugay speaking People (also known as Tjapukai) lived in the rain forests behind Cairns in Tropical North Queensland under the protection of Bulurru."To the Djabugay speaking people, the "Creation Era" (Dreamtime) describes the events surrounding the making of the world. In Djabugay Country, "Bulurru" is the "spirit of creation, the sacred past, the word and the law to be followed"
As the "Bulurru" ancestors journeyed across the land, stories, songs and ceremonies were recorded and have been passed down from generation to generation."
"The greatest ancestsor of all is "Gudjugudju, the Rainbow serpent. Gudjugudju transformed into Buda:dji, the carpet snake, who created all rivers and creeks of the Barron Gorge National Park. During the wet season, Gudjugudju's presence is most profound in his rainbow form. The voice of Bulurru , the creation spirit, can be heard through Gudjugudju in the sound of thunder.
Today, 150 years after the coming of the white man, the Djabugay are a remnant community - their lands taken away from them, their Storywaters partially lost. But they are a community determined to make their way in a transformed world, struggling against the odds.
Djabugay Tours
When visiting Tropical North Queensland (Australia) there is now an exciting opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Djabugay people and marvel at our traditional bush foods, shelters and the Djabugay history of the rainforests.
These 40 minute tours provide a fascinating insight into the Aboriginal history. Tours depart hourly from Skyrail’s Barron Falls Station.
Nyawarri Estate
Djabugay has taken over the lease of Ngoonbi Farm. We renamed the property to "Nyawarri Estate" in honour of the late Maggie Donahue, Queen of Djabugay.
The property will be managed by the newly established Nyawarri Estate Aboriginal Corporation, a subsidery of the Djabugay Enterprises Aboriginal Corporation.
Interested persons or community groups wishing to do activities on the property, please contact us on 07 40840967 or sent us an email via the contacts option on the website.