Tjapukai

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park near Cairns is both a magnificent attraction and a milestone accomplishment – a privately owned business with the majority shareholding forever in the hands of the Tjapukai-speaking people; the tribal councils themselves. This 25 acre park combines the latest in theatre and technology, interactive activities with Aboriginal people, and features authentic traditional culture and customs.

Holographic images and live actors combine in the Creation Theatre to tell the wondrous legends of the Storywaters. Dance and music comes alive in the Tjapukai Dance Theatre and the Cultural Village has interactive demonstrations of boomerangs, didgeridoos and bush foods.

Culture and language lessons play a daily part in the life of the staff at the park… and they are proud to say Tjapukai is the largest private enterprise employer of Aboriginal people in Australia today, proving to both white and Aboriginal people that it is okay to present their culture for profit if it is done with sensitivity and awareness.

Today Tjapukai is the most famous tribe in Australia… often cited as an example to others. The accomplishments of the Tjapukai people and the cultural revival brought about by the park’s success have engendered even more than pride; they have resulted in economic prosperity which is felt throughout their community.

Winners of 25 major tourism awards, and recognised in the Guiness Book of Records as Australia’s longest running show. They also completed a 12 month ‘Down Under Tour’ of the USA and Canada through 48 cities in 21 states promoting the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

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