YURA TOURS

Welcome to Quandamooka Country

Discover the ancient yet thriving culture, breathtaking landscapes and profound traditions of or North Stradbroke Island or Minjerribah, and the surrounding Quandamooka Country with Yura Tours. As a proud First Nations–owned and –operated business, Yura Tours offers immersive experiences that connect visitors to the rich heritage of the Quandamooka people and the stunning natural beauty of their homeland. Each tour is designed to provide meaningful insights into Indigenous culture while showcasing the pristine environment of this remarkable region.

Leading the way is Elisha, a proud Quandamooka woman who is deeply passionate about sharing her culture and connection to her mother country. As a mother, daughter and wife living and working on Minjerribah, Elisha embodies the spirit of her community and carries the wisdom passed down from her Elders. Her experiences travelling the world have deepened her commitment to First Nations tourism, and her engaging storytelling ensures every tour is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Quandamooka Country.

Just 40 minutes from Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island Minjerribah – the second-largest sand island in the world – is a natural wonderland of pristine beaches, crystal-clear bays and lush bushland. Visitors will be captivated by the island’s stunning headlands and thriving wildlife, including turtles, dolphins, whales, kangaroos and wallabies. Whether walking through verdant landscapes or exploring the coastline’s sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and mangroves, the island’s beauty is an unforgettable backdrop to the cultural experiences Yura Tours provides.

At Yura Tours, caring for Quandamooka Country is not just a philosophy – it’s a way of life. As caretakers of the land and sea, we integrate sustainability and respect into every aspect of our work, reflecting the deep connection the Quandamooka people have with their environment. By joining a Yura Tour, you’ll not only explore the wonders of this special place but also contribute to the preservation and celebration of a culture that has thrived here for thousands of years.

Our Story 

“Yura!” This greeting, meaning “Hello” in the Jandai language, is the perfect introduction to the heart of Yura Tours, a business deeply rooted in the traditions and culture of Quandamooka Country. For thousands of years, the Quandamooka people have been the custodians of North Stradbroke Island, Minjerribah, Moreton Island, Mulgumpin, the Bay Islands and the Redlands Coast. Known as the People of the Sand and Sea, they share a deep connection with the land, sea and all living creatures, guided by their Creator Spirit.

Yura Tours invites visitors to experience this connection firsthand. Through immersive cultural experiences, guests are guided along the paths of the Quandamooka ancestors, learning how they foraged for traditional foods, hearing their creation stories, and understanding the sacred significance of the native flora and fauna. Each tour aims to inspire a deeper appreciation of the land and a commitment to leaving it as pristine as it was found while fostering a connection that guests can share with others.

Visitors to Quandamooka Country will explore the white sands, freshwater lakes and ecologically significant wetlands that make up the stunning scenery of North Stradbroke Island Minjerribah, listening to stories that have been passed down for over 25,000 years. Yura Tours offers more than just sightseeing; rather, they share their experiences of culture, history and respect for one of Australia’s most remarkable places.

The tours are led by Elisha Kissick, a proud Quandamooka woman who lives on Minjerribah with her family. Elisha’s passion for sharing her culture stems from a lifetime of connection to her homeland and the wisdom passed down by her Elders. Yura Tours offers a variety of experiences, from walking and driving tours to tailored programs for individuals, families, schools and corporate groups. Every tour shares a common goal: to showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage and traditions of Quandamooka Country.

The Yura Tours logo embodies the spirit of the business. The U-shaped symbol represents the guests, sitting around a fire that fosters learning and growth. The earthy pink ochres reflect the landscape, while the orange hues symbolise both the bay’s sunsets and the flame of understanding sparked within each visitor. This logo serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the land and culture for future generations.

Tour Options

Sand Beneath My Feet is a cultural walking tour that connects guests to the rich traditions and natural beauty of Minjerribah. Starting with a Welcome to Country and a cultural talk, this tour explores the Quandamooka people’s traditional uses of plants, trees and ocean resources. A relaxed beach walk leads to Adder Rock, where the South Passage Creation Story is shared while overlooking the Coral Sea and Mulgumpin. Depending on the season, and luck, guests may have the chance to taste some bush tucker along the way.

The land-based Whale-Watching Cultural Walk offers a unique combination of culture and wildlife. From May to October, Minjerribah is one of the best places to enjoy land-based watching of migrating humpback whales on their annual migration from Antarctica to their calving grounds near the Great Barrier Reef. Guided by a Quandamooka host, this tour takes guests along the Gorge Walk at Mulumba, also known as Point Lookout, where they can enjoy incredible views while learning about creation stories, native flora and Aboriginal traditions. Frequent sightings of kangaroos, wallabies, turtles, dolphins and other wildlife are a prelude to the awe-inspiring spectacle of the migrating yallingbilla, the Jandai word for whales.

The Ultimate North Stradbroke Island Minjerribah Cultural Experience driving tour provides an in-depth exploration of Quandamooka Country, including pick-up and drop-off from local accommodation or the ferry terminal. This tour features a Welcome to Country at Bummiera, also known as Brown Lake, followed by visits to significant cultural sites like Moongalaba or Terra Bulla – the Old Mission Site – and Capemba, also known as Myora Springs. Guests will also explore the Mulumba headlands, where they listen to creation stories and learn about native flora, before concluding with a visit to the Gumpi Art Galleries, including the studio of celebrated artist Delvene Cockatoo Collins.

The Bajara “Footprints” 4WD Beach Culture Tour offers an adventurous way to experience the natural wonders of Minjerribah and includes a seafood beach picnic. Over four hours, this tour explores the island’s lakes, beaches and bushlands, led by a First Nations guide who shares Quandamooka creation stories, cultural insights and knowledge about the island’s flora and fauna. This immersive tour emphasises respect for the environment and highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Quandamooka people.

Accessibility

Yura Tours is located at Mulumba or Point Lookout in the northeast corner of North Stradbroke Island Minjerribah. It’s a two-hour drive from Brisbane, including an hour-long ride on the Stradbrook Ferry from Cleveland to Dunwich. There are no public transport options.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible and may present challenges to guests with restricted mobility, as much of it takes place on the beach with sandy surfaces. Parts of most tours also cross uneven terrain. Service dogs are welcome, and Yura Tours actively accommodates individuals with access needs, garnering positive feedback for their inclusive practices. For any specific assistance or accessibility requirements, guests are encouraged to call 0438 882 033 prior to their trip.