Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Andrew Powell MP, Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism
Matt Smith MP, Member for Leichhardt
David Kempton MP, Member for Cook
- Albanese and Crisafulli Governments support delivery of a new tourism hub in the Daintree Rainforest at Cape Tribulation.
- The joint funding has delivered the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub which supports tourism and greater accessibility for everyone.
- The Daintree Rainforest is the world's oldest rainforest and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have delivered the new $4.8 million Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub which will support ecotourism growth in Cape Tribulation and the Daintree.
The centre celebrates the rich living culture of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, plays an important role in supporting cultural heritage protection, conservation outcomes, and sustainable Indigenous‑led tourism in one of Queensland's most significant natural and cultural landscapes.
Designed to reflect the natural beauty of the rainforest, the visitor centre features skylights and cascading rainwater systems, creating a sensory journey inspired by the forest canopy and the vibrant colours of the cassowary.
It includes a retail space to foster economic development and ecotourism, while culturally informed interpretive signage guides visitors through an immersive journey of Indigenous culture.
Supported by $3.5 million in funding from the Albanese Government and $1.34 million from the Crisafulli Government, the visitor centre will play a key role in advancing regional ecotourism.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the centre would ensure the cultural significance of the Daintree is shared with visitors from all over the world.
"The Daintree is a World Heritage-listed site and one of Queensland's most stunning natural landscapes, and the new visitor centre will showcase the stories and traditions of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people who have cared for the region for thousands of years," Minister Watt said.
"The Albanese Government is proud to have provided $3.5 million in funding to help deliver the centre.
"Congratulations to the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation for their work on this important project and their leadership in shaping the future of Indigenous ecotourism in Queensland."
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the completion of the project would deliver better experiences for visitors to the area.
"This funding is a significant investment in regional ecotourism and cultural rainforest experiences led by Traditional Owners," Minister Powell said.
"As the world's oldest living rainforest, visitors to Cape Tribulation will enjoy an immersive experience like no other, and this is what true ecotourism is about.
"This is all part of the Crisafulli Government's record $1 billion investment over four years through Destination 2045 to deliver a strong, sustainable future for Queensland's tourism industry.
"We are opening up our state for tourism and giving dedicated people with grand visions the opportunity to lead our ecotourism future."
Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said the Daintree was one of the world's greatest natural wonders: a unique location where the rainforest meets the reef.
"The Kuku Yalanji people have been the proud custodians of this land for over 65,000 years and it is only right that they should be the owners and hosts of this new centre that celebrates culture, dance, art, and eco-friendly tourism experiences," Mr Smith said.
"The Daintree is a sacred place. Rich with the stories of the dreaming, the new visitors centre gives us the opportunity for us to show the world what we have always known."
Local MP for Cook David Kempton said the new visitor centre would deliver lasting benefits for the Cape Tribulation community by creating local jobs and supporting small businesses.
"It's a facility that strengthens the local economy, enhances visitor services, and ensures the region is well placed to manage sustainable tourism growth into the future," Mr Kempton said.
Jabalbina Chair Laurel Denman said the opening marked an important milestone for Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.
"To finally have an Indigenous owned tourism business based on Eastern Kuku Yalanji Country, led by EKY Bama and extending north of the Daintree River is something we are very proud of," Ms Denman said.
"We would not be here without the strong support and the trusted relationships we have built with our partners over the years, including the Australian and Queensland Governments and many others we have worked alongside.
"Most importantly, this centre reflects the vision of our EKY Bama. Their cultural knowledge and understanding of Country will guide the success of this venture into the future."
