SUNSHINE Coast operator Saltwater Eco Tours has launched a range of new Indigenous eco-cruises. Debuted in Queensland’s Year of Indigenous Tourism, the itineraries are designed to connect “culture to coast”, and celebrate the region’s Indigenous heritage and spectacular coastline. Operating from Mooloolaba, Saltwater is using a century-old historic timber sailing...
SUNSHINE Coast operator Saltwater Eco Tours has launched a range of new Indigenous eco-cruises.
Debuted in Queensland’s Year of Indigenous Tourism, the itineraries are designed to connect “culture to coast”, and celebrate the region’s Indigenous heritage and spectacular coastline.
Operating from Mooloolaba, Saltwater is using a century-old historic timber sailing vessel, Spray of the Coral Coast (pictured), to showcase the Sunshine Coast’s Indigenous heritage and marine beauty.
Each tour will have an Indigenous storyteller on board to share stories, traditions and culture of the Sunshine Coast’s original inhabitants, the Kabi Kabi people.
Saltwater’s signature is the cultural tour, which takes passengers to sites of significance and shares the origin of Dreamtime stories and songs.
The two-hour cruise incorporates turtle and dolphin spotting and entertainment provided by Indigenous guides, bush-tucker inspired catering and local craft beer or sparkling wine.
Operating three times daily each weekend, adult tickets cost $120, and children aged five to 16 are $79.
Also available is a two-hour sunset acoustic tour, operating on Sat and Sun evenings, combining soft acoustic music, a selection of grazing platters, a local craft beer and nocturnal wildlife viewing, leading in at $55 per adult.
Private charters are available for two-to-four hours, with Saltwater able to incorporate custom catering, live music and storytelling.
The Spray of the Coral Coast can cater for 35 pax, but is currently restricting numbers to 20 to adhere to COVID safety plans.
Queensland Minister for Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones lauded the product’s launch, and noted demand for authentic eco-tourism.
