WOMEN ONLY exclusive Bardi & Jawi cultural experience of Oolin Sunday Island

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Duration

5 Days

Group Size

6 Peoples

Activity Level

Easy to Moderate

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About This Tour

This tour is led by the Australian Tour Guide of the Year 2023.

The Bardi Oorany Injubs Cultural Tour is an exclusive, women-only experience in Cygnet Bay, near Broome in Western Australia, offering a deep dive into Bardi and Jawi culture. "Injubs" in the Bardi language signifies the special bond between mother and daughter or aunty and niece. Led by local Bardi and Jawi women, the tour provides an immersive exploration of their rich cultural heritage and deep connection to their land and sea. Participants will experience traditional welcome ceremonies, gain access to sacred lands, and learn about the vital role of women as providers and gatherers. Activities include bush honey gathering, oystering, fishing, crafting, bush medicine, and seasonal bush tucker, along with cultural performances and stargazing, all aimed at offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of Bardi and Jawi women.

Highlights

Stay at the luxurious Master Pearlers private Retreat at Cygnet Bay on the Dampier Peninsula and explore together with Jawi woman Rosanna and her sisters this region through their eyes
Learn about the culture and secret women's business from your Bardi & Jawi hosts
Participate in typical traditional activities as fishing, oystering, collecting of bush tucker and bush medicine on the sacred land of the Bardi & Jawi
Enjoy cultural cooking & performances and learn to read the stars in the sky while star gazing
Enjoy a strong bond & connection of women and experience how this female energy can influence your well-being

Included/Excluded

Included
Excluded

4x nights accommodation at the Master Pearlers Private Retreat (Single accommodation subject to availability and group size, either at the Retreat or in safari tents)
Private Coach Transfer to Cygnet Bay/Dampier Peninsula from/to Broome
4x Breakfast, 3x Lunch, 4x Dinner incl. non-alcoholic beverages; no alcohol provided
All cultural activities as per itinerary

International and domestic flights
Insurance
Pre- and Post night accommodation in Broome
tips and gratuities

Itinerary

Meet and greet in Broome by your Bardi hosts around 10am. Transfer to Cygnet Bay in a private coach with lunch at Cygnet Bay Cafe (at own expense) and check in to your home for the next 5 days, the Master Pearlers Private Retreat. The Retreat offers complete seclusion and privacy and is set atop an elevated headland. It boasts magnificent views out to sea and across a tidal lagoon. Wide wrapping verandah's surround the main building which offers a large and well equipped kitchen and open plan dining and lounge space. Your personal chef will be onsite ready to treat you to locally sourced, fresh produce. The private retreat boasts Broome-style finishes, such as rustic exposed bush timber poles and louvre windows, which allow the sea breezes to cool the space and let in plenty of natural light. Out the front is a BBQ and fire pit and a sand path winding down to your own private beach. At the end of day one, rest up, eat well and get ready for what promises to be an incredible week ahead.

After breakfast, meet your Bardi Elder for a traditional introduction to Country. Today, learn about the traditional way women used to hunt and fish for their families. Under the guidance of the women, learn how to collect bait (oogilinyi) and crush bait for burlie before throwing in your own hand lines to catch fish and crab. The open fire will be lit, ready to cook what you catch and enjoy the spoils of your very fresh catch. Damper will be cooked over the open fire to accompany your meal. After a great day of beach activity, retire to the retreat and relax before dinner and a good night’s sleep at the Master Pearlers Retreat

Enjoy a great breakfast before experiencing a half-day tour on the blue, blue waters of the Sunday Islands with Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours. Learn how these massive tidal currents were used by the Jawi people to hunt, fish and trade. Navigate whirlpools and eddies. Visit secluded bays, swim in crystal clear waters, learn about saltwater culture and discover the history of Sunday Island Mission. A picnic lunch will be served on the island. After a rest back at the retreat, enjoy an unforgettable tour of the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. This tour will give you an insight into the fascinating history of pearling in Cygnet Bay and how pearls are cultivated. Cygnet Bay pearls are renowned as some of the most sought-after and beautiful pearls in the world. We continue with Day 3 after the Pearl Farm tour with a relaxing afternoon and your own time to rest. Why not go for a swim or take a walk and explore your surrounds. You’re going to need all your energy before the evening’s festivities begin. A special dinner has been prepared for you on Country on the beach. This incredible night will include dinner prepared by the women, stargazing and storytelling around the fire. Overnight at the Master Pearlers Retreat.

Today is a special day. Start with a healthy breakfast at the retreat before your guides take you to a healing location for a day of women’s business. You’ll be collecting bush tucker and medicinal plants that have been used for thousands of years. You’ll also be making shell necklaces with the permission of the Elders, which was part of the ancient traditional practice for ceremonies. Follow your guides to locate bush honey and explore the area to find and taste bush tucker. You’ll then be guided by the women where you’ll learn about Bardi women’s culture, including traditional shelters, tools, survival techniques and much more. A traditional dance has been prepared just for you and will leave you feeling connected and immersed in the Bardi and Jawi culture. Overnight at the Master Pearlers Retreat.

GULA GOORNA LIYAN! It’s time to go back to reality. Enjoy breakfast at the retreat before your private coach transfer to Broome and your connecting flights. On behalf of the Bardi Women of the Kimberley and the women of the The Bardi Oorany Injubs Cultural Tour, we thank you for your enthusiasm, your willingness to learn about our culture and your kindness. We look forward to welcoming you back to our Country.