Tjapukai Indigenous Cultural Park in Cairns is adding to Far North Queensland’s modern tourism appeal after a $13 million top-down refurbishment.
The refit includes the replacement of Tjapukai’s original distinctive faux-rock facade with a new ultra-modern metal sculpture in the colours of the Australian outback.
Other new features include a 360-degree theatre dedicated to telling the creation story of the Tjapukai people, and a conference centre in the shape of a cassowary egg.
Tjapukai first opened 28 years ago, with the refurbishment being decided in 2011 by sole owners Indigenous Business Australia.
Cairns-based Coburn Architects were commissioned to design the redevelopment, with construction contractors FKG carrying out works.
New CEO Greg Irwin, who joined Tjapukai in March, said the refurbishment was designed to position the establishment as ‘Australia’s Best Indigenous Tourism Experience’.
“All parts of the Tjapukai have been completely re-done - we have a new retail section, a new restaurant, each part of the cultural village has been updated,” Mr Irwin said.
“It was decided that after 28 years it was time for a new look at Tjapukai - it was a decision that was very important to Tjapukai’s future... it’s certainly a right time for it as we’re coming out of the GFC and we needed a fresh new image.”
“The feedback from our customers has been immediate and extremely positive, this change has been welcomed by just about everyone that visits Tjapukai.”
Mr Irwin was previously general manager at the also recently-modernised Mossman Gorge Centre, and came across with fellow Mossman Gorge staff member Bryce Magic, who is now Food and Beverage Manager at Tjapukai.
“Working at Mossman Gorge was a great experience for me, I’ve been involved in managing Indigenous tourism since 2011 and I’m looking forward to continuing,” Mr Irwin said.