51 Indigenous Tourism Champions were announced in Sydney recently in an event which saw a celebration of Indigenous culture with 145 key industry representatives in attendance, and Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours being recognised. 

The night showcased 18 of the Champions and featured some of Australia's most prominent Indigenous entertainers and celebrities, including Indigenous celebrity chef, Mark ‘the Black’ Olive, singer Ursula Yovich, and Indigenous comedian, Sean Choolburra as the MC.

Tourism Australia and Indigenous Business Australia in conjunction with the State and Territory Tourism Organisations, work with selected Indigenous Tourism ‘Champions’ to develop a range of top quality, highly marketable Indigenous tourism products.

The Indigenous Tourism Champions Program looks to build a reputation of reliability and consistent quality, and products need to meet stringent criteria, ensuring that it is able to meet the needs and expectations of the industry and international visitors.

Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours has been run by Linc and Brandon Walker from Cooya Beach for the last seven years. Their tours offer group the opportunity to experience some of the region's most spectacular areas such as Cooya Beach and the National Parks of Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree River, Cape Tribulation and Bloomfield River.

Linc Walker said their business has been involved in the program for the last year or so.

"It's a Government program that helps to develop the marketing plans for different businesses," he said.

"There's always been a market (for indigenous experiences) but not a lot of opportunity for indigenous people to develop their ideas."

The brothers teach their guests how to throw a spear and hunt for fish, mud crabs and mussels, and to learn about bush foods and medicine as they share their extensive traditional and local knowledge.