The Traditional Owners

The Whitsundays and Proserpine region hold deep cultural significance, with a rich history of Indigenous presence spanning thousands of years. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and sea—the Ngaro people of the Whitsundays and the Gia people of the Proserpine area. 

The Ngaro people, known as the “Canoe People,” lived among the islands and coastal waters for over 9,000 years. Their deep connection to the sea is reflected in the Ngaro Sea Trail, which links sacred sites, rock art, and ancient campsites across the region. One of the most significant cultural sites is the Nara Inlet caves on Hook Island, where visitors can see ancient rock art and gain a glimpse into the spiritual and everyday lives of the Ngaro ancestors.

The Gia people, whose Country extends across the mainland around Proserpine, share a strong connection to the waterways, forests, and open plains of the region. Their traditions, knowledge, and stories continue to be passed down through generations, shaping the cultural landscape of the Whitsundays today. 

At Iconic Whitsunday Adventures, we recognise and respect the enduring culture, wisdom, and custodianship of the Ngaro and Gia people. We are committed to sharing their stories with respect and authenticity, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary heritage.

 Learn more about the Nature, Culture and History of the Whitsundays from the Queensland Government Department of Environment & Tourism 

Supporting indigenous artists

Yarn – a platform – aboriginal shop committed to supporting and amplifying First Nations voices.

Choose from a beautiful collection of clothing, homewares and accessories.

They work with indigenous artists to share their incredible artwork and stories, keeping 65,000 years of Indigenous Culture alive through every piece. Every item sold in their collections pays royalties to the artist, supporting their career and creativity.

Welcome Whales Event

The annual Welcome Whale Event is a cultural celebration of humpback whales, which travel to the Whitsundays to calve each year.

The Whitsundays is a designated Whale Heritage Area through the World Cetacean Alliance and has a formally zoned Whale Protection Area through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

This educational community event is being held during Reconciliation week and will bring our region’s cultural connections to sea country to life, by celebrating our cetaceans and traditional culture through song and dancing, art and video. Event schedule: – 4.30pm kids activities and cultural art creation – 5.45pm Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, followed by traditional dancing and whale information.

Event delivered by Whitsunday Marine Conservation’s Whales of the Whitsundays (WoW) program and made possible by generous support of Whitsunday Regional Council and WoW Corporate Sponsors including Eastwoods Dining, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures, Tassal and Portland Roads.

Ngaro Sea Trail

As part of our Lady Enid and Viper tours, we take guests to explore segments of the Ngaro Sea Trail and walks on Whitsunday Island and Hook Island.

Walking tracks that are part of the Ngaro Sea Trail are:

• Hill Inlet Lookout & Lookout Beach Tracks, Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island
• Ngaro Cultural Site in Nara Inlet, Hook Island

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Every year NAIDOC Week is celebrated in the first week of July, from Sunday to Sunday.

NAIDOC Week in 2026 will be from 5 – 12 July 2026.