SeaLink South East Queensland has partnered with Quandamooka Elder Matt Burns to deliver the Goompi Trail - a cultural experience on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
The Noonuccal and Nughi man has been leading Indigenous tourism experiences for more than 30 years.
Raised on the island as a traditional hunter and gatherer, he shares knowledge passed down through generations using artefacts, cultural performance and hands-on demonstrations.
"I've been doing this all my life," said Mr Burns.
"The most rewarding part is seeing people change their perspectives, when they learn something new about Aboriginal culture or history, and it really stays with them."
The walk takes guests through Dunwich (Goompi) and offers an Indigenous perspective on the island's history, including bush medicine, hunting practices, native wildlife and significant cultural sites.
The experience begins with a passenger ferry from Cleveland in the mainland, followed by a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.
Guests are then introduced to traditional tools and hunting implements before walking with Mr Burns along the coastline to learn about bush foods, medicines and life before colonisation.
"It's not just a tour," Mr Burns said.
"It's a cultural conversation. We talk about how our people lived, the signs and sounds we look for in nature, and how everything is connected. You come away with a new awareness of the land around you."
Mr Burns also co-designs and leads workshops with SeaLink, including bush tucker and medicine tours, spear and boomerang demonstrations, dance and didgeridoo workshops and cultural awareness programs.
Mr Burns' programs are widely recognised and he works with schools, universities and government agencies across Queensland. He also delivers cultural training for SeaLink employees in the Quandamooka region.
SeaLink South East Queensland general manager Ben Renwick said Mr Burns' contribution is central to the company's reconciliation efforts.
"Matt's passion and knowledge create truly meaningful experiences for both visitors and our team," said Mr Renwick.
"He's been a pioneer in Indigenous tourism on the island for a long time, and we're proud to support the continuation and growth of these incredible experiences."
Mr Burns has collaborated with SeaLink for more than a decade and formally joined the team in 2019.
His work has expanded the reach of cultural learning on Minjerribah, embedding Indigenous knowledge in both visitor programs and SeaLink's operations.
From cultural workshops to the Goompi Trail, Mr Burns' programs provide visitors with a direct connection to the Quandamooka people and Country, sharing stories and traditions that have shaped the island for tens of thousands of years.
