SEEK IT

G'day, folks! your WHOOP WHOOP Guide here.

I'm thrilled to guide you through an adventure like no other.

Strap on your boots and join me in immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of First Nation culture.

We're redefining how you experience the land and its stories, all while sharing a laugh and a yarn along the way.

Our mission is to provide authentic and respectful encounters that leave a lasting impact on your understanding of Australia's Indigenous heritage. So, let's dive in, shall we?

About Avalon Karatau

Gurumba Bigi - Hello!

Meet Avalon Karatau, a proud member of the Badtjala people, also known as Ocean Fork. Avalon is Yirrayirra Dhal Guradyi, a Bush Tukka medicine woman hailing from K'gari, (Fraser Island), off the coast of Harvey Bay, Queensland.

Now, I might not be the best Bush Tukka expert myself, but I do know a thing or two about living off the land—especially when it comes to finding the best camping spots and avoiding the business end of a snake!

But Avalon is the best to ask:

Avalon's skins (totems) are as follows:

• Yul'Lu (Porpoise): Quick and clever in the water. Much like my own swimming style, if I do say so myself.

• Gugug (Owl): Wise and watchful, perfect for spotting the best campfire spots.

• Winha nga nha (Clever One): The ultimate bush survivalist, always ready for the unexpected—like that time I mistook a wombat for a rock. Classic Coight!

Territory:

Avalon's territory spans from Tinian Creek, Fraser Island, Double Island Point, Tin Can Bay, Bauple Mountain, and north to Burrum Heads in Queensland.

Avalon is a direct descendant of Jack Noble Wonnamutta, the last clever man and Black Tracker of her people.

Jack was renowned for helping the Victorian Troopers capture the infamous Ned Kelly gang back in 1879 to July 1880. Quite the family legacy, I'd say!

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Join Us for an Unforgettable Adventure

We invite you to step into the heart of Yorta Yorta and Pallanganmiddang Country and journey with us through the stories and footsteps that shaped this land. My journey isn’t as a traditional custodian but as someone deeply connected to the legacy of Black Trackers, like my ancestor who helped capture Ned Kelly himself. Their footsteps echo across these landscapes, and I’m honoured to walk in them, passing on the tales of resilience, skill, and culture that defined their lives.

For the Little Legends – School Group Experience

Available Monday to Friday (by appointment), our School Group Experience brings history alive for young minds. At Australian Botanical Gardens, students will crush ochre, paint with emu feathers, and leave their handprints on Country. With authentic artefacts on display, it’s a hands-on history lesson they won’t forget.

The Magic of Tanderrum – A True Aussie Welcome

Feel the power of Tanderrum, our ancient ceremony of acknowledgement, as you pass through sacred smoke, connecting with the land and our ancestors. This isn’t just a ritual – it’s a moment to honour Country and our ongoing traditions. And if you leave smelling like campfire smoke, it’s all part of the experience!

Connect with Story – And With Us

Each visit is a step into the stories of people who walked before us. Alongside tales like Wonnamutta (Jack Nobel)and Ngari Buru (Corporal Sambo), I share the legacy of Black Trackers and those who used their knowledge of Country to protect and preserve our community. These stories connect us to the land and each other, grounding us in the history of our people.

Sensing Country – Connecting with the Land

Experience Country with all your senses – from bush tukka tastings to fibers and sacred plants that hold deep meaning. You’ll see why each part of the land, whether a gum tree or a small shrub, has its place and purpose.

Supporting Us – Keeping Culture Alive

By joining a Whoop Whoop Walk About tour, you’re helping keep these stories and this history alive, supporting the Nativji troopers Cultural Heritage preserving  and creating opportunities. Every step taken with us is a step that keeps culture thriving for the future.

So, come along, walk in the footsteps of the Black Trackers, learn, and laugh with us at Whoop Whoop Walk About – where each step on Country takes you deeper into Australia’s past and into stories that will stay with you for life.

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