Mother Gaia Travel Adventures
With Mare
Aboriginal Elder Micklo Jarrett & Mare, Bellingen, Australia, April, 2019
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Dreamtime ‘Ngurrumpaa’ Tour
An Aboriginal Immersion Adventure
May 2020
A once-in-a lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in Aboriginal spirituality.
Image from My Detour
Ngurrumpaa means “my relationship with my place and everything in my place”. During this unique experience, you connect with the spirit of traditional Aboriginal life and culture. You are involved in conversations with humble elders sharing the meaning of ancient stories that shape Aboriginal life.
If you wonder how Aboriginal people lived in Australia since the beginning of time and are interested in learning about spiritual and meaningful sites in the East Coast of Australia, this tour introduces you to a broad scope of Aboriginal people’s skills and talents, where you will taste real ‘bush-tucker’ and connect to the ancient culture and land. The experience is unexpected, exhilarating, engaging and memorable.
In the company of Aboriginal elders and passionate guides, you explore several dimensions and historical layers in the East Coast of Australia. You gain an in-depth understanding of where you are.
Crafted & designed by the My Detour family (our tour company) including Uncle Phil Sheppard, Uncle Paul Gordon & Uncle John, by joining this tour, you will travel back to an ancient time and learn the relationship between the Aboriginal people and their land.
If you wonder how Aboriginal people lived in Australia since the beginning of time and are interested in learning about spiritual and meaningful sites in the East Coast of Australia, this tour introduces you to a broad scope of Aboriginal people’s skills and talents, where you will taste real ‘bush-tucker’ and connect to the ancient culture and land. The experience is unexpected, exhilarating, engaging and memorable.
In the company of Aboriginal elders and passionate guides, you explore several dimensions and historical layers in the East Coast of Australia. You gain an in-depth understanding of where you are.
Crafted & designed by the My Detour family (our tour company) including Uncle Phil Sheppard, Uncle Paul Gordon & Uncle John, by joining this tour, you will travel back to an ancient time and learn the relationship between the Aboriginal people and their land.
Uncle Paul Gordon
We have the exceptional opportunity to spend five days with Uncle Paul Gordon, a Niompa-Murawarri man of the Karul-Kiyalu clan (“Stone Country People”) from Western NSW, with family links, through his great-grandmother, to the Wollombi district. He is recognised and respected throughout Australia as a senior custodian of traditional Aboriginal Lore.
For 25 years Uncle Paul ran the Aboriginal cultural camp “Yarnteen” near Wollombi, teaching the old ways and values to Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people alike. After several years away teaching, travelling, connecting with Lore men and women in various parts of Australia, he has returned to Wollombi to continue his role as senior knowledge-holder of this important ceremonial place. (More about Uncle Paul below.)
I had the great privilege of meeting and working with Uncle Paul at an event in New Zealand where we were both speakers in March of 2019. He is a man of great wisdom and gifts and it is an honor to be learning directly from him on his ancestral lands.
“Through our connections with Aboriginal elders we have created an experience that will allow you to take a spiritual journey like no other. Guest participation & mutual respect will be the key to sharing in Australia’s Indigenous culture.”
~ Jenny Howard, Sydney local & tour company member
For 25 years Uncle Paul ran the Aboriginal cultural camp “Yarnteen” near Wollombi, teaching the old ways and values to Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people alike. After several years away teaching, travelling, connecting with Lore men and women in various parts of Australia, he has returned to Wollombi to continue his role as senior knowledge-holder of this important ceremonial place. (More about Uncle Paul below.)
I had the great privilege of meeting and working with Uncle Paul at an event in New Zealand where we were both speakers in March of 2019. He is a man of great wisdom and gifts and it is an honor to be learning directly from him on his ancestral lands.
“Through our connections with Aboriginal elders we have created an experience that will allow you to take a spiritual journey like no other. Guest participation & mutual respect will be the key to sharing in Australia’s Indigenous culture.”
~ Jenny Howard, Sydney local & tour company member
Highlights
NOTE: This tour will include walking up to several kilometers and camping in luxury tents.
- Learn about some of the prominent Aboriginal sites in Sidney
- Be greeted with a traditional Aboriginal welcome
- Experience significant Aboriginal sites at Yengo National Park
- Visit a spiritual site whilst listening to Ngurrumpaa stories
- Be invited to share 'bush-tucker', traditional Aboriginal food
- Witness traditional Aboriginal dancing
- Experience an Aboriginal Healing Session
NOTE: This tour will include walking up to several kilometers and camping in luxury tents.
Full Itinerary
Sidney Opera House (www.iventurecard.com/au)
Monday, May 18th - REST DAY
- Arrive from Sidney Airport , Airport Transfer to Hotel.
- Opportunity to sight-see on your own, as time allows.
- Dinner with Richard Graham, Tour Guide for full experience.
- ACCOMMODATION - Sydney Central Business District
~ Travelodge Hotel Sydney Wynyard is ideally situated next door to many of Sydney’s wonderful attractions, whether you are looking for an exciting day in the city or a sensational night out on the town. From the hotel you can walk to the Opera House, the historic Rocks area, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, the Royal Botanic Gardens, a huge variety of restaurants and a great selection of shopping. The hotel is adjacent to Wynyard Railway Station, making it easy to discover the best that Sydney has to offer.
Tuesday, May 19th - Sydney Day
ACTIVITY - Day tour (Introduction to Sydney focusing on Aboriginal History, with Richard Graham & Jon Brian)
ACCOMMODATION - Sydney Central Business District. Travelodge Hotel Sydney Wynyard
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- Arrive from Sidney Airport , Airport Transfer to Hotel.
- Opportunity to sight-see on your own, as time allows.
- Dinner with Richard Graham, Tour Guide for full experience.
- ACCOMMODATION - Sydney Central Business District
~ Travelodge Hotel Sydney Wynyard is ideally situated next door to many of Sydney’s wonderful attractions, whether you are looking for an exciting day in the city or a sensational night out on the town. From the hotel you can walk to the Opera House, the historic Rocks area, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, the Royal Botanic Gardens, a huge variety of restaurants and a great selection of shopping. The hotel is adjacent to Wynyard Railway Station, making it easy to discover the best that Sydney has to offer.
Tuesday, May 19th - Sydney Day
ACTIVITY - Day tour (Introduction to Sydney focusing on Aboriginal History, with Richard Graham & Jon Brian)
ACCOMMODATION - Sydney Central Business District. Travelodge Hotel Sydney Wynyard
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Yengo National Park (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/)
Wednesday, May 20th - Drive to Wollombi
ACTIVITY - Meet with Uncle Paul to visit rock engravings in Yengo National Park
~ Yengo National Park and the surrounding areas have been an important spiritual and cultural place for the Darkinjung and Wonnarua People for thousands of years. No wonder there are over 640 recorded Aboriginal cultural sites in the park and nearby areas. Creation stories recount that Biamie, the ancestral being, stepped off the flat top of Mount Yengo into the sky when he finished his creation. Today, Aboriginal stories and rock engravings connect us with the rich culture of this ancient land and its people. Source: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
ACCOMMODATION - Share house in Wollombi
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ACTIVITY - Meet with Uncle Paul to visit rock engravings in Yengo National Park
~ Yengo National Park and the surrounding areas have been an important spiritual and cultural place for the Darkinjung and Wonnarua People for thousands of years. No wonder there are over 640 recorded Aboriginal cultural sites in the park and nearby areas. Creation stories recount that Biamie, the ancestral being, stepped off the flat top of Mount Yengo into the sky when he finished his creation. Today, Aboriginal stories and rock engravings connect us with the rich culture of this ancient land and its people. Source: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
ACCOMMODATION - Share house in Wollombi
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Near Brewarrina (www.georgeslentz.com/)
Thursday, May 21st - Drive to Uncle Paul's Property
ACTIVITY - Drive to Uncle Paul's property - Brewarrina (NSW)
ACCOMMODATION - Deluxe Tent e.g. Coleman Chalet
(With option for upgrade to a 4X4 CAMPER for the full five nights at Uncle Paul's for an additional fee. See below for more information.)
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ACTIVITY - Drive to Uncle Paul's property - Brewarrina (NSW)
ACCOMMODATION - Deluxe Tent e.g. Coleman Chalet
(With option for upgrade to a 4X4 CAMPER for the full five nights at Uncle Paul's for an additional fee. See below for more information.)
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mydetour.com.au
Friday, May 22nd - Uncle Paul's Property
ACTIVITY - Walk country with Uncle Paul, visit local landmarks and experience traditional dancing
ACCOMMODATION - Deluxe Tent e.g. Coleman Chalet
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ACTIVITY - Walk country with Uncle Paul, visit local landmarks and experience traditional dancing
ACCOMMODATION - Deluxe Tent e.g. Coleman Chalet
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Gundabooka Aboriginal Art (www.traveller.com.au)
Saturday, May 23rd - Uncle Paul's Property
ACTIVITY - Day trip to visit fish traps at Brewarrina and Gundabooka National Park
~ Gundabooka range is highly significant to the Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji people of western NSW. Before it became a national park, the area was home to the Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji people of western NSW. Ceremonial events were held within the range. On your visit, you'll see Aboriginal rock art, with motifs including dancers and animals. -www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
ACCOMMODATION - Deluxe Tent e.g. Coleman Chalet
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ACTIVITY - Day trip to visit fish traps at Brewarrina and Gundabooka National Park
~ Gundabooka range is highly significant to the Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji people of western NSW. Before it became a national park, the area was home to the Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji people of western NSW. Ceremonial events were held within the range. On your visit, you'll see Aboriginal rock art, with motifs including dancers and animals. -www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
ACCOMMODATION - Deluxe Tent e.g. Coleman Chalet
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mydetour.com.au
Sunday, May 24th - Uncle Paul's Property
ACTIVITY - Bush tucker talk and healing session
ACCOMMODATION - Deluxe Tent e.g. Coleman Chalet
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ACTIVITY - Bush tucker talk and healing session
ACCOMMODATION - Deluxe Tent e.g. Coleman Chalet
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Monday, May 25th - Uncle Paul's Property
ACTIVITY - Morning activity with Uncle Paul then drive back to Sydney
ACCOMMODATION - Sydney Central Business District
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Tuesday, May 26th - Fly Home or Travel to Uluru (See Below)
(Breakfast on your own)
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INCLUSIONS:
ACTIVITY - Morning activity with Uncle Paul then drive back to Sydney
ACCOMMODATION - Sydney Central Business District
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Tuesday, May 26th - Fly Home or Travel to Uluru (See Below)
(Breakfast on your own)
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INCLUSIONS:
- Airport transfers
- Private Sydney day tour with Richard Graham & Jon Brian
- Five days with Uncle Paul Gordon
- 1 assistant / driver / chef
- 3 Aboriginal dancers
- 2 nights accommodation in Sydney (before and after experience)
- 1 night group accommodation in Wollombi
- 2 x 12 seater Toyota minibus hire (7 days)
- Breakfast, morning tea, lunch & dinner each day (7 days)
- Deluxe 3 room tent per person
- Goods and services tax (10%)
Uluru Tour - Option
Tuesday, May 26th - Travel to Uluru, Ayers Rock
ACTIVITY - Fly to Uluru from Sidney
ACCOMMODATION - Uluru
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Wednesday, May 27th - Uluru
ACTIVITY - Tour Uluru
ACCOMMODATION - Uluru
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Thursday, May 28th - Uluru
ACTIVITY - Tour Uluru
ACCOMMODATION - Uluru
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Friday, May 29th - Return to Sidney
ACCOMMODATION - Sydney Central Business District
ACTIVITY - Fly to Uluru from Sidney
ACCOMMODATION - Uluru
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Wednesday, May 27th - Uluru
ACTIVITY - Tour Uluru
ACCOMMODATION - Uluru
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Thursday, May 28th - Uluru
ACTIVITY - Tour Uluru
ACCOMMODATION - Uluru
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Friday, May 29th - Return to Sidney
ACCOMMODATION - Sydney Central Business District
More About Uncle Paul Gordon
Aboriginal Elder
Paul Gordon is a Ngemba man, born at Brewarrina. He grew up in a tin humpy/hut on the Barwon River in north western New South Wales, Australia. Since 1983, he has spent most of his time with the Old Men doing cultural activities and being taught Aboriginal Lore by them.
Today Uncle Paul is recognized as a senior Elder, and he is one of the highest initiated Aboriginal men in NSW. In a book written by Paul Callaghan, called ‘Iridescence – Finding Your Colours and Living Your Story”, Uncle Paul has provided the wisdom of the Aboriginal knowledge keeper to the Aboriginal author.
“To me, being Aboriginal is not the colour of your skin but your connection and responsibility to country and all things in nature. For example, your connection to trees, fish, birds, rivers, rocks and starts. It isn’t about how you look. It isn’t even about your bloodlines. It is about something unseen, deep inside you. [1]“ Paul Gordon
He has been traveling, teaching, and connecting with other Lore men and women throughout Australia. For 30 years, he has been running camps and workshops for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to reconnect to Culture.
As CEO of an Aboriginal training organisation he developed leadership model which integrates cultural values into personal behaviour and business practices.
Pau's passion always was and still is to keep traditional Aboriginal ceremony alive. He offers deep culture immersion camps from his home base in Brewarrina (NSW) where the oldest Aboriginal fish traps are.
As a traditional knowledge holder and custodian of Aboriginal Lore throughout Australia, he wishes to share ceremony with all people.
[1] Paul Callaghan and Paul Gordon, 2016, : “Iridescence – finding your colours and living your story” MoshPit Publishing https://www.amazon.com.au/iridescence-Finding-colours-living-story/dp/1925529568
Today Uncle Paul is recognized as a senior Elder, and he is one of the highest initiated Aboriginal men in NSW. In a book written by Paul Callaghan, called ‘Iridescence – Finding Your Colours and Living Your Story”, Uncle Paul has provided the wisdom of the Aboriginal knowledge keeper to the Aboriginal author.
“To me, being Aboriginal is not the colour of your skin but your connection and responsibility to country and all things in nature. For example, your connection to trees, fish, birds, rivers, rocks and starts. It isn’t about how you look. It isn’t even about your bloodlines. It is about something unseen, deep inside you. [1]“ Paul Gordon
He has been traveling, teaching, and connecting with other Lore men and women throughout Australia. For 30 years, he has been running camps and workshops for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to reconnect to Culture.
As CEO of an Aboriginal training organisation he developed leadership model which integrates cultural values into personal behaviour and business practices.
Pau's passion always was and still is to keep traditional Aboriginal ceremony alive. He offers deep culture immersion camps from his home base in Brewarrina (NSW) where the oldest Aboriginal fish traps are.
As a traditional knowledge holder and custodian of Aboriginal Lore throughout Australia, he wishes to share ceremony with all people.
[1] Paul Callaghan and Paul Gordon, 2016, : “Iridescence – finding your colours and living your story” MoshPit Publishing https://www.amazon.com.au/iridescence-Finding-colours-living-story/dp/1925529568