SeaLink South East Queensland (SEQ) has partnered with respected Quandamooka Elder Matt Burns to celebrate three decades of sharing the ancient stories and cultural heritage of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) through the renowned Goompi Trail experience.
Walking with wisdom on Minjerribah
A proud Noonuccal and Nughi man, Matt Burns has been guiding visitors through his ancestral home for more than 30 years. Raised on the island as a traditional hunter and gatherer, he brings deep knowledge of Country, passed down through generations, to his storytelling, demonstrations and performances.
The Goompi Trail is one of Queensland’s most authentic and enduring Indigenous tourism experiences, taking guests on a guided coastal walk through Dunwich (Goompi). Along the way, Mr Burns shares insights into bush medicine, traditional hunting methods, native foods and wildlife, and culturally significant sites that reveal the rich history of Quandamooka Country.
The journey begins with a SeaLink passenger ferry from Cleveland, followed by a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony. Guests are invited to engage in hands-on demonstrations and cultural storytelling before walking the coastline under Matt’s guidance, gaining a deeper understanding of life before colonisation and the enduring connection between people and place.
Beyond the trail: immersive cultural workshops
In addition to the Goompi Trail, SeaLink SEQ and Mr Burns offer a range of interactive workshops designed for visitors, schools, and corporate groups, including:
- Bush Tucker and Bush Medicine Tours – Explore native plants used for food and healing.
- Spear and Boomerang Throwing Demonstrations – Witness traditional hunting skills in action.
- Dance and Didgeridoo Workshops – Experience storytelling through dance and music.
- Cultural Awareness Programs – Engage in tailored learning sessions to deepen understanding of Quandamooka heritage.
Each experience concludes with a relaxed rooftop lunch at Straddie Brewing Co, before guests return to the mainland on a SeaLink ferry.
A partnership grounded in respect and reconciliation
SeaLink SEQ General Manager Ben Renwick said Matt Burns’ lifelong dedication to cultural education continues to shape the company’s reconciliation journey. “Matt’s knowledge and passion create meaningful connections between visitors, community, and Country,” he said. “He’s been a pioneer of Indigenous tourism on the island, and we’re proud to support his work and ensure it continues for future generations.”
Mr Burns has worked alongside SeaLink for more than a decade and officially joined the company in 2019 as Cultural Programs Leader. His programs are recognised across Queensland for their educational and cultural value, with partnerships spanning schools, universities, and government organisations.
Discover Minjerribah’s living culture
Minjerribah, the world’s second-largest sand island, holds more than 50,000 years of living history and is home to some of Australia’s oldest cultural sites. With its stunning beaches, abundant wildlife and deep spiritual significance, the island offers a rare opportunity to walk alongside a true cultural custodian.
