SeaLink South East Queensland (SEQ) is proud to be partnering with respected Quandamooka Elder Matt Burns to share the ancient stories and cultural wisdom of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) through its signature Indigenous experience, the Goompi Trail.

A proud Noonuccal and Nughi man, Mr Burns has been delivering First Nations tourism experiences for more than 30 years. Raised on Minjerribah as a traditional hunter and gatherer, his connection to Country is personal, profound and powerfully engaging. With knowledge passed down through generations, he brings the land and its stories to life through artefacts, cultural performance and hands-on demonstrations that invite guests to learn, connect and reflect.

“I've been doing this all my life,” said Matt Burns, SeaLink SEQ's Cultural Programs Leader. “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.”.

Unlike newer offerings, the Goompi Trail is a well-established and deeply local experience, now marking its 30th year. This coastal walk was created by Mr Burns and is still personally led by him, a cultural authority who grew up on the island and has dedicated his life to sharing its stories. Mr Burns guides guests through Dunwich (Goompi), providing a First Nations perspective on the island's ancient past—sharing bush medicine, traditional hunting methods, native wildlife, and culturally significant sites.

The journey begins with a scenic passenger ferry ride from Cleveland to the island, where guests are welcomed with a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony beneath the native gums, before taking part in an interactive presentation of traditional tools and hunting implements. As guests walk the coastline with Matt, they gain insight into bush medicine, native foods, traditional knowledge and culturally significant sites that have shaped the Quandamooka way of life for tens of thousands of years and will gain insight into 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.”

In addition to the Goompi Trail, SeaLink offers a range of immersive cultural workshops co-designed and led by Mr Burns, tailored to groups of all ages, including:

• Bush Tucker and Bush Medicine Tours – Learn how native plants have long been used for healing, nourishment, and sustainable living.
• Spear and Boomerang Throwing Demonstrations – See traditional hunting techniques in action and discover the skill behind these ancient tools.
• Dance and Didgeridoo Workshops – Join the local dance troupe as they share the stories, rhythm, and movement of Aboriginal culture through dance and live didgeridoo performances.
• Cultural Awareness Programs – Engaging sessions tailored for schools, workplaces and community groups to deepen understanding and respect for Quandamooka history and traditions.

The day concludes with a leisurely rooftop meal at Straddie Brewing Co, featuring a generous lunch and locally crafted beverages, before guests return to the mainland on a SeaLink ferry service of their choosing.

Mr Burns' programs are recognised across Queensland for their educational and cultural value. He regularly partners with schools, universities and government bodies, and delivers Indigenous cultural training to SeaLink employees working in the Quandamooka region, ensuring authentic, respectful engagement with Country and community.

Ben Renwick, General Manager for SeaLink South East Queensland, says Mr Burns' work is foundational to SeaLink SEQ's reconciliation journey in the region.

“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 worked alongside SeaLink SEQ for over a decade and officially joined the team in 2019. This partnership has grown the reach of First Nations experiences on the island—embedding cultural learning not only into visitor tours and educational experiences but into the heart of SeaLink's local operations.

Whether you're joining a dance workshop, exploring ancient traditions on the Goompi Trail, or sitting on the headland listening to stories passed down through generations, SeaLink's cultural tours offer a level of authenticity, depth and perspective you won't find anywhere else.

About Minjerribah:

Minjerribah is a place of rare and remarkable significance. It is the second largest sand island in the world, home to sites dating back more than 50,000 years—some of the oldest known cultural locations found on any Australian island. Early European history and interactions with Aboriginal communities also began here, adding layers of historical depth.

Today, the island teems with life—kangaroos, koalas, whales, dolphins and turtles—with spectacular views from Gorge Point Lookout, featured on many SeaLink tours.

“Minjerribah is a place of deep history, rich culture and stunning beauty. When you take the time to walk with us, to listen and learn, you see this place differently—and that's what makes it powerful,” said Mr Burns.

To learn more or book the cultural Goompi Trail experience, visit:  www.sealink.com.au/stradbroke-island/cultural-tours