Yagurli Tours

Join Yagurli Tours and Balloon Aloft for a hot air balloon ride over the extraordinary countryside of Burketown in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Enjoy views like no other of the spectacular Gulf Country including Australia’s largest salt pan, Albert River and out to the ocean. Learn about the unique local flora and fauna from our local Gangalidda and Garawa Ranger and discover the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful natural landscape. Sunrise flights piloted by our experienced Balloon Aloft Pilots are scheduled daily during July and are approximately 30-40 minutes in duration. All flights are followed by a Champagne celebration with your pilot and fellow passengers upon landing. Please note Ballooning is a weather-dependent activity. Intimate group size of up to 8 passengers so gather your mates together and book a flight.

On the Gambumanda Sunset Cruise, you can experience the magic of the vivid crimson shades of an outback sunset as you cruise the calm and pristine waters of the Gambumanda (Albert River) aboard Yagurli’s custom vessel, the Mabuntha ‘Yipippee’. Along with the Dreamtime stories of the Gangalidda people, your guide will share their traditional knowledge and unique insights into the local river system and its diverse range of animals and birdlife. Don’t forget to bring your camera – you might be lucky enough to spot a croc. Relax with a gourmet food platter, beer, wine, soft drink and water as you cruise along this majestic river.

Yaliya’s Stories (Stargazing Tour). Yaliya means “Sky” in the local Gangalidda language and this tour focuses on Indigenous Storytelling under the Stars and includes some Stargazing with exclusive access to Australia’s largest salt pans, you can discover the brilliance of the night sky through state-of-the-art telescopes against a canvas of total darkness. Your local Gangalidda Ranger will share Dreamtime stories and their cultural interpretation of the universe by the phases of the moon.  Dubbed the ‘Plains of Promise’ by 19th-century explorers, the salt pans of the lower Gulf region are an awe-inspiring natural landscape steeped in cultural significance. Light snacks and hot drinks are provided. This Tour focuses primarily on Indigenous Storytelling as the Rangers are not professional Astronomers. 

A Marrija 4WD Cultural Tour takes you out to explore one of Australia’s most vibrant cultural landscapes on a self-drive tag-along tour.  Following your guide, you will experience the historical, cultural and natural wonders of Burketown (Moungibi), with exclusive access to Australia’s largest salt pans. You will learn about the traditional uses of different native plant species and hear local knowledge on seasonal indicators and what they mean for the coming season. Tours depart morning and afternoon.  A delicious snack is provided.  A camera is a must for this exceptional tour.

On a Malara Fishing Charter, you will develop an appreciation for traditional fishing practices and the cultural heritage associated with our local river systems.  This remote gulf tour is an amazing opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Burketown waterways and the diversity of our wildlife, whilst fishing along the way to the mouth of the iconic Gambumanda (Albert River) in the Barramundi Capital of Australia. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your fishing tackle as all fishing gear and bait is provided.  You won’t go hungry as the charter includes lunch, morning/afternoon tea and refreshments.  Remember to bring your hat and sunnies.

Further information including terms and conditions are available from Yagurli Tours, located in the Burketown Visitors Information Centre in Musgrave Street, Burketown (07) 4745 5111 or www.yagurlitours.com.au.  Please note the Yagurli Tours is seasonally manned operating from May to October each year, closing in the Wet Season.