Ancient Journeys

Ancient Journeys - Crocodile Eye

About Us

Ancient Journeys opened in November 2018. We are located right on the Cairns Esplanade in the heart of the Cairns art precinct. Our shop consists of 172 square metres of art, crafts, cultural and tourist information for those visiting the Cairns region. The shop has two entry points, one from the esplanade and the other which via a 30 square metre courtyard that backs onto the old Courthouse Hotel which the Cairns Regional Council is redeveloping into an arts incubator and gallery. Ancient Journeys sources and retails a wide variety of high quality arts, crafts made by Indigenous artists primarily from the Gulf but also from other parts of Australia.

Ancient Journeys is wholly owned by the Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust (ADBT) - an Aboriginal owned social enterprise located in Cairns and has been operating since 1989. ADBT is one of the most capable economic development organisations in the country.

This roles being created through Ancient Journeys is truly a meaningful way to contribute to growing Aboriginal economic development.

Cairns is recognised as an important location for art in general and has a strong focus on Aboriginal art and culture. Cairns has number art and craft galleries and retailers. Ancient Journeys is 100% Aboriginal owned and deals ethically with Indigenous art centres and artists. Ancient Journeys offers specialist information about Indigenous cultural tourism products and services and specialises in the Gulf region of Queensland and the Daintree Rainforest. The ADBT also own the World Class Daintree Discovery Centre tourist attraction. More information on the Daintree Discovery Centre can be found here www.discoverthedaintree.com.

About ADBT

ADBT was established under the Gulf Communities Agreement negotiated between Century Mine, Queensland State Government and Gulf Native Title groups including Waanyi People, Mingginda People, and Gkuthaarn and Kukatj People respectively, each for and in respect of their traditional country primarily for business development and indigenous ownership/investment in business. It also affords for those Aboriginal people residing in the local government areas of Burke, Carpentaria, Doomadgee and Mornington Island.

ADBT - Empowering the Gulf Through Business

The Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust (ADBT) was established under the Gulf Communities Agreement negotiated between Century Mine, Queensland State Government and Gulf Native Title groups and was established to administer negotiated funds from the Century Mine, primarily for business development and indigenous ownership/investment in business.

Communities are defined collectively as the Native Title Groups (Waanyi People, Mingginda People, and Gkuthaarn and Kukatj People respectively, each for and in respect of their traditional country); and other Aboriginal people residing in the local government areas of Burke (Burketown), Carpentaria (Normanton), Doomadgee and Mornington Island.

The ADBT is a social enterprise and has emerged as one of the most effective economic development organisations in the country. ADBT’s sustainability has been achieved through owning a number of businesses including:

  1. World class Daintree Discovery Centre tourist attraction
  2. Burketown Pub
  3. Normanton Traders, Grocery, Fuel and Gold Lotto
  4. Doomadgee Roadhouse and Accommodation
  5. Ancient Journeys - Aboriginal Art, Gifts and Tours

To strengthen and grow its activities, ADBT is always seeking to buy or build other business opportunities.

Profits from ADBT’s business activities support and grow economic development opportunities and projects for the above Native Title Groups and Gulf Communities through community enterprises and loans to those wishing to start their own business.

Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust - ADBT Logo