General News
6 July, 2023
High-tech storyline
A SPECIAL 3D hologram attraction that will give visitors an immersive experience of KuKu Yalanji country and culture from the comfort of a new theatre has opened at the Daintree Discovery Centre.
Centre manager Abi Ralph said the unique tourism experience blended immersive technology with firsthand storytelling by a Traditional Owner.
“We believe we are the only tourism attraction in Australia offering this kind of experience,” she said.
“We’ve been working hard to perfect it – and also working hard to keep it under wraps
until our opening this month.”
The technology was developed in Queensland by AXIOM Holographics.
Going on country or ‘walkabout’ with KuKu Yalanji man Juan Walker of Walkabout Cultural Adventures provides an insight into the culture and country of these First Nations people.
He said traditionally their estate provided for all their needs – it was a medicine chest, tool
shed, hardware store, supermarket and church, all in one.
He introduces in Indigenous language and English, the different animals, mostly noctural, and their significance, from the culinary to the mystical, as hologram versions appear.
Mr Wallker warns of the need to be careful around estuaries and waterways – cue a large saltwater crocodile that swims by, complete with splashing water sound. Ms Ralph said a former caretaker’s cottage had been repurposed for the new theatre to provide a comfortable setting for the hologram experience. A fully accessible ramp has also been completed to allow access to what is anticipated to be a popular visitor point.
Daintree Discovery Centre incorporates an interpretive centre and a series of boardwalks and aerial walkways, topped off by a canopy tower. They are designed to give visitors the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest at different strata levels while removing the impact of traffic on the forest itself. The theatre opening includes new interpretive cassowary circuit signs.
The upper boardwalk runs through a natural cassowary corridor where many of this majestic and ancient creature’s favourite fruits are found.
