Willie Gordon

Aboriginal guide Willie Gordon is passionate about sharing his culture

Willie Gordon is a Nugal-warra Elder, Guugu Yimithirr speaker and an author.  He is passionate about his culture and spirituality, and he generously shares his enormous knowledge. Much of the information was passed on to him by his father, Tulo, a talented artist whose paintings have appeared in several books and are often displayed in Queensland galleries. As a small boy Willie would accompany him on hunting trips, learning about the land, its bush tucker, bush medicines and stories.

Willie was educated in Hope Vale and Cooktown before attending high school in Brisbane. He trained as a boilermaker in Cape Flattery, and spent some time working in Mount Isa before moving back to Hope Vale.  Whilst still in his 20s he was elected Chairman of Hope Vale Community Council, a position he held between 1986 and 1989.  Later he worked extensively in the health sector, becoming Chairman of the drug and alcohol program, and spending five years in Cairns, developing and chairing the Apunipima Cape York Health Council. Prior to starting his tour business he was working in mental health with Life Promotion in Hope Vale.

Willie hosts private and small group shared tours from Cooktown - morning, afternoon and full day options are available.