Michael Butler, the documentary filmmaker behind Australia’s iconic Aboriginal art car The Message Stick Vehicle, is hosting three exclusive, small group explorations of the Kimberley aboard pioneering expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions luxurious flagship Heritage Adventurer during July and August.
This is a rare opportunity to explore and experience the Kimberley’s rich indigenous culture alongside Butler, who spent 15 years visiting more than 200 Aboriginal artists in the 1961 ex-military ambulance Land Rover vehicle as documented in the four-part ABC series and narrated by actors Jack Thompson and Hugo Weaving.
“The Message Stick Vehicle played a crucial role in my journey around Australia, it started conversations and invitations for me to join these remote communities,” he said.
“It was an incredibly humbling privilege to be welcomed and experience little-known customs and stories – it’s these experiences, insights and stories I’ll be sharing with my guests during the voyage.”
Butler’s latest Kimberley voyages are aboard the luxurious, purpose-built 140-guest expedition vessel Heritage Adventurer exploring the Kimberley’s iconic ancient landscapes including King George and Horizontal Falls; Vansittart, Swift, Careening and Talbot Bays, Hunter River, Montgomery and Ashmore Reefs, Bigge and Lacepede Islands and more.
“These expeditions will offer a truly immersive experience that is unlike anything else,” he said.
“Guests joining me will gain a deep appreciation and understanding of the Kimberley, including meeting Aboriginal Rangers for an insight to their 30,000 year old culture, and the world famous Wandjina cave paintings, and will disembark with memories that will last a lifetime.”
Michael will share the impact the journey had on him, the Indigenous communities he visited, and how it continues to be a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing Indigenous stories and traditions, while you sip on a glass of wine and stroll a new Noosa Gallery of contemporary and modern artworks from an established and collectable Australian artist.
Please join Michael at Gallery One 93 on Sunday 2 April from 3pm for a journey into the Kimberley like no other.
Holly Ireland, your Expedition Expert will be there to answer all your small ship cruising questions.
Gallery One 93 is located at 93 Poinciana Avenue, Tewantin.
For more information on the art event please contact Michael Butler 0439 756 016 or Fiona 0439 752 543.
Find out more about Heritage Expeditions at heritage-expeditions.com
