Finding culture in Queensland - Learning the history of the Gubbi Gubbi (Kabi Kabi) people who are native to this part of the Sunshine Coast.

“Our goal is to preserve, protect, maintain and manage our culture. I don’t want it to die with me,” says Aunty Bridgette Chilly Davis, holding court as we navigate the calm waters of the Mooloolah River.

Pausing for a quick second she adds, “Jeez, I’m talking sad aren't I?”, before erupting into a roar of laughter.

This proud Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi Country woman is detailing her long family history to this part of the Sunshine Coast, or as she calls it “my grandmother’s, grandmother’s, grandmother’s country”.

Sitting on the historic 115-year-old Spray of the Coral Coast sailing ship, it is hard to imagine what life was like back in the day as we putter around the million dollar homes of the uber wealthy. Giant ostentatious villas and mansions glisten in the unusually hot winter’s day, as we mere mortals onboard critique the styling choices of those with a bit of coin: “too many pillars”, “the pool looks too small”, “what were they thinking with that roof?”

Davis admits her ancestors would probably be “mourning” at what the land around Mooloolaba has become, but she says she has “evolved” herself with all the changes in the area. Aunty Bridgette Chilly Davis holding court.

This once rough-around-the-edges Sunshine Coast coastal town has undergone a significant glow-up. Fancy restaurants and a bustling wharf have brought a new energy to the area.

But with all the progress, it is important to remember what came before, and what should come in the future.

Saltwater Eco Tours is pretty hard to miss on the river, standing out among the leisure cruisers and fishing vessels. At 58 feet (17.6m), the huon pine sailing ship built in 1908 is modelled after the vessel Joshua Slocum used to become the first to solo circumnavigate the globe.

Lovingly-restored and now owned by Simon Thornalley of Torres Strait Island descent, the tours offer a range of authentic experiences from traditional music to bushtucker feeds, all steeped in the culture of the land.

Saltwater Eco Tours is pretty hard to miss on the river. For storyteller Davis, it is a chance to connect with people while telling her history. “We are the oldest family still on the Sunshine Coast. The reason why is because of a pioneering Westaway family. They wrote to the Chief Protector of Aborigines back in the day,” said Davis, chuckling at the “fancy title”.

Platters of food were served throughout the cruise.

“He could say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the removal of Aboriginal people from their native land. He actually approved for my family to stay here because they were employed with the Westaway family. We got all these exemption cards so we could stay here whereas others got forcibly removed.”

The tales range from the importance and significance of the river and the trees, to the reasons behind smoking ceremonies and ochre, all accompanied by platters of entrées, as well as cocktails and champagne.

Looking to the future, Davis hopes for a cultural centre to be built for more opportunities to tell the stories of her ancestors. As we leave the ship, she reminds us all the overriding philosophy of her heritage: “Whatever you take from Mother Earth, you’ve always got to give back.”