About Us

Balunjali means “mangrove tree” in the Goodjingburra language – the river tree that lives between the land and the sea, connecting these two elemental features that define the “Salt Water People” – local Indigenous people who have inhabited this area for thousands of years.

Balunjali captures the vision of our organisation – connecting people with their environment and themselves through adventure sports and activities underpinned by indigenous culture.

Our Tours

For Balunjali guests, our partnership of skilled indigenous and non-indigenous guides ensures our programs deliver an authentic cultural experience and co-operation from Aboriginal Land Councils and National Parks, means our tour locations provide a new and different perspective on the environment.

Our History

Balunjali’s joint founders, Mark Matthews and Kyle Slabb formed a partnership in 2002 to enable people to experience the environment and indigenous culture through kayak tours.

Our Skills

Mark has a long history in business, kayak racing and the watercraft retail industry together with a strong relationship with the local aboriginal community.

Kyle with his Indigenous heritage and a lifetime of paddling experience, fishing and hunting, contributes the cultural component.

Kyle and Mark have walked with the land and paddled the sea, together. The synergy of this partnership is built on their passion for adventure.

What drives them is their desire to share this great country with others and to empower young aboriginal people by embracing their cultural identity.  These young men and women become the future teachers and guides for Balunjali or whatever path they choose to follow.