Deerum Wantima (Sun Rising)

Join us as we embark on a magical dawn ocean journey and hear the mesmerising soundscapes of humpback whale songs as they echo through the depths of the ocean alongside Kabi Kabi knowledge and stories.

Deerum Wantima (Sun Rising) begins at Sunreef Mooloolaba, where our friendly team will welcome you and check you in before you make your way aboard Wild One.

As we depart The Wharf, we’ll cruise along the calm waters of the Mooloolah River while our team introduces you to the experience and provides wireless headphones. Once we reach the open ocean, we’ll begin our search for humpback whales, taking time to observe their behaviour and connect with these incredible animals in their natural environment.

When we find a suitable location, we’ll anchor the vessel and deploy underwater hydrophones, opening a window into the underwater world.

Then, listen closely.

You’ll experience Tallo-Billa, an immersive live performance that brings together the sounds of humpback whales, innovative live-mixed soundscapes and Indigenous storytelling.

The experience begins with a Welcome to Sea Country from Kabi Kabi artist Lyndon Davis. Through Lyndon’s stories and knowledge, you’ll be invited to connect with Sea Country and the marine environment around you. As the performance unfolds, the sound of Lyndon playing didgeridoo on board blends with live humpback whale song captured through the underwater hydrophones.

The result is a unique listening experience that connects Indigenous knowledge, science, technology and the natural environment in an entirely new way.

As you listen, watch the sun rise over the beautiful Sunshine Coast and experience the ocean not just as a place to observe, but as a living soundscape.

About Tallo-Billa 

“Tallo-Billa,” meaning ‘Humpback Whale’ in Kabi Kabi language, is at the heart of this Sunreef Experience. The audience will also receive a unique augmented reality print of Lyndon’s Tallo Billa painting, that will come to life with cymatic visualisations of humpback whale song and Lyndon’s voice. Developed by the Beeyali team, this project uses original visualisation techniques to create distinct audio-visual portraits to reveal environmental interconnection. The Beeyali project, conceived by Kabi Kabi artist Lyndon Davis, in collaboration with sound artist Dr Leah Barclay and photographer Dr Tricia King from the University of the Sunshine Coast, combines Indigenous knowledge, emerging science, and innovative technology to connect people with the environment in new ways. Beeyali is a call to action, exploring creative practice to raise awareness for the numerous vulnerable species in Queensland and beyond.  

Unfortunately, we are unable to accomodate wheelchair access, pregnant passengers and children under 8 years old. Please read on for full terms and conditions.