Our Mission
Connecting People Through Culture
Paperbark Arts & Cultural Tours was born from a deep commitment to sharing and preserving First Nations culture. Based in the beautiful coastal community of Yarrabah, we offer authentic cultural experiences that connect visitors with 60,000 years of living history.
Through guided bushwalks, creative workshops, and cultural storytelling, we invite you to walk in the footsteps of ancestors—learning traditional knowledge, experiencing the natural abundance of Gungganji country, and creating meaningful connections with our community.
Every experience is designed to empower and celebrate Aboriginal culture while creating opportunities for local artists, guides, and community members. We believe that sharing our stories strengthens both our visitors and our community.
100% Indigenous Owned
30+ Years in the Arts
The Visionary
Elverina Johnson
"Bunya Badjil" — Good Woman
The heart and soul behind Paperbark Arts is Elverina Johnson, a Gurugulu and Indinji Gimuy woman from Yarrabah. Her traditional family name, Bunya Badjil, means "Good Woman"—a name she embodies through her tireless work for her community.
With creative talents spanning over 30 years as a singer, songwriter, playwright, actor, photographer, and visual artist, Elverina brings a wealth of experience and passion to every Paperbark experience.
Her vision for Paperbark Arts is simple yet profound: to share the stories, beauty, and traditions of Gungganji country while creating pathways for community empowerment and cultural pride.
Our Founder
Awards & Recognition
Elverina's dedication to cultural preservation has earned national and international recognition
NAIDOC Artist of the Year
National recognition as Australia's top Aboriginal artist
Woman of the Year
International Women's Day recognition for community leadership
Rona Tranby Trust
Major civic award for contribution to Aboriginal communities
Smart Women Award
Queensland Government recognition for Community Innovation
UN Representative
Represented her community highlighting issues facing Indigenous women
Rural Leadership
Graduate and Fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Program
Art & Fashion
Bold Prints, Bright Colours
The art of Paperbark is synonymous with bold prints and bright colours. Each design takes inspiration from the beauty of nature and the rich history of Gungganji people.
Elverina's designs have featured in collections at the 2021 Sydney Fashion Festival and the 2021 Brisbane Fashion Festival as part of the First Nations Show. In 2022, she launched a capsule collection with Australian retailer Taking Shape.
Through the emerging Pink Fish brand, Paperbark Arts continues to expand its platform for Gungganji representation and storytelling while creating opportunities for other First Nations designers and artists.
"The arts can empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and restore a genuine sense of pride in their culture and communities."
— Elverina Johnson
Visit Us
On-Site Art Gallery
Visit the Paperbark Arts gallery featuring artwork from Elverina and local Yarrabah artists and craftspeople.
The gallery showcases traditional and contemporary First Nations art, including woven baskets, painted canvases, bead jewelry, and handcrafted items.