Work has started on a new $3.76m First Nations cultural centre at Cape Tribulation.

Mostly funded through a grant from the Federal Government, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub includes an outdoor space for workshops and performances and indoor areas to help showcase Eastern Kuku Yalanji culture through dance, art, ceremonies, tours and displays.

Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation tourism spokesman Crag Carttling thanked the federal and state governments for their help to build the centre, which is expected to become a major tourism drawcard in the Daintree National Park region.

“Eastern Kuku Yalanji are already leaders in First Nations tourism with one of the highest concentrations of cultural tourism experiences anywhere in the country,” Mr Carttling said.

“Through the cultural centre and our new tour company Yalada Tours, visitors can see the oldest living rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef through the eyes of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people and experience their connection to Country stretching back 65,000 years.”

Building designers CA Architects state that the concept is inspired by the “experience of moving through the forest - transitioning from the enclosed canopy to elevated, open spaces”. 

This includes contrasting of light and shadow and the use of dappled lighting.

Design elements are also influenced by the forest canopy, water, and colour, according to the architects. 

Timber framing and skylights will be used to mimic the rainforest and rainwater will cascade from the roof, while the colours used are inspired by the cassowary - myrtle green and plum purple.