Top End Bridge to Land and Culture
Photo by Kate McLean @justkate__
Land, Water and Culture
We can read, we can research, but experiencing anything in-person always allows for a deeper appreciation. A recent trip to the Top End was a wonderful nature recharge as well as an opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal Australian culture and the depths of their connection to land. The scorching heat, morning birdcalls, all centred in the pre-wet season humidity, all provided moments to draw in the Aboriginal people’s connection to land and Country. The depth of their knowledge of the animals, the seasons and plants left me with awe. Words can only capture so much, so I’ll leave you all with a few photos, videos and brief captions here. Enjoy, and Kakadu, kaluk nan!
Darwin
Litchfield NP
Magnetic termite mounds oriented north-south to minimise excessive heat while maintaining warmth through the day. How clever!
Kakadu NP
The staggered pools and tree canopy en route to Barramundi (Maguk) Gorge (above, below)
Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Art Site - Angbangbang gallery artwork, warning of joint inflammation from the uranium seeping into the soil and waters, long before it was formally identified by miners
Green ants anyone? Lick their behinds for a tangy, electrifying experience!
For creating yellow dyes
The coffee-stained rocks and pebbles at Rapid Creek Beach
General termite mounds in amongst the trees and escapee horses
Maguk to cool off in the heat
Ubirr at golden hour, watching the sun go down (above, left)
Rock art at Nanguluwurr Art Site, visual menu of barramundi (Namarngol) and pig-nosed turtle (Warradjan)
Nourlangie Art Site - Mimis, spirits of dance and music
Magpie Geese (Bamarru) grazing in the morning sun at Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba)
