Day 55 17/05/2011 Merl Campground – Jabiru (Kakadu)

 Day 55 17/05/2011 Merl Campground – Jabiru (Kakadu)

On the advice of the rangers we got up early to check out the local Guluyambi Cultural Tour, it came highly recommended and it was a locally owned and operated venture by the Arnhem Land Aboriginal people…we decided that the cost was Ok and we booked in.  Oh my gosh it was an amazing 2 hours cruising up the East Alligator River with our local guide Robert.  The East Alligator River is the natural boarder between Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Robert was born in Kakadu but was an Arnhem Land man, he was informative and entertaining, he certainly gave us an even greater understanding of Aboriginal Culture and I am still stunned by the Aboriginal people’s knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Northern Territory. 



a friendly local!!



The kids were enthralled by what Robert could tell them about how Aboriginal people used different trees and bushes and for once I could actually see them listening!!  The cruise also included a quick break where we were able to get off the little boat and walk around a small part of Arnhem Land.  Normally to go to Arnhem Land a non Aboriginal person requires a permit. 



A friendly local relaxing in the sun!!



Robert also gave a demonstration of spear throwing and allowed everyone to look at a punishment spear, it was hear that I found that the punishment spear was only used on men, the first warning – spear in the calf, second warning – spear in the upper thigh, and third warning – spear in the chest!!  Pretty wicked punishment but according to Robert highly effective!! 

On the tour we also got our first opportunity to see saltwater crocodile’s in the wild…we were all excited about that!! We would all recommend this tour if you are headed up this way.

After the tour we headed up to Ubirr, which was just the most amazing place.  Ubirr has some of the most fascinating Aboriginal rock art sites as well as a rocky lookout that offers the most superb view over the Nadab floodplains.  It is a hard place to explain because everywhere we walked there was the most amazing display of Aboriginal rock art and then the view from the lookout was breathtaking.  It is hard to imagine the floodplains but to see them is awesome, particularly as they were lush green and in full bloom with stunning water lilies.  We spent a few hours at Ubirr just soaking up the history and sights.



The floodplains from Ubirr Lookout - awesome!!



Then it was back on the road to Jabiru for a well-earned swim and a lazy afternoon playing board games. Today was our last day of adventuring through Kakadu National Park and whilst many areas that we wanted to see were still closed due to the exceptionally long wet season, we would recommend Kakadu to everyone. We will all leave Kakadu with a deeper understanding of Aboriginal history and culture and appreciation of how civilised their communities were before colonisation.