There was a strange mist over Kakadu as we drove into the park. One of those mysterious afternoons you often read about in books, where you end up arriving at your destination, only 200 years earlier. It may have been the back burning, mixed with the wetland air – the scene was set. We swatted mossies left, right and center, as we delved deeper into the park, passing the long grasses that swayed on one side and peered on their upcoming fate of the char grilled floors on the other side, speckled with fallen leaves from the golden crowns of the gums.
It wasn’t till the next day, upon arriving at Burrungkuy, that we saw the majestic boulder rocks and the distant sandstone ridges.
Here we walked in-between boulders that were once sheltered areas for the Bininj (aboriginal) ancestors, where they painted their history onto the rocks. It was amazing to see 20 000 year old art, stand the test of time.
At a nearby cultural center, we saw work which had been preserved on bark and paper and were able to admire the magnitude of colour and detail that is involved in each masterpiece. A lot of the minute detail was lost on the rock, however the grandness of size and story telling element was humbling to witness.
On our last day in Kakadu, we bumped along a corrugated road towards Gunlom Falls. We went past many billabongs and rivers that pushed along sand banks with nearby signs ‘spotted: croc 4m’. We didn’t stop to verify this truth! After countless termite mounds that looked like gothic steeples and about 10 wild donkeys (or maybe mules?), we arrived at Gunlom Falls.
The walk was steep, but enjoyable. The lookout at the top, was generous – not only did we have an amazing view over a tree filled landscape, but to the right were the delightful rock pools which awaited us.
Nature had really outdone herself. There was a series pools to choose from. One with a waterfall, the middle ones guarded from the wind and the picturesque infinity pool. The water was so clear, you could see every grain of sand and peddle below. After lunch, the wind picked up and so did we.
Adios Kakadu, it was nice exploring you (although the mossies – we could have done without!).
