Lots more cave paintings in this part of Kakadu, in fact some of the best art work is found in this section of the park. There are over 5000 art sites in the park.
" In Dreamtime painting, use special paint, ochre, blood. Come back with that feeling. Ceremony painting is not for everyone to see. Top business you cant see it. Go through your body & give you knowlege. Dreaming. You might dream. Good one". Bill Neidje Bunidj Clan
The walk around the rocks which were used as shelters by the aborigines was beautiful. Lots of over hangs towering above you as you walk through ... sandstone & conglomerate rocks in all colours. The conglomerates were mixes of fist size quartz in some instances.
Another beautiful walk in this section is Nawurlandja Lookout. A 600mt walk up a moderately sloped rock face brings you to the top of the rock providing panoramic views across the wetlands to the escarpment.
Everywhere you look there are amazing rock formations in varying colours. Loved this big flat rock where we had morning tea.
Reluctantly leaving the excellent facilities at Jabiru campground behind we moved to Cooinda in the Yellow Water Wetlands. We booked a sunset cruise at the Warradjan Cultural Centre & the abundant bird life, resident crocs & stunning reflections on the water made for an interesting trip.
Our guide, Lionel, who grew up in the area had a wealth of knowledge on the plant life & the change of seasons. He had a great passion for the land & the pattern of life as the Kakadu landscapes undergo changes with the coming of new seasons. The knowledge of the sign posts when each season moves to the next of the six seasons is fundamental in the life of the Bininji/Mungguy people, as the type & location of food supply changes.
Now the insects, have I mentioned them? At the instant of sunset the mosquitoes commenced their kamikaze flights & once again "lights out" was the best option as the insects found their way inside the van.I swear they come through the screens as minute bugs & immediately multiply by the thousands.
Despite the insects the visit to this part of Australia has so much to offer from the panoramic landscapes to the understanding of the life of the indigenous people as they roamed & lived off the land. I think for me the affinity the aborigines have with the changes in the plants & weather patterns & the importance these sometimes subtle changes have on their daily life has been something that I now know was more complex than I realised.
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