Blogs from Arnhemland, Northern Territory, Australia, Oceania

It was a very early start for the drive from Darwin to Arnhemland, but luckily I managed a good sleep on the way, whilst still waking up I'm time for sunrise. When we arrived at the boundary of Arnhemland, which is privately owned land, there is a crocodile infested river, where we spotted many crocodiles. Visiting Arnhemland is restricted to very few tour companies, and not cheap, but it was an amazing day and I'm so glad I went, especially as it had been on my bucket list for a few years. When we arrived in the community we collected our local guide, Tomo, and drove to a rock escarpment that we were to climb. We were told it would take 3 hours to get to the top for lunch, even though it didn't look too ... read more

We stop at Ubirr to check the view into Arnhenland. Andi goes to the facilities and seems to be taking a long time, only to find out she had found a snake in one of the 2 toilets! At Cahills crossing into Arnhemland we spot a foreign tourist fishing on the crossing causeway, Matilda champion crocodile spotter points out a rather large fiend lurking not too far upsteam, pretty sure I know who my money would be on. Next stop Darwin, someone told Andi there were markets there!... read more

Ahh Elcho, home to us all. Had an amazing time here – arrived last Thursday, so will be a week tomorrow. So good seeing all our friends and family again. Had a few fishing trips (nearly every day) and, had an amazing dinner of crayfish and coral trout one night. Can’t beat that! Anchored right out the front of the community, and not very far out, so just a short zodi trip each day. Have also been able to borrow a tinny from a family friend and that has been sitting behind Restless Spirit each night. Saturday we had the semi final for the local footy, so went along to watch that and caught up with so many more friends. Sunday was church…and catching up with many friends. I even got to play along on my ... read more

It always made me cringe that most Australians seemed to have an opinion on aboriginal issues, even though they more than likely had never met an aboriginal person. I have to admit I was totally ignorant about the indigenous culture, being typically schooled on AC (after Cook) Australian history. But since travelling in the Northern Territory, I have tried to listen and expand my limited knowledge. So when an opportunity to sign up for the World Expeditions Arnhem Land marine rescue project came up, I grabbed it with both hands. What really appealed to me was the combination of learning about the Yolngu culture by staying with a family at Nyinyikay - an outstation located in North-East Arnhem Land; and also to undertake a conservation project in my own country rather than some far-flung destination. With ... read more

Hi Everyone , I'm here at Ngukurr ready for my second week teaching. I will have a year 6 this week as opposed to all the 4-5-6, up to 30 kids from two classes. It was all too busy last week but there's apparrently anew teacher taking one of the classes this week . The trip here was a fine adventure with two river crossings and 80 or so k's of dirt road. The community is pretty quiet and there are interesting things happening with the Australian Jazz Orchestra collaborating with local musicians and recording the results. Theyr'e destined for Europe and New York in the not too distant future. Fantastic stuff. I'm yet to meet the musos. There's an arts festival here in a few weeks when Paul Grabowski brings the band up again so ... read more