Kakadu - a feast, for every sense

Words by Lou J.

The sounds of birds woke us each morning—Barking Owls (think small barking dogs), Blue-winged Kookaburras, and the Bush Stone Curlew, whose chilling call resembled that of a screaming child. We heard many fascinating stories of a landscape that adapts to the two seasons we know experienced in the NT – the wet season and dry season; or the six seasons recognised by the traditional owners. For example, the Woolly Butt tree (who’s “woolly” base protects it from fire), and the Salmon gum tree (which turns an amazing shade of pink). We eagerly listened to insights into Indigenous stories shared over the generations and which complimented the many rock paintings found across the Kakadu National Park-Bininj/Mungguy land. Through the passion shared by our amazing guides we were introduced to the rich cultural expressiveness of the Traditional Owners of the land and we were encouraged to thank them for allowing us to experience their amazing culture and land.

From wetlands to waterfalls, we saw landscapes which are ever changing and adapting, many animals - buffalos (including an albino), crocodiles, numerous birds (including the Firebirds, Black Kite and Whistling Kite, which hover over the fires and pick up the burning coals taking them to another area and start another fire), a variety of fish, a dingo, and many fabulous trees (including the Paperbark tree that has over a hundred uses). The flowers and plants were so varied and provided a colourful backdrop to the stunning stone formations. Sleeping under the clear starry skies gently reminded us of our place in the universe. The rock paintings had us enthralled and in awe of the detail, colours and symbols of the longest continuing culture in the world.

We savoured the scents of the oils from the trees and plants as they warmed through the midday sun. We smelled the seasonal patchwork cool-burning of fires across the NP which helps maintain the abundance and variety of wildlife, as well as the nightly comforting aroma of our burning campfire where we reflected and shared the wonderful experiences of the day.

We touched the varying textures of the stones and rocks as we walked, climbed and scrambled them, and we felt the heat and comfort of the warming sun as it rose and set across our campsite each day. We felt the cool and soothing waters of the waterholes, a relief after the Spinifex grass that whipped our legs.

We tasted the many flavours, some bold and new, others warm and familiar. We tried Kangaroo mince tacos, Buffalo burgers, beautiful Barramundi and sampled Green Ant Gin. And on the trail, some of us were lucky enough to have a small taste of Kakadu Plum.

It was clear to us why Kakadu is unique and dual-listed as a world Heritage site. We felt connected to both the land and to each other, and the joy of experiencing this with our Diamond friends will remain with us for a very long time.

Each evening, we went to bed quite literally counting our lucky stars.