A wander here helps to fill in some of the blanks, weaving the threads of my sublime natural experiences into a larger, more meaningful picture of all that this destination truly is.
The car-park is empty when we hit the trail, climbing gently above a gully of Darwin woollybutt trees still dusted with early morning mist. Anbangbang's sweeping rock art galleries tug for my attention, but I'm chasing the rising sun - and my daughter too - towards Gunwarddehwarde Lookout, high above on the escarpment edge. The heady, honeyed scent of fern-leaved grevilleas hangs potently in the air, and treading softly, a black wallaroo and I startle each other around a bend. Finally, we are standing atop the rocky bluff known as Burrungkuy and peering out across Kakadu's rugged stone country as the sun warms the sky.
Beyond this viewpoint, the Barrk Sandstone Walk sets a surprisingly lonely six-hour-long challenge, looping past the sculpted Enchanted Castles and Balancing Rock to remote, rarely visited Nanguluwurr (Narng-oo-loo-war) Gallery. This site safeguards intricate Dynamic Style art of powerful ancestral beings, dating back to around 15,000 BP (before present, which means 15,000 years before the arrival of carbon dating in 1950). There are animal X-ray motifs from the Estuarine Period of Indigenous art (around 8000 BP) and the most recent, 200-year-old Contact Art from the Freshwater Period that depict distinctly European-style sailing ships.
Nanguluwurr's ancient meeting place rewards determined hikers with certain solitude and a cool pause before the return loop back to Anbangbang (Arn-barng-barng) Gallery. Here, crowds gather for ranger-led storytelling tours about Namarrgon the Lightning Man, who ignites Gunumeleng's premonsoon storm season, and the dangerous spirit Nabulwinjbulwinj who strikes females with a yam and then eats them.
Denne historien er fra Issue 208-utgaven av WellBeing.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra Issue 208-utgaven av WellBeing.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
SKY WALKING
Explore the untamed beauty of the Gondwana Rainforests, where pristine pockets of wilderness beckon with thundering waterfalls, misty forest trails and encounters with rare wildlife.
Unleash your sense of adventure in Shoalhaven
You won't fully appreciate the sheer size of the Shoalhaven region until you immerse yourself in its hidden treasures such as Jervis Bay, Huskisson, Berry, Mollymook and more.
Plyometric tennis flow
Low-amplitude plyometric training is the number-one reason why tennis players' bodies remain strong, resilient and injury-free well beyond their 40s. This versatile workout regimen can be performed anytime, anywhere. Simply find a court summon your determination and get moving
YOGA TO CONQUER THE FEAR OF DEATH
In a world of constant change, there's one immutable truth we all share: our inevitable encounter with death. Despite its universal presence, fear of mortality abounds, subtly shaping our lives and decisions. Through the lens of yoga and mindfulness, we discover pathways to confront this fear, unlocking a profound sense of peace and purpose in our existence.
LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
Nostalgia is often touted as an unhelpful emotion, but recent research suggests reminiscing about the past can enrich our present and guide us towards a more fulfilling future.
ANCIENT wayfinders
Amid modern challenges, indigenous wisdom may offer a path to healing. From fostering community bonds to embracing spiritual connections with nature, we explore the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in today's world.
COMMUNITY & COOPERATION in the cost-of-living crisis
In the face of escalating living expenses and economic uncertainty, embracing mutual-aid initiatives and community-driven solutions can alleviate financial strain and foster resilience in times of need.
On the men you
Finding your personality revealed in the foods you choose from a menu might seem like a piece of New Age flummery, but there is research suggesting that your food choices might reveal more about you than you suspect.
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus)
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse with many sustainable healing benefits.
Green Beat
All the latest in environmental issues