This is a rare opportunity to learn and experience traditional Yolngu
elders healing. Includes 4WD travel via Top End landmarks of
Pine Creek & Katherine
hot springs to Arnhem Land & 3 days women’s healing sessions
plus deep country connections. Also men’s options. 

Background
 
The Vision for the Gay’wu (Dillybag) Women’s Program
 
Bawaka Cultural Experiences
Women’s Program, is a gift of friendship, knowledge and
strength to women visitors.
This program will build a positive future for our children and
grandchildren, by strengthening our culture and creating economic
independence. Our vision holds all women and families, our country our
culture, our knowledge and our stories.
 
Bawaka Homeland is located on the beachfront in Port Bradshaw south
of  Nhulunbuy, North East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Access
is usually by 4WD, the scenic trip takes approximately 90 minutes from
Nhulunbuy (45 mins on dirt road and 45 mins on sand).
 
Bawaka offers a beautiful tropical paradise with very limited access by
visitors. It has unspoilt beaches, spectacular cliff-top ocean views,
vast areas of bushland and an amazing array of marine life. There are
two resident houses (approximately 10 residents) and several other old
buildings. Power is supplied via a solar system and back up generator,
water tanks supplies ample fresh water.
 
The earliest history of Eastern Arnhem Land is
recorded in the paintings, dances and songs of the Yolngu, which tell
of creation ancestors bringing lands and waters, people, animals and
plants into being and laying down the Law that governs them all. The
Law defines who owns and manages the lands and waters, essential
features of Yolngu identity and culture. Arnhem Land is one of the few
areas in Australia where Aboriginal people still live a traditional
life and maintain a strong culture.  

The Journey
 
Day 1 (August 15, 2009)
– Depart your accommodation 9 am from Darwin via Adelaide River
for Pine Creek, an historic gold mining and railway town. Visit Edith
Falls for a swim and lunch break (depending on road conditions) before
stocking up final supplies in Katherine and a swim in the hot springs.
Depart main highway for overnight camp at Mainoru on the road to
Nhulunbuy, Gove Peninsula.
 
Day 2 – Enter Arnhem
Land Aboriginal Land Trust area and continue on the Central Arnhem
Road, (also known as Bulman Track). The road climbs and descends
numerous plateaus as it winds through grasslands, termite mounds, open
woodlands and stringy bark forests. Birdlife is prolific at billabongs
beside the road with the Australian bustard a common sight. Buffalo are
also seen here. Lunch at a picturesque river crossing before we visit
the Roy Marika Lookout overlooking Nhulunbuy for a view of the sea in
the Gulf of Carpentaria. Overnight camp at Nhulunbuy.
 
Day 3 – We depart
Nhulunbuy at 7.30 am, arriving at Bawaka by 9.30 am. On arrival you
will be welcomed by the women and introduced to life in this remote and
idyllic spot. The day will unfold through the sharing of the stories
about this place. Today there will be plenty of time to relax and get
to know each other, and you will be introduced to the language, family
structure and relationships that tie women to the land and sea. You
will come to understand the interwoven relationships of art, music and
dance that these women practice.

Collecting Pandanas	Traditional bush medicine healing	Bush Medicine

Day 4 – We start early
with a special dawn session that leads the group into a deeper level of
understanding and prepares for your participation in the healing
session involving bush medicines. After lunch you will travel in the
local area to see some of the places of particular significance to
women. Your time at Bawaka concludes with an opportunity to sit
together and reflect on your experience with the women on your last
evening.   
 
Day 5 – A day to relax
and/or explore the Gove Peninsula area beaches and hideaway coves and
immerse in more of Yolngu culture. We visit various Dhimurru Land
Council recreational areas which include rugged rocks and wide sandy
beaches near Cape Arnhem, tall exposed cliffs at Rocky Point and
crystal-clear waters of the Latram River.  Historic sites include
the intriguing stone pictures, Wurrwurrwuy near Macassan Beach. You
will find an impressive range of bark paintings, baskets and weavings
at the Nambara Arts and Craft Centre just west of Nhulunbuy and at the
Buku Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre and Museum in Yirrkala  The art
centre/museum at Yirrkala is internationally renowned for its bark
paintings.
 
Day 6 – Return journey
via the wildlife, rivers and billabongs of the Central Arnhem Road, to
overnight at Mainoru.
 
Day 7 – (August 21) –
Visit the Cutta Cutta caves for a look at this fascinating national
park area and / or an optional Katherine Gorge river cruise. Enjoy the
refreshing waters of Edith Falls for a swim before we cruise the
highway back to Darwin in early evening for your accommodation, tour or
flight connections.  BL