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Excelink Pacific "Enriching Global Relationships" |
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For a Business version of this product see Bush Business at Bush Business Connecting people &
country by song lines .... with Aboriginal teachers and
communities from the land we travel. Outback communities, camps, cattle
stations, traditional art .... extraordinary value & beauty in these last
frontiers of the world's longest surviving culture. You become part of the re-creation of this land & culture .... discover new understandings from times beginning. You choose sectors to suit you. Bush University offers the unique opportunity to develop friendship with the original people of the oldest continent on earth; people whose uninterrupted heritage spans more than 70,000 years; the people of the oldest living culture in the history of humanity. Song & Dance Adventures have worked with the Ngarinyin developing facilities at Murunbabidi (main camp). We provide an introduction to the community, and work with local suppliers to deliver the tours in liaison with the Ngarinyin people. Living with the Ngarinyin in their cool season camp, visitors and Ngarinyin mix and mingle with ease and laughter. Facilities at the camp include showers and septic toilets, tents and swags, cold water, camp fire and stove cooking. The Ngarinyin people enjoy an adjoining camp, styled in accordance with the traditional law that governs their lives. Bush University is wholly owned by the Ngarinyin Aboriginal Corporation and operates through its registered identity, the Ngarinyin Culture College. The Ngarinyin people provide the infrastructure at their camp, along with the teaching and guiding to the many sacred areas of their country. During the period you will be taken on expeditions to incredible rock art galleries, with the custodians of those sites, who will explain the stories and meaning of these special places. You will have close interaction with the Ngarinyin people as you learn about Ngarinyin Law, spirituality, medicines and bush foods, language and early history, ceremony and songs. See Kimberley_Community
Wunguud - Creation Water hole Wandjina Art
Following is an example itinerary that will give you an idea of
some of the activities undertaken during the Bush University program. Due to
seasonal conditions and cultural reasons it is not possible to provide a strict
formal itinerary.
DAY ONE: (L.D)
BROOME ~ YUWA STATION CAMP
After
being picked up from your accommodation at 7 am on Monday, we travel up the
Great Northern Highway to Derby. We view the circular wharf, presiding over the
2nd greatest tidal variance in the World, and the Prison Boab Tree before
heading off down the Gibb River Beef Road towards Windjana Gorge. We deviate for
the afternoon to explore Tunnel Creek, a 3/4 km subterranean passage through the
Napier Range. Torches are needed but its a cool place for the afternoon!
O/n
Accommodation Yuwa Safari Camp. (6 hours (451 km) driving, 1 hour (2 km)
walking, 2 hours sightseeing and exploring. Toilet/Shower facilities available)
DAY TWO: (B.L.D)
YUWA SAFARI CAMP ~ IMINTJI SAFARI CAMP
After
a stop at Lililmooloora and its connections with the Aboriginal guerilla
Jandamarra, a morning walking into
Windjana Gorge will be very rewarding as we explore this ancient fossil reef
forming imposing walls and see crocodiles basking in the sun. Returning to the
Gibb River Road we make our way to Bells Gorge in the afternoon and soak in the
impressive scenery. O/n Accommodation
Imintji Safari Camp. (3&1/2
hours driving (170 km), 2 hours (4 km) walking, 2&1/2hours sightseeing and
exploring. Toilet/ Shower facilities available)
DAY THREE: (B.L.D) GIBB RIVER ROAD GORGES
We
head off down the Gibb River Road to beautiful Lower Manning Gorge where we walk
to beautiful Manning Gorge to see the waterfall and some Gwion (Bradshaw)
figures. For the less energetic, they can stop for a swim and relax beneath
shady paperbarks. After a stop at Mt Barnett Roadhouse, our next stop is
picturesque Galvins Gorge for an afternoon interlude
before returning along the Gibb River Road to our O/n
Accommodation at Imintji Safari Camp. (4 hours(255 km) driving,
1@1/2 hours (3 km) walking, 3 hours sightseeing and exploring.
(Toilet/ Shower Facilities Available)
DAY FOUR:
(B.L.D) IMINTJI
SAFARI CAMP ~ KING EDWARD RIVER SAFARI CAMP
After
a morning stop at Mt Barnett Roadhouse, time is spent in the morning for a stop
at Barnett River Gorge before heading on down the road towards the Kalumbaru
turn-off. Leaving the Gibb River Road, we journey northwards for an hour to the
Drysdale River. Late afternoon we arrive at our exclusive overnight camp at the
King Edward River. O/n Accommodation King
Edward River Safari Camp. (5 hours (320 km) driving, 1 hours (2 km) walking,
2 hours sightseeing and exploring. Toilet/ Shower available)
Day
FIVE: (B.L.D) MARUNBABIDI Enjoy the sunrise from Marunbabidi, and maybe an early morning swim before breakfast at 7 am. We meet the traditional custodians, our hosts, and after lunch there will be a briefing on the coming days, when we commence our learning of the Ngarinyin culture - language, customs, taboos, etc. Enjoy a swim and a walk along the river to gather bush tucker.We then board the vehicle and journey along one of the remote tracks to Wallumbah, a magnificent rock art site on a hill with fantastic views over the north west Kimberley. Here we learn about the story of this site from the custodians and perhaps dig for yams in the area. Returning to Marunbabidi for a late lunch, its then time for a swim and a chat with the Ngarinyin people.
Day
SIX (B.L.D) MARUNBABIDI
After packing a picnic lunch we make an early departure on our
expedition to Nagamorra - an extensive site - where the elders will explain the
story of this special place. An opportunity for fishing for the sweet black
bream, and we may gather some green ants for the refreshing medicinal drink -
green ant tea. Along our way we may have the opportunity to hunt some bush
tucker, and gather some “terminalia canasens” wood which is used for
artifacts. We are shown how to make traditional artifacts.
Day
SEVEN (B.L.D) MARUNBABIDI Hunting and gathering. We travel to “old Prap Prap” for fishing, hunting, learning about bush medicines. A lovely bush walk along the river to view some of the 90 species of birds identified in the area. Hopefully we will collect some “sugar bag” (bush honey) and also learn about some of the other plants whose fruit contributed to the healthy diet of the traditional people. Tonight by the campfire the Ngarinyin people will entertain us with their traditional songs and stories.
Wandjina Gorge Guardian Bungle Bungles Mitchell FallsDay EIGHT: (B.L.D) MARUNBABIDI
TO NGAWADU (MITCHELL FALLS)
Departing Marumbabidi, We make our way to the Kalumbaru Road then head
North to another crossing of the King Edward River and explore Munaroo, an
Aboriginal Wandjina Artsite. We stop at the King Edward River for an early and
relax for a while at its refreshing waters. Continuing up the Plateau road, we
stop and view Galleries of Aboriginal Gwion (Bradshaw) Art. We then drive
through forests of Livistona Palms as we travel via the Lawley lookout to our
overnight camp on Wunambal land. O/n
Camping Ungolan. (4 hours(139 km) driving, 4 hours sightseeing and
exploring. Toilet/ Shower facility provided )
Day NINE: (B.D)
Ngawadu (MITCHELL FALLS) to KUNUNURRA
A wonderful day is available to explore this magnificent waterfall and its associated aboriginal art with a Wunambal Traditional owner. We walk from the carpark to Little Merton’s Falls and see wonderful Aboriginal art. We continue through open woodland to another Gwion ( Bradshaw ) artsite. After a stop at impressive Big Mertons Falls, we arrive at Mitchell Falls and spend time exploring this magnificent area. Not only is this area scenically superb but is a refuge for many endangered species. Time available for an optional helicopter flight over the falls and to return to the Carpark. We then make our way back to the airstrip to join our flight at 3pm to Kununurra. You are transferred from the Airport to your overnight accommodation at the Mercure Inn. (3 hours (6km) walking, (the helicopter can usually be taken one way from the falls.) 40km (2 hours) driving 5 hours sightseeing and exploring) ***** OPTIONAL 2 DAYS BUNGLES 4WD SAFARI ****
DAY TEN; (B.L.D)
KUNUNURRA TO PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK.
After
being picked up from your accommodation at 5.30am by Alligator Air and
transferred to the airport, you take off by light aircraft
for
a 1&1/2 hour flight to the Bungles. Enjoy a scenic flight over the Ord
River, Lake Argyle and the Carr Boyd Ranges After being picked up from your
accommodation at 5.30am by Alligator Air and transferred to the airport, you
take off by light aircraft
with
spectacular views of the Bungle's gorges and domes before landing at Purnululu
Air Strip. Upon landing, you will be met by your guide and transferred to nearby
Purnululu Safari Camp for a continental breakfast. We then head off to the
southern side of the massif to allow time to fully explore and appreciate the
magnificent domes area of Piccaninny Creek.
An
easy- paced walk up the creek flanked by the curious, striped Bee- hive domes
brings us to hidden gorges and a wide array of vegetation. Our well-informed
guide will bring the natural history of the Bungles to life and explain the Bush
Tucker and Bush Medicine, as well as the aboriginal dimensions of Purnululu.
After lunch in a shaded gorge, we head to Cathedral Gorge and relax after our
walk and have an afternoon snack before making our way to Purnululu Safari Camp for optional
scenic helicopter flights, sunset and an evening around the campfire. (
1&1/2 hours driving, (36KMS), 1 hour flying, 3 hours walking,( 6km ) 3 hours
sightseeing.)
DAY ELEVEN (B L)
Bungle Bungles - Kununurra We head back around the northern side and explore the magnificent Minipalms gorge with its sheer walls and grove of immature palms before making our way to Kurrajong camp for lunch. After lunch we begin our journey back to Kununurra with an afternoon stop at Turkey Creek Roadhouse at 4pm. We will arrive back in Kununurra at about 6.30pm and drop you at your accommodation. (6&1/2 hours driving (342 km) , 1& 1/2 hours walking(5km) , 2 hours sightseeing.) HEALTH AND FITNESS
It
is expected that all participants enjoy good health & fitness as the walks
are reasonably active. Please notify our office of any health or dietary
requirements.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
All
Permanent Camp Accommodation, Camping equipment, all breakfast, lunch and dinner
meals from Day 1 to Day 9 or 11 as listed, flight from Mitchell Falls to
Kununurra, Aboriginal Guides at Ngauwadu (Mitchell Falls) and Purnululu and Ngarinyin tutors at Marunbabidi.
WHAT
YOU SHOULD BRING Please limit
luggage to 10kg due to aircraft luggage restrictions.
*
Walking boots & /or comfortable walking shoes
* TORCH * Sunhat, sunscreen, insect
repellent, sunglasses * Small Day pack
* Shorts, shirts, swimmers,
towel * Personal waterbottle for walks. * Long pants and jumper *
Socks, underclothes, personal items
MEALS ON TOUR -
BREAKFAST:
cereal, toast, tea & coffee (sometimes cooked breakfast)
LUNCH : Usually salads and cold meats, tea, coffee. Morning & Afternoon
teas and cake or biscuits.
DINNER: A three course meal consisting of an entrée,
a main course and dessert and tea and coffee. We try and vary the meal at the
various camps to ensure variety. Vegetarian and other special diets can be
catered for with advance notification. Guests are requested not to bring
alcohol.
PERMANENT SAFARI CAMPS SPENDING MONEY - Spending money is required only for the helicopter at Mitchell Falls and at the Bungles. It also takes credit cards.
CLIMATE COST - 9 Days Broome to Kununurra BUSH UNIVERSITY - Contact us for latest program. Please call or email us with any questions excel@excelink.com.au or complete Booking Form Thank you ... See Kimberley_Community Song & Dance Adventures …. Re-Creation Journeys RECOMMENDED READING: You might like to read the following books prior to coming to Bush University – Creation Journeys - A Travellers Guide by Richard O'Neill - See Yorro Yorro, Spirit of the Kimberley by David Mowaljarlai and Jutta Malnic (Magabala Books) Mens Business, Womens Business - by Hannah Rachel Bell (Inner Traditions International) Gwion Gwion - produced by the Ngarinyin Aboriginal Corporation and Pathway Project. (Konneman Publishers, Germany)
Excelink Pacific - Enriching Global Relationships
©
2005
Excelink
International Pty Ltd PO Box 488
Neutral Bay, NSW 2089
ABN24002623814 mailto:excel@excelink.com.au www.excelink.com.au Fax (02) 9997 7122 Tel 02 9251 7866 | |||||||||
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