Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia

AUSTRALIA | Thursday, 4 July 2013 | Views [1912] | View Smaller Image

Once surrounded by ancient seas, the iconic Arnhem Land escarpment or “stone country” is a great example of the relationship between Aboriginal people and the land. During the wet season this sandstone wall is transformed into a plentiful oasis, brimming with fish and birds to hunt. In the dry season, it’s shady caves and residual pools provide protection from the hot Australian sun.

Tags: escarpment, oasis, arnhem land, aboriginal, aboriginals, nature, land, down under, australia, stone

Leaving Kakadu national park and crossing the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land the scenery changes like a slide in an old projector. Meandering down a red and dusty road, a lonesome sign stands fatigued with irony.

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Aboriginal elder Garry Djorlom learnt how to hunt and gather food provided by the land from his father, Dudley Djorlom and his uncles. Walking through the scrub with Garry he would point out and name different trees in his traditional language (Kunwinjku). Occasionally he would stop to pick some fruit “I’m going to take these back to my grand kids” he would say, with an earnest smile.

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Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia

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