“When feelings of reverence, awe, and admiration are developed in the child’s soul, they become transformed in later life into living forces of love and devotion, capable of healing and blessing human society.” Rudolf Steiner
This term, Class 11 had an inspiring week exploring the Top End together on the famous Kakadu camp. We flew to Darwin with our trusty bus drivers Mark and Marcio. The next day we drove to Pudakul, beside a beautiful billabong, to hear fascinating stories about tribal lore, bush tucker and even throw a spear with a woomera. The following days in Jabiru were filled with marvellous sunsets and starry nights, an abundance of 20,000-year-old rock art at Nourlangie and walks through stunning landscapes. We took the magical Yellow Waters Billabong cruise through the Kakadu Wetlands, seeing an abundance of birdlife and the rare sight of a mother crocodile with her tiny babies. Even our tour boat guide was excited about this. We were graciously welcomed to country at Historic Patonga Safari Homestead, where we learnt traditional painting, intricate pandanus weaving and partook of fresh damper and tea.
Onward to Katherine we travelled, where Jeff and Mel from the farm Dodgy’s Run generously offered their backyard for us to sleep under the stars. Jeff even took some of the students fishing. A barramundi was caught and prepared for an appetiser before we ate Jeff’s famous wood-fired pizzas on the lawn. We cruised up Katherine Gorge, visited underground caves and natural hot springs, before hiking up to the mesmerising Edith Falls for a swim. Finally, on our return to Darwin, we were able to experience dinner and a sunset over the ocean at the Mindil Sunset Market. Kakadu is a truly remarkable and dramatically different landscape. I feel very honoured to have experienced this part of the world and to have learnt about the ancient cultures from such knowledgeable elders. Until next time…
Class 11 Guardians Tanya and Simon
