A big “YAY!” from us here in Jabiru, Gunlom is now open to the public!
Mary River district rangers have been working day and night (no kidding, crocodile surveys involve nighttime spotlighting excursions) to make this famed destination accessible to the public after the wet season.
Gunlom is more than just another beautiful Kakadu waterfall with a nice big plunge pool. It is more than just the panoramic view across the wide valley of the South Alligator River from the edge of the escarpment, the cascading clear water and the unforgettable natural infinity pool — it is also a very spiritual place with a lot of history.
Gunlom Escarpment
You might have heard of UDP Falls. Gunlom was known under this name because it was the early camp site of the Uranium Development and Prospecting Company back in the mining days, the 1950s and 60s,
long before Kakadu National Park was established.
Luckily, uranium mining in the area stopped in 1964.
Plans for mining silver, lead, zinc, platinum, palladium and gold deposits in the nearby Guratba (Coronation Hill) area were buried as well when after many years of extensive inquiries and deliberation it was decided to protect the upper South Alligator region for its natural and cultural values to the Jawoyn people and its significant environmental values.
Before mining, Mam (non-Aboriginal people) had also tried their luck in pastoralism and buffalo hunting – and then, of course, came tourism. They even used the plunge pool as a backdrop in the Hollywood movie that put the Top End on the tourism map: Crocodile Dundee!
Gunlom
For Mungguy (Aboriginal people, Jawoyn Traditional Owners) the arrival of Mam brought big changes. Their job of looking after their country to prevent disturbances which could upset Bula and cause widespread disasters and destruction didn’t become any easier with the arrival of non-Aboriginal miners.
Bula is the most important Jawoyn creation ancestor. In the creation era he came from the North. As he travelled along with his wives and hunted across the country, he created the landscape with its landmarks and distinct features. He left images of himself as paintings in rock shelters, before he went underground to rest under the rocks.
We know the region where Bula’s ngan-mol (spirit) lies as Buladjang, Sickness Country.
Jawoyn say that if people disturb Buladjang country they will become unwell. Don’t worry, we won’t disturb Bula or enrage Bolung or any of the other ancestors. We respect their country and come here to look, listen and learn.
If you want to find out more about the Gunlom region and its history and inhabitants, have a look at the Kakadu Park Notes: Gunlom and Beyond
Bobo!
Anja
