Nourlangie Rock Art Site in Kakadu National Park is some of the most amazing rock art I’ve ever seen. And yet I don’t understand most of it. Nor am I supposed to. Most non-Aboriginals see Aboriginal art work through the eyes of the child, only grasping the meaning at a very high level, not understanding all the depths and insights it provides into Aboriginal culture. Aboriginals are reluctant to share the meaning, it’s a respect that has to be earned. Something that is not possible during an hour-long tour. So with my child-like eyes I show you Aboriginal Rock Art from Nourlangie:
This is one of the most famous rock art paintings at Nourlangie. The guy in the middle is the Creation Ancestor Namonjok. The guy on the right is Ancestor Namarrgon – the Lightening Man.
Even with my very limited knowledge about Aboriginal Art, it was clear to see whether a male or female was depicted in the paintings.
It was fascinating to get a glimpse into a world that I don’t understand, nor am I intended to understand. In a world where a quick search in Google can help us understand so much, perhaps that’s the lesson that non-Aboriginals are supposed to gain from visiting Nourlangie – You will never understand everything, nor are you intended to.
Know Before You Got to Nourlangie Rock Art Site:
- Nourlangie Rock Art Site is located ~250km east of Darwin
- It’s open from 8:00 am – sunset
- Guided ranger talks are available April – October (which I would highly recommend – you’ll get a lot more out of it)
- Self guided tours are available all year long
- The path is 1.5km long and takes about an hour
- Contact Tourism Northern Territory for further info
