Unsealed road tracks

When driving into the city of Darwin from Michael and Denise’s house in the bush-- which we have been doing all week--  we are on a “sealed” highway.  These kind of roads make driving in the region easy.  However, driving into Kadadu or Arnhem Land-- as we plan to do-- requires a four-wheel drive so we can navigate unsealed road tracks.  

Sidenote: It turns out renting a four-wheel drive means:  1) no roadside service; 2) no insurance coverage if you drive at night since native animals are often on roads at that time; and 3) no coverage anytime for travel on unpaved roads (AKA unsealed)-- the kind of roads and tracks you need the 4WD car for in the first place!

Anyway, much of the Top End is owned by Aboriginal people.  Kakadu National Park, the largest national park in the country, is considered aboriginal land but is jointly managed with the Australian parks.  Kakadu is known for many things including the highest concentrated areas of Aboriginal rock art in the world.  

Neighboring Arnhem Land is solely Aboriginal land, and it is illegal to enter without a permit.  If you want to see Arnhem Land, for example, you usually have to do it as part of an organized tour.  To enter on your own is very difficult.

Denise, however, is an adopted aboriginal woman.  Her “family” lives in Arnhem Land and is always glad when she can make it out for a visit.  Nicole and I applied for a travel permit-- accompanied by Denise-- and were granted it with no problem.

So, here’s what’s happening.  Nicole, Denise, and I have rented the right 4WD vehicle, we have permits for Arnham Land in hand, and we are off on a three-day adventure into the real “outback.”

#honoring the dream time

Michael stayed home to keep the pythons from under the bed, feed the dogs, and such.  We will drive unsealed road tracks as we scout birds, bow down at the rock face, and visit the “rellies.”