Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Managers & Bosses
There are both managers and bosses for country, and each party has a different responsib-
ility or right. The manager is the custodian and the boss is the owner. Naming the parties
a manager or a boss is simply a way of discerning between custodian and owner, al-
though in reality these two roles are not always strictly separate and are often merged to
become one.
Some of these responsibilities are made known to the members of an Aboriginal com-
munity through songs and ceremonies. For example, there may be a particular obligation
not to kill the females of a certain animal, in order to preserve the species.
When traditional custodians and/or owners approach their country they will talk to the
spirit ancestor of the place. They will tell them who they are and also who they may have
brought with them to the place. When food is taken from the land, thanks are given to the
ancestors. Nothing is assumed or taken for granted, not even the next meal. We are al-
ways seeking permission from the spirit world for our actions.
The boundaries between different Aboriginal clans or nations are sometimes marked.
These boundaries are not straight lines but may be determined by the footsteps and tracks
of the ancestors, by bends in the creek or the river, the rain shadow, trees or rocks. Some
regions were shared between different Aboriginal peoples and some were restricted, with
strict rules for obtaining permission to travel across the country.
A visit to the 200-hectare Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, on the Stuart Hwy in
Port Augusta, is a great way to see a range of different arid-zone plants in one place.
Check out the website at www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org .
Wildlife
The timing of your visit to central Australia will determine the variety and types of wild-
life you are likely to see. In January, a flooded wetland in the north will be teeming with
wildlife, whereas a searing hot January day in the desert may leave you wondering if
anything lives there at all apart from flies and ants.
Feathers & Scales
The rivers and wetlands of both South Australia (SA) and the Northern Territory (NT)
are home to an incredible variety of birds, as well as hosting great flocks of migratory
birds from other parts of Australia and the world. In Kakadu look out for regal pairs of
Jabiru storks and brolgas among the massive flocks of magpie geese.
 
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