Cultural Awareness Programs

Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation is proud to bring you a range of cultural awareness programs specially designed to support people working with Indigenous Australians. The aim of this educational experience is to broaden understanding of Aboriginal culture making it essential for anyone working in Maningrida as well as policy makers and groups with an interest in Aboriginal culture.

The two day immersion course guided by Traditional Owners will share local indigenous history, customs, language, stories and cultural practices and will take place both in Maningrida and surrounding Homelands.

The unique Arnhem Land experience awaits: amazing stone country, rivers, floodplains, billabongs and beaches - and once you have looked out over the stunning Tomkinson Floodplain, while in the privileged company of the indigenous
 people, sharing their stories, it will be easy to appreciate this special connection between people and place.

Standard package includes:

Airport transfers
Guided visit to Djomi Museum and Maningrida Arts & Culture
Accommodation in comfortable rooms, toilets and showers with shared facilities. (option of Luxury accommodation for smaller groups)
All meals and snacks

We can also arrange intimate performances by the White Cockatoos – a local performance group who have performed all over the world.
Extension tours are available which can also be extended to two or three day packages. (see the section on two and three day adventures)
Choose from:
Bush Tucker and Art Tour
Rock Art and 4WD Adventure
Traditional Hunting and Gathering Tour

What to Bring
As much of your trip will be spent outdoors, you should wear cool, comfortable clothing to protect from sun and insects. As most local women dress conservatively, we recommend that female visitors do the same. Below-knee skirts, long shorts or pants are suitable.

Other items to bring:
A change of clothing for your second day
Jumper/light jacket for evenings and mornings
Long sleeve cotton shirt
Walking shoes –suitable for climbing/rocky ground- (shoes may get wet)
Thongs/flip-flops/sandals/crocs
Wide brimmed hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Toiletries
Insect repellent
Personal medications
Torch/head lamp
Water bottle
Towel
Notebook and pen
Camera

Important information:
Maningrida township has a population of over four thousand people and has most modern conveniences with a regular air service. However, if you plan to drive in you will need to apply for a permit.
Your comfortable accommodation is at Djinkarr Outstation (18km from Maningrida)

Climate
There are two main seasons: the Wet (November to April) and the Dry (May to October).
The Wet is humid and likely to have rain during your stay with temperatures in the mid to low 30s. During the Dry, nearly every day is warm and sunny, with low humidity, cooler nights and temperatures in the high 20s.

Sacred Sites
As there are Sacred Sites in the region, Traditional Owners ask that you do not wander away from the group.

Drinking water
All water is safe to drink.

Photography
You are welcome to take photos and videos for personal use, however please be aware that photographing or recording Sacred Sites is not permitted. Please seek permission before taking photos of people and be mindful that this is their home. If in doubt please ask your guides.

Telephones & Internet
There is mobile coverage in the township (Telstra & Vodaphone) and a land line at the accommodation. Mobile internet is available in the township.

Alcohol and Drugs
Consuming alcohol or drugs is prohibited in Arnhem Land.

Potential dangers
Saltwater crocodiles and poisonous box jelly fish are found in oceans and rivers in the Top End. There is also a variety of venomous snakes, scorpions and spiders in the area. Your guides will provide advice and instructions that will minimise any risks. 

Example Course Outline
Day one:
Arrive Maningrida Airport from where you will be transported to Djomi Museum and guided through a history of Maningrida, its people and surrounds up to the present.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Your hosts will have you at your accommodation in time to freshen up and share a meal with you.

Day two
Travelling to a special bush location in the Maningrida region,
you will, throughout the day, have the opportunity to:
See rock art that is over 10,000 years old and accessible to only a few
Hear stories about the rock art sites from Traditional Owners
 Learn about the local kinship systems and cultural obligations
Visit the Maningrida Arts & Culture

Lunch and refreshments for the day will again be provided and your hosts will have you safely back at Maningrida Airport in time for the  5.00pm flight to Darwin.