STOP 2

Nitmiluk

Nitmiluk, pronounced “nit-me-look”, is the Jawoyn name for Katherine Gorge. 

It literally means Cicada Place. The name was given by Nabilil, an important figure of the Creation Time. As he travelled through the country he came to the Gorge where he hears the song of the Cicada, “Nit, Nit, Nit!” 

The Nitmiluk National Park and Jawoyn Association logo is a painting by a deceased traditional owner of Nitmiluk. It depicts Bolung (the rainbow serpent), Nitmi (the cicada), mussels, fish, and rocks. By tradition, Bolung still inhabits the deep pools of the second Gorge at Nitmiluk and care must be taken not to disturb him. 

Most of these Dreaming places are not dangerous, but some may have to be approached with care, or not disturbed at all. 

Explore the Nitmiluk Visitor Information Centre and cultural displays.  

*Information from https://www.nitmiluktours.com.au/about/jawoyn-people/ 

QUIZ: 

By tradition, who inhabits the deep pools of the second Gorge? 

Enter your answers

Bolung, who is believed to inhabit the deep green pools found in the Second Gorge, is not only an important life-giving figure but may also act as a destroyer. This can take the form of lighting and may bring monsoonal floods. 

Jawoyn people do not fish in the pools where Bolung sits. When fishing close to these pools, they can take only a small portion of the fish caught and throw-back the rest to appease Bolung. 

Drinking water must not be taken from these deep pools but rather from the shallow associated waters. Pregnant women and new initiates may not swim in the Katherine River for fear of disturbing Bolung. 

Unlike other Jawoyn Dreaming, which may be addressed for assistance in hunting and foraging such as Barrava (the Kookaburra), Bolung must not be spoken to and must be left undisturbed.