In the heart of Australia’s natural splendour, the Kakadu National Park prepares to unveil an immersive celebration of indigenous heritage and gastronomy with the upcoming “Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu: Taste of Kakadu” festival. Slated for May 24–26, 2024, this event promises an unforgettable journey through the rich tapestry of Aboriginal culture, set against the breathtaking backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spanning three days, the festival is a harmonious blend of ancient customs and contemporary culinary innovation. Visitors are invited to delve deep into the Bininj/Mungguy community’s enduring connection to the land, a bond that has thrived for over 65,000 years. Through a carefully curated program, attendees will discover the soul of Kakadu through its flavours, art, and storytelling.

Taste of Kakadu Festival 2023 – Ground oven FEAST cooking.

Adrian Buman, Tourism and Visitor Services Manager encapsulates the essence of the festival, “Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of Kakadu’s Aboriginal culture. From bush food tastings to traditional craft workshops, it’s a celebration of heritage that engages all senses.”

The festival’s highlights include the “Kinhkinh – Bowali Under the Stars” dinner, where culinary maestros Paul ‘Yoda’ Iskov and Ben Tyler will orchestrate a four-course marvel under the celestial canopy. Accompanied by the melodic voice of Shellie Morris AO, the evening is a tribute to the land and its bounty.

The opening night sets the stage with a sensory explosion, offering everything from ground oven feasts to bush tucker tastings. As dusk falls, traditional dances and the vibrant beats of the Wairuk band promise an electric start to the festivities.

Workshops offer hands-on experiences in the ancient arts of spear-making, traditional painting, and damper cooking. Each session is not just a lesson in technique but a gateway to understanding the profound relationship between the Bininj/Mungguy people and their environment.

The “Taste of Kakadu Yellow Water Cruise” is not to be missed, a journey led by Mandy Muir, a Senior Indigenous Leader. As the boat glides through serene waters, Muir’s narratives enrich the landscape with history and myth, offering insights into the Murumburr Clan’s heritage.

The festival presents a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts to learn from Jacqueline Cahill, a renowned Kakadu artist. Participants can delve into traditional painting methods and bring their canvases to life with ancient symbols and stories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxX8WBYuoWA

As the sun dips below the horizon, the Ubirr sunset tour offers a moment of reflection among the rock art galleries, where the winds of time whisper tales of lore and land.

Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu is more than a festival; it’s a pilgrimage to the heart of Australia’s spiritual and cultural landscape. It’s an invitation to explore, learn, and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Bininj/Mungguy people, ensuring their stories, like the stars under which they’re told, continue to guide us.

For those yearning to be part of this extraordinary celebration, visit www.kakadu.gov.au/taste for more details and to view the full program.

Written by: Anne Keam

=====================================