23 Aug 2023

A Deep Dive into the Aquatic Wonderland and Vibrant Birdlife of Ashmore Reef

As Heritage Adventurer arrived near the shores of Bigge Island, our morning excursion started with a short Zodiac cruise to a stunning sandy beach set between sandstone headlands with our guides sharing the rich Indigenous Australian and European history of this island which was once connected to the mainland.

Bigge Island is a significant Wandjina rock art site and also features several paintings depicting European contact along with animals and handprints. The island is predator-free and we observed plenty of evidence of tracks in the sand including Monjon (the smallest species of Rock-wallaby), Northern Quoll and several recent turtle nesting sites, likely from the endemic Flatback Turtle which this area is known for.

Our journey took us along the beach up over sandstone rocks glistening with quartz to a ceremonial site, through hummocks of Spinifex grass and past a mangrove inlet through to the beautiful Father Kaiara - an imposing Wandjina figure, and into a small cave where we were able to enjoy the cool of the cave and older rock art.

After lunch Phil presented his talk on Phillip Parker King, one of Australia's great explorers. Phil's insight into King's travels through the Kimberley set the scene for our afternoon visit to the site where he careened his ship for repairs.

The aptly named Careening Bay is another lovely beach, with some special plants and ancient cycads. Semi parasitic mistletoe plants in bloom hung down from the Eucalypts which were visited by several Honeyeaters, but perhaps the main attraction at Careening Bay is the famous Mermaid Boab tree which bore a carving by King's carpenter 203 years ago, the inscription is still clearly visible today. We had time to ourselves to explore, with our guides stationed at interesting points along the way such as an intricately made bower made by the male Bowerbird as a pre courtship display. A beautiful sunset over the bay ended another amazing day.

Image (c) by: C.Finch