14/8/2019: Nara Inlet, Hook Island, Whitsundays

The Aborigines in this area were actually called Ngaro, which is where the fjord like inlet got its bastardised name of Nara. We pushed our way into the inlet almost to the end where we tried unsuccessfully twice to drop the hook, but the bottom of the inlet was silt so soft it was like silk to the touch. We moved a bit farther out and managed to get the anchor to bite properly.

All around us in the tree lined inlet there came the squawking sounds of hundreds of sulphur crested cockatoos, and some even ventured down to sit on the backstay of a catamaran we were invited to have sundowners on last night. A very unusual sight for us, but exciting too.

The main reason for our visit to the Nara Inlet was to see the aboriginal art in a cave up on the hillside. We ran the dinghy up onto a small beach that had steps rising up the hillside and we followed them. Passing several brightly coloured butterflies on the way up, we finally arrived at the cave. We also passed signs that respectfully asked us to request permission from the spirits to visit the cave. This done, we want to have a look at the art.

The paintings have been carbon dated and are 5000 years old. Still remarkably well preserved as you can tell. It was well worth the visit.