I landed via plane in Alice Springs and is in traditional country of the Arrernte and would be travelling north through many other Aboriginal Language groups that have resided and occupied their own traditional country for many years.

It was February and way out of tourist season, however after so much rain and the summer sun that would normally be building mirages across the tarmac, helping dust storms and burning the landscape red raw was being kind to this traveller.

My summer trip across the Northern Territory was a trip I had always wanted to take, on previous travels I would only travel in the winter to avoid the searing heat and the rain did help keep the temperature down.

There was water across the highway in places, which needed to be navigated with caution and with normally dusty dry creek beds that ran with deep water, a sight to see.

I now have crossed the tropic of Capricorn three times but in three different states across Australia QLD, NT and WA and the markers are easily accessed from the roads. One place I do like to stop and spend time marvelling at is the aptly named devils marbles or their traditional name Karlwekarlwe and is a very important dreaming site.

The visitor will find a version of the dreaming story that is attached to the site around the back of the site in the picnic area and is very detailed to get a better understanding of the significance and its connection to the traditional Language groups in the area.

Devils Marbles NT

Tropic of Capricorn NT

Fingal Heads is also known as Booningbah “place of the Echidna” or Echidna people.

Relaxing on this beach can be surprisingly quiet compared to the popularity of the beaches in the area.

Other activities include fishing, beachcombing, swimming or just taking an umbrella to spend the whole day doing nothing at all.

Photographers will not be disturbed as you capture the early sunrise or the local seabirds.

When the tides and wind are right either side of the headland can be a popular surfing destination.

Wandering along the cliff tops of Fingal Headland the old lighthouse was built in 1872 stands the test of time,  and on the southern side of the headland you could catch sight of fish that has been trapped in the mermaid pool waiting for high tide to escape.

I took this photo from the headland before wandering down onto the beach about 7:am and spent the whole morning walking along the shore.  The clouds eventually left for the day and the sun warmed us all, taking the accessional swim soon refreshed us as we noticed a pod of dolphins surfing not far from us.

Mt Warning has many names such as Warrior Mountain-Cloud catcher-Wollumbin and is located in an area known as the Bundjalung Nation Language group.

In the Tweed Valley just south of the Gold Coast in NSW. An easy drive through the town of Murwillumbah (place of many opossums) to reach the base of the mountain

Named Mt Warning by Lieutenant James Cook in May 1770 during his great voyage as a warning sign to all passing ships when he encountered reefs just of the east coast.

One Aboriginal legend calling it Warrior Chief-Wollumbin for its prominent profile of a man looking towards the heavens when viewed from different angles.

Cloud Catcher for others as local myths indicate when the peak is surrounded in cloud rain is being captured by the mountain to share with the people across the valley.

Wollumbin is said to mean fighting chief of the mountain and the scaring you can see from the eastern side are wounds inflicted during battle.

Wollumbin is also known for fairies who look after the undergrowth in the lush rainforest trees and the mountain.

For the more adventurous an early morning walk to the summit has many surprises. The new track is an easy walk up and allow seven to eight hours for a return walk, however the last 300 meters or so must be traversed with the assistance of a chain rope, which is not for the faint hearted.

Take plenty of water and light snacks, pack a weatherproof jacket as the weather can change quickly and a camera is a must.

Standing on the top of Wollumbin watching the first rays of the sun streak across the ocean to touch the Tweed Valley sprawled out before you is a moment not to be missed.

Wollumbin Dreaming-image by KPerandis