Highlights of the Barunga Festival

Flinders NT staff and students at the Barunga Festival

Everybody loves a road trip, including the group of about 20 Flinders NT staff, students and family who travelled to the remote community of Barunga, 400km south of Darwin on the weekend of 7-9th June 2019.

All felt privileged to attend the annual Barunga Festival, a much-loved Territory festival which attracts a 4000-strong audience of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from all over the world who descend upon the small remote community to camp and take part in a program of music, sport, traditional arts and cultural activities.

At the Flinders NT stall, staff and students provided information and activities for locals and visitors. Children of all ages loved the apple slinkies and boiled eggs which were reward for rolling dice and completing the associated physical exercise.

The weekend weather was unseasonably warm making the nights particularly pleasant. Whether someone’s favourite part was camping under the stars, listening to music on the banks of Beswick Creek, watching the sun set as traditional dancers kicked up the dust, being awed by the spear throwing contest or dancing into the night to local bush bands, Barunga Festival was an amazing event with many experiences to share.

Side trips were also made to some of the region’s natural attractions including Edith Falls and Katherine Hot Springs, both welcome refreshers along the way.

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