"Alrighty, folks, gather 'round! Welcome to the Whoop Whoop Walk About Torrumbarry edition, where we’re diving deep into some good ol' Aussie bush tucker, wildlife, and cultural yarns. Now, if you’ve been stuck hearing about Winton Wetlands for the last couple of days, I’ve got news for ya—you’re in for something way better today. We’re talkin’ lizards, yabbies, ancient bush crafts, and a whole lot of laughs!"
Stop 1: The Koonrook Lizard Walk – Sneaky Critters and Cultural Tales
"First up, we’ve got the famous Koonrook Lizard Walk. Keep your eyes peeled, because these little buggers like to play hide and seek. They’ll dart across the track, and before you can blink, they’re gone again! But trust me, they’re watching you as much as you’re watching them. And yes, it’s okay to scream a little if one catches you by surprise. Happens to the best of us!"
"While we’re here, let me share something cool—these trees around us, they’ve seen more history than we can imagine. The scar trees you’ll spot along the way were used by the Barapa Barapa people, stripping bark for shields, tools, and even canoes. Imagine crafting a canoe from the tree you’re standing under right now! Now, that’s some serious bush ingenuity."
Stop 2: Catch & Release Yabbies – Aussie Style Fishing
"Now, who’s up for a little hands-on fun? We’re off to the riverbank for a good ol' Aussie tradition: catch and release yabbies. All you need is a string, some bait, and a bit of patience. Don’t worry, we won’t be eating them today. It’s all about letting them go back to their watery homes after a quick look. But, fair warning—yabbies can give ya a good pinch if you’re not careful! My advice? Watch your fingers, and let ‘em scuttle back to the river when you’re done."
"And while we’re down by the water, we’ll have a go at making traditional fish hooks. These beauties were once carved from bone or wood by my ancestors. We’ll use the same techniques they did to show you how they fished these rivers long before nets and rods."
Stop 3: Grass Tree Spear Making & Fire Starting
"Next, we’re diving into a bit of traditional craft with the mighty grass tree. This plant is more than just a spiky bush—it’s an all-in-one toolkit. The flower spike makes an excellent spear shaft, lightweight but tough. Today, you’ll learn how to shape one into a spear, just like the old days."
"But that’s not all. The grass tree’s resin was used as glue to fix weapons and tools together. Now, if you’ve ever glued your fingers together with super glue, don’t worry—the resin’s a bit more forgiving. We’ll also use the dry flower spike for fire starting—no lighters or matches here, just two sticks and a lot of determination."
"And let’s be honest, nothing makes you feel more like an outback pro than starting a fire from scratch. You’ll walk away from today with a new skill and bragging rights, trust me."
Who’s ever tried starting a fire without matches? Share your success stories (or fails, we won’t judge).
(Personally, I once got a spark after 20 minutes of hard work, only for a gust of wind to blow it out... yep, the bush can be a cruel teacher!)
Stop 4: Torrumbarry Weir Holiday Park – The Base Camp of Legends
"And finally, to wrap up today’s cultural adventure, we’ll head back to Torrumbarry Weir Holiday Park. This place is our home base for those looking to extend their trek with us. After a big day of walking, catching yabbies, and avoiding lizard tails, it’s the perfect spot to kick back and relax."
"If you’re thinking of joining us for a longer trek, this is where it all begins. We’ll be exploring the Murray River, learning more about Aboriginal sites, and maybe even practicing a few more boomerang throws (or dodges, depending on your skill level). Either way, this park is where the real adventure starts."
Now, before I let you all head off, remember this: the outback isn’t just about what you see, but what you experience. It’s about getting your hands dirty, learning from the land, and sharing stories around the fire. I reckon you’ll be walking away with more than just a few laughs—you’ll be taking home a slice of Aboriginal culture that’s been here for thousands of years.
So, who’s ready to give it a go? Got any questions? Maybe you’ve got a cool fact about lizards, yabbies, or fire-starting you’d like to share with the group? Drop it below!
And if you’re keen on joining us for a longer adventure, give me a buzz at 0402606481, or flick an email to craigmuirlakehouse@gmail.com. Or just swing by www.craigmuirlakehouse.com to see what we’re up to next.
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