Orion unravels the Mysteries of Ancient Arnhem

One much-appreciated component of any Orion expedition voyage is the significant contribution made by both the onboard expedition team and specialist guest lecturers who provide insight to enhance onshore experiences and add a valuable extra dimension to the voyage.

Orion’s one-off 10 night expedition to unravel the Mysteries of Ancient Arnhem Land (6th September, 2007) typifies the attention to detail undertaken to ensure guests benefit from expert local knowledge and insight, providing a better understanding and perspective of the peoples and places visited.

On this voyage Orion’s range of specialists include Professor Howard Morphy and Frances Morphy, whose knowledge of the language, kinships, anthropology, culture and history of the people of Arnhem Land significantly adds to the shoreside experience.

Frances Morphy is renowned as the most fluent non-indigenous speaker of the Yolngu language of East Arnhem Land, while Howard’s fieldwork with the Yolngu people of northeast Arnhem Land (Yirrkala) and in Central Arnhem Land at Ramingining and Maningrida means they are exceptionally well received and highly respected by the local people.

Having people who can speak the language, understand the culture and most significantly are accepted and respected by the communities, makes them great intermediaries in translating stories, enhancing the understanding of what is being interpreted by the indigenous guides and helping to make the indigenous guides feel comfortable in presenting their stories.

Also joining onboard will be Don Christophersen, a lecturer in Indigenous matters at Charles Darwin University, who has lived and worked all his life in the Northern Territory. He has family links in both North West Arnhem Land and in Kakadu National Park. Drawing on personal experiences, Don will cover many different aspects of the culture and history of indigenous life in the Northern Territory; an informative introduction for guests who have not yet visited indigenous communities or possibly even had direct contact with non-urbanised Aborigines.

For Orion’s guests whose main interest lies in acquiring investment art, Dr Colin Laverty, Australia’s foremost collector of indigenous art, will be joining Orion for the voyage. His collection, the Laverty Collection, is world renowned and items frequently appear in important art galleries around the world. Colin will discuss indigenous art from a collector’s perspective and what to look for when purchasing art.

Howard’s and Colin’s presentations compliment each other, approaching the topic of Indigenous art from very different points of view; Howard’s being an anthropological view point and Colin’s being from an investment/collectors perspective.

As with the last, highly successful, Orion voyage to Arnhem Land in 2006, Joc Schmiechan, Senior Research Fellow in Indigenous Tourism at Charles Darwin University, will again be onboard to share his knowledge on the close interaction between the lands, culture and its inhabitants.

Joc has also been instrumental in solving critical issues of Aboriginal Tourism in the Northern Territory and provides a conduit between researchers, government agencies, the tourism industry and the grass roots operators in order to establish and maintain viable indigenous tourism enterprises.

Genuine interaction with local communities, in order to provide rewarding and meaningful experiences for guests, is an Orion trademark. When we visit Yirrkala our hosts will be Timmy Burarrwanga and his mother Barbara Burarrwanga. Timmy is Chairman of the Yirrkala Dhanbul Council and a recognized traditional owner in East Arnhem Land. The Nyinyikay Homeland we will visit is an example of land that was given back to the traditional owners and is now a functional mini-community in Arnhem Land.  Barbara’s sister, Nancy Multinga Burarrwanga and her family will be our hosts in Nyinyikay, Arnhem Bay.

As on every Orion journey, Orion’s own onboard expedition team will add their skills and extensive knowledge to ensure maximum enjoyment and involvement. Darrin Bennett, Mark Watson and Mike Keighley are all highly skilled in their knowledge of Aboriginal rock art, indigenous use of plants and the natural environment of the Top End, and each member individually has over 10 years experience in guiding guest experiences in the region.

Orion’s Mysteries of Ancient Arnhem Land provides the ideal medium to taste a little magic, discovering the history, mythology and varying art styles of Australia’s indigenous peoples in an unobtrusive manner that touches land and people ever so lightly. This journey will connect Orion’s guests to a dynamic culture, dramatic landscapes and an interesting history of Australia few have the opportunity or privilege to visit.

Orion’s Mysteries of Ancient Arnhem Land 10 night expedition departs Darwin 6th September, 2007 and visit Pirlangimpi (Melville Island), Port Essington (for optional side trip to Mt. Borradaile) Maningrida, Arnhem Bay, Milner Bay (Groote Eylandt), Nhulunbuy (Yirrkala), Jensen Bay/Hole in the Wall, Elcho Island and Darwin.   

Fares begin from $7,200 per person for an Ocean View Stateroom (category B)

Suites begin from $9,930 per person for a Junior Suite (category JS).

Top of the range Orion Owners’ Suites at $15,080 per person.

Cruise fares include accommodation, all meals onboard, the service of 75 experienced crew members, expedition leaders, interpretive lectures, selected landings & activities ashore.

Note: Orion’s capacity is just 106 guests in 53 suites and staterooms – this will be the only opportunity to visit Arnhem Land onboard this year so early bookings are recommended.

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orioncruises.com.au

For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) or Email: [email protected]

Report by The Mole