Traditional Owners of Kakadu’s Murumburr clan have invited everyone to join with them and celebrate their country and culture during the annual Mayali Mulil Festival.
The Festival is held on Murumburr country, near Cooinda in Kakadu, just over three hour’s drive from Darwin and will take place from 26-28 August.
Designed as a fully immersive experience, visitors will be able to camp under the stars and share in the world’s oldest living culture.
Mayali is an Aboriginal language group from the Kakadu West Arnhem plateau region. It is part of the Bininj Kunwok (Western Aboriginal languages). Mulil means many, in this case a large gathering of people. The name signifies people gathering and connecting under the umbrella of Mayali language and culture.
Totally interactive, festival goers will be able to learn how Kakadu’s Indigenous peoples interact with their land, take part in guided walks to discover bush tucker and medicinal plants, create implements for hunting, learn traditional weaving, appreciate Kakadu’s artists, and enjoy Kakadu musical grooves and dancing.
Festival goers can stay on-site at Kakadu Billabong Safari Camp in an eco-hut, or camp with a caravan, campervan or tent. Shower and toilet facilities are available.
Alternatively, hotel, glamping and campsite accommodation are available nearby at Cooinda (15 minutes’ drive) and at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru 40 minutes’ drive away.
“Mayali Mulil is about bringing people together to talk about some of the issues, showcasing our culture and tradition. Visitors can come and participate, share, connect and form long-term friendships,” said Mandy Muir, the festival curator & director of Mayali Mulil and Kakadu Billabong Safari Camp.
Festival tickets are available for $250 per adult/per day, children over 10 $100, and children under 10 free. A family pass is available for $600 per day. Full details including accommodation and camping options.
Tickets include entry, workshop, activities, concerts, amenities and a Bush Tucker Experience, which includes Saturday dinner. A range of other meals will be available for purchase throughout the festival.
