The Top End

DAVIDSON’S CAMP

Arnhemland Bush Camp in Aboriginal Territory

Max Davidson’s camp at Mt. Borradaile is a unique wilderness experience. His days of hunting buffalo in the Top End now over, Max has maintained the feel of a true bush camp, amongst the savanna trees, on the edge of Arnhemland. Arnhemland, one of Australia’s last untouched wildernesses, is aboriginal tribal land and the number of visitors is strictly limited. Max has spent much of his life in the area and his intimate relationship with the local owners of the land enables visitors to experience a pristine wilderness seen by few visitors.

After the floods recede at the end of the wet season, a profusion of birds converges on the wetlands, with thousands of magpie geese nesting in the reeds, and with freshwater fishing of the highest quality – barramundi sashimi is a house speciality. Mt. Borradaile’s greatest attraction and Max’s real passion is the aboriginal art work that adorns many of the caves in the sandstone country.

Sitting in a rock art gallery and staring up at the colours and shapes that have been painted over the centuries, while around you lies the evidence of thousands of years of aboriginal occupation, is an encounter that opens your mind to the depth of history and culture that often lies hidden in modern Australia.

Host: Max Davidson

Accommodation / Meals: This is a traditional bush camp with a strong focus on the local area and activities. Each of the 12 tents is airy and has electric lighting. Shared bathroom facilities are situated a short distance behind the tents. There is a central social area with a library, kitchen and dining area where guests enjoy wholesome and generous meals. Activities: Mt.Borradaile contains excellent examples of Aboriginal art. The guided walks also include information on bush tucker and aboriginal life. Barramundi fishing in the billabong is excellent. All fish is on a catch & release basis, except when required for the dining table.

The nearby billabong is an outstanding bird sanctuary. Birds seen are predominantly wetland birds – egrets, ibis, herons, jacanas, kingfishers, kites, sea eagles although savanna species may also be found – treecreepers, cuckoo-shrikes, honeyeaters, red-winged parrots, red-backed wrens.

Also nearby is perhaps the best freshwater swimming hole to be found in Australia. A swim will reveal Azure and Forest Kingfishers, honeyeaters, rufous whistlers, leaden flycatchers, friarbirds, to name a few.

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