The Doc tries to use a descriptive title for AWC Reports like Scotia Special, Piccaninny Pleasures and Mornington Magic, but not much rhymes with Pungalina -Seven Emu, except perhaps Cowa-Punga! There was at least turtles on the property, although not of the teenage mutant ninja variety.
Pungalina-Seven Emu is in Gulf Country, the Gulf of Carpentaria in Northern Australia sandwiched between Arnham Land to its west and Cape York to the east. It is very remote and hard to get too.
While Arnham Land and Cape York have been subjected to significant scientific research, the Gulf of Carpentaria has not. Only last year a new species of velvet gecko (Oedura bella) was discovered on Pungalina-Seven Emu. Known species are also being discovered on the property for the first time.
Day 1 – flight to Punga
As the group assembled at Cairns Airport we introduced ourselves. Then we had a two hour flight to the Pungalina Airstrip next to the Homestead. On arrival we were greeted by AWC staff and the departing group of supporters.
Pungalina-Seven Emu is over 306,000 hectares (750,000 acres) and includes:
- over 55 kilometres of pristine coastline on the Gulf of Carpentaria; and
- more than 100 kilometres of the nationally significant Calvert River. (AWC website)
A short road trip to the Coconut Creek Campground (AWC sure know how to set up camps for supporters – safari tents, flushing toilets, hot showers and a camp kitchen with chef). Coconut Creek is fed by a permanent spring. Without a doubt AWC treats its supporters better than any paid tour The Doc has been on.
Before long we were off to Karns Creek for morning tea, then back to the camp for lunch.
After lunch we put on our speedos and were airlifted by helicopter (2 actually) to Jupiter Creek and waterfall. The Doc had a nice swim. There are lots, and The Doc means lots, of crocodiles on Punga, but not here.
Afternoon tea, then an evening talk and the day finished with dinner.
Day 2 Birding, caving, swimming and sweating
The group was split up with some going on the helicopters to the coast, but The Doc will describe his itinerary. The day started with an early morning birding trip along Coconut Creek.
The Doc was mostly looking at textures but he also found the remains of several crayfish on a rock, probably the hunting place of a resident Nanking Night Heron.
Then the group drove out to Ballroom Cave. This area has extensive dolomite (related to limestone) deposited by the first complex life on Earth, stromatolites. The fossilised remains make up the dolomite. Over time water created the extensive cave systems, of which they are many on Punga.
We climbed though the narrow entrance to be greeted by Ballroom Cave, as the name suggest it opens to a large room. The temperate was 29 Celsius and 100% humidity. You are greeted by a wall of heat as you enter. It takes a minute of two to adjust.
The Sony Point and Shoot camera takes great photos in dark caves. After about 30 minutes we left and as The Doc left the cave, the breeze above ground was a welcome change. The Doc was a walking Coolgardie Safe being covered in sweat from head to foot.
A short car trip across to Bubbling Springs for a swim. Bubbling Springs is fed by Artesian water.
Back to camp for lunch. Then off on the Western drive birding at a Billabong and then onto sunset drinks overlooking the Calvert River high on the cliffs.
Then back to Coconut Creek Campground for another talk and then roast lamb and dessert (meringue, ice cream and passion fruit sauce for those interested) – yummy. Off to the showers and look at the amazing night sky.
Day 3 – day of days
An early breakfast then to the helicopters for a trip down the Calvert River to the coast of Seven-Emu. Then we headed west to the Robinson River, the border of Seven-Emu. We spotted dugong, saw-fish, shovel nose rays, turtles (about 10 close together), crocodiles and barramundi in the waters.
Birds were abundant like the jabiru, sea eagles and shorebirds. A colony of bats were being preyed on by 10 sea eagles. Even a croc was stalking the colony for any bats fell in the water.
We took a short break on the beach, being careful not to go near the waters edge, otherwise the crocs will make have you as a takeaway meal.
Then a short trip to meet the survey team on the coast. A quick talk from the field staff, then we were airborne on our way up the Calvert River to the moored boat. Once on board we went birding and saw herons, egrets, ducks, crocs and many others.
Back to the helicopter for the final leg back to camp, but what a leg, lots and lots of crocs, barramundi and thousands of queen fish. Did I mention the two young jabiru in a tree top nest?
Lunch and then a rest break.
Next we were off to the Calvert River for a sunset cruise. The Doc only used his point and shoot camera for the trip, except for a few shots on the sunset cruise of the sun setting on the cliff walls (where we had drinks the previous night).
Another informative AWC talk that night including the new joint ventures with the NSW Government at Piligia and Mallee Cliffs.
Dinner that night was roast beef and vegetables (even more yummy), the dessert was chocolate of some sort, not sure what it was we were dining under the stars next to Coconut Creek!
Next morning we had personal time and talked with the staff and other supporters. The AWC CEO Atticus Fleming flew in for a short visit. Next stop the airport, we said our fond farewells to the AWC staff, next stop Cairns.
Some excitement on the flight as a warning light for pressurisation came on and we descended quickly to a lower attitude. It was a false alarm. The pilot said that was his first issue in many years. But my last flight from Piccaninny Plains was greeted by an emergency response team at Cairns Airport, so that makes two out of two for The Doc!
To finish lets look at a selection of textures from Pungalina-Seven Emu. Enjoy.
