Numby Numby

File:Numby Numby/Ngambingambi sinkhole.jpg

Aerial photo of Numby Numby/Ngambingambi

Numby Numby/Ngambingambi is a sinkhole located 64 to 80 kilometres (40 to 50 mi) from Borroloola in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Description

The sinkhole provides a good environment for swimming, since the water source is a hot spring hidden in the depths, bringing the water temperature to 32 degrees Celsius. Surrounded by high cliffs the water is only accessible via a washout that breaks through the North West side, providing a steep path to the waters edge. Large lily pads dominate the shallows. The depth is at least 60 metres within a short distance from the shoreline.

Legend

In the Indigenous languages of the area, Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Gudanji and Marra, the sinkhole is known as Ngambingambi. It is an important site associated with the activities of the Rainbow Serpent (Bujimala) and two newly initiated men (rduwarra wujara). The two young men had traveled from the McArthur River, just downstream from the town of Borroloola. As they traveled they began to kill flying foxes, creatures kin to the Rainbow Serpent who was dwelling underground at Ngambingambi. On arrival at Ngambingambi the Rainbow Serpent was so angry, he burst through the ground, creating the sink hole. He then carried the two young men back to the McArthur River and downstream to the Sir Edward Pellew Island. The two young men reside on Pearce and Urquart islands. The Rainbow Serpent is said to dwell between these two islands watching the boys.

References

• Bradley, John; & Yanyuwa families. (1988). Yanyuwa Country: The Yanyuwa people tell the story of their Land. Greenhouse Publications.
• Bradley, John; Cameron, Nona; & Yanyuwa Families. (2002). Forget About Flinders. A Yanyuwa Atlas of the south west Gulf of Carpentaria. J.M McGregor Publishers: Queensland.