Rarriwuy Gurramu Marika (text) and Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs (illustrator), On the Way to Yalanbara, Indigenous Literacy Foundation, July 2025, 32 pp., RRP $24.95 (pbk), ISBN 9781922592682
A family are on a road trip to their homeland, Yalanbara, when their car becomes bogged in deep sand. As the hot sun beats down, the family retreat to the shade, plan a snack of damper and tea, and wait for the sun to sink low and the heat to dissipate. Rather than grumble, they pass the time sharing knowledge about living on Country. They speak fondly of all the food they would gather there – milk oysters, coral trout, trevally, mangrove jacks and red emperor. They speak of making shell necklaces with fishing lines, and of spotting white morning glory flowers, unique to this area. The adults share how to find turtle eggs by prodding the ground with a casuarina stick, and the soft, salty taste of them once they are cooked. They crave mud crabs and mud mussels, roasted on a fire, and talk of the beach, a place of calmness and healing.
With such talk of delicious meals, hunger is growing, and finally, the tea and damper are ready. The sun is setting, and the air is cooling, so with renewed energy they work together to free the wheels from the sand and set off once more for Country.
The book is very informative. I really enjoyed reading about the varied food sources and learning how these are collected. It would make a worthwhile addition to First Nations book collections.
Yalanbara is in East Arnhem Land, an area known for its rich Indigenous culture and stunning natural landscapes. According to my research, it is a place of strong significance for the Yolngu people, especially the Rirratjingu clan, as it is believed to be where the Djang’kawu ancestors created the land and gave the place its name. Yalanbara is not just a physical location but also a source of cultural knowledge, stories, and traditions associated with the Djang’kawu ancestors. It is an area known for its natural beauty, with high sand dunes, pristine beaches, clear waters and granite islands.
Whilst a paperback edition was sent for this review, I believe hardback editions have been available.
Reviewed by Bronwyn Joseph
