Warning there is images of Aboriginals in this episode
We loved this little town Boulia and a highlight was the Min Min Light Encounter at the Information Centre. The Min Min Encounter is a unique theatrical experience incorporating animatronics, fibre optic and loads of other high-tech wizardry. The Encounter is a tribute to the long honoured art of the bush yarn, all based around the famed Min Min light phenomenon. The 45 minute show introduces you to the story of the Min Min Light by various eccentric true blue Aussie 'characters' such as Bluey, Mrs McGreal and more who will enthrall you with their stories of the mysterious Min Min lights. It is a must if you ever go to Boulia. The staff at the Visitor Centre are fantastic and they too will tell you of their own Encounter with the Min Min Light
The name Min Min was adopted in 1918, named after the small Min Min settlement and Hotel in between the two Northern Queensland towns Boulia and Winton. The story goes that a stockman was riding his horse down the Kennedy development road past the now burnt down Min Min Hotel when suddenly a light appeared above the graveyard that was behind the hotel.
According to folklore, the lights sometimes follow or approach people and disappear when fired upon, sometimes very rapidly, only to reappear later on, and anyone who chases the lights and catches them will never return to tell the tale.
Although it's said the lights 1st appeared at Min Min Hotel, this mystery has been around for thousands of years, Australia’s First Nations people say these lights have appeared more frequently since settlement. It is unclear when sightings began, and due to the oral traditions of these indigenous stories pre-settlement, there is not a substantial amount of written evidence of sightings and indigenous names for these lights. Aboriginal studies researchers such as Larrakia man and Senior Lecturer at Charles Darwin University, Dr Roman, have found consistencies in light descriptions among Indigenous communities. For example, the lights being like snakes, which could be connected to the Indigenous belief of the rainbow serpent, and that they have a ‘guardian role’ on sacred sites.
What is a Min Min light? Can it be debunked with a scientific explanation, or is this phenomenon a conspiracy of the unexplainable? In different Aboriginal legends, the Min Min lights are elders protecting the country. First Nations people in the Channel Country don’t regard the Min Min lights positively, but also not harmfully. Conspiracy theories for the Min Min lights also include you guessed it…aliens, UFOs and ghosts. Whatever the phenomenon is they say 'Don't go looking for the Min Min Light. The Min Min Light goes looking for you.'
You can also purchase with your Min Min Encounter a ticket to the Boulia Heritage Complex which showcases Boulia’s three distinct phases of history that takes visitors on a journey back through time, Prehistoric, its first people and Stonehenge Cottage. There is Fossilised remains of these mighty marine reptiles found in Boulia area and are the best examples of their kind on display in Australia. Also for the enthusiast there are fossilised remains of turtles including the world’s oldest, named Bouliachelys suteri, then there is the first people the Pitta Pitta and their culture is explored. Lastly there is the Heritage listed building built of stone and compacted rubble within its walls is the last of its kind in the West that is still accessible to see the living conditions from 130 years ago also there was farming equipment and old engines and so much more to see. Its definitely worth a visit.
After leaving Boulia we found a bush camp at Dajarra Dam with these incredible rocks formations. We spent the afternoon watching the cattle and birdlife around the Dam and wandering around the Rock Formations. We met a great bunch of people all travelling from different parts of Australia and we all spent a great night around the camp fire. The next morning we left early to catch up with Benn Dannielle and the kids at Mt Isa. The boys thought we had gone home. Benn parked in front of us at the supermarket and the boys said that looks like Nanny and Poppy's car but Benn said no it's not them as we walked around the corner. The look of excitement to see us was fanbloodytastic. We then headed to Corella Dam for 2 nights and had fun catching up around the campfire.
Video and Music made with Kinemaster and Footage was taken with a Samsung S21 Ultra and GoPro Hero 9
17 авг 2021
