Back in 1838 when the British Government boldly built the Victoria Settlement, they had no idea that isolation, malaria, cyclones and sunken supply ships would bury a quarter of its pioneers on this utterly faraway Top End coastline. The settlement’s survivors lasted just 11 years before weighing anchor and fleeing their nightmare existence, and today the Victoria Settlement crumbles atop lofty limestone cliffs, shaded by moptop cabbage palms and paperbarks.
With a rich mangrove river on one side and lovely white sand beaches on the other, this idyllic spot that the Madjunbalmi people called Murrumurrdmulya overlooks the calmest of Port Essington’s bright, blue bays. Today it looks like a kind of paradise, but life in 1838 — without regular supplies of food, medicine and bug spray — was extremely challenging and survival precarious. In the first year of settlement, a cyclone claimed 10 lives and levelled all buildings. Gardening efforts failed, supply ships arrived weeks and months too late, malaria was rife and few children survived. In all, a quarter of the population lies buried in the cemetery.
The Madjunbalmi people most certainly supplemented the pioneers’ diet with their bush tucker, receiving clothes and tobacco in exchange, but they paid for it with their lives when malaria broke out, perishing in similar numbers alongside the settlers who occupied their lands. Today, they are survived by traditional clans of the Iwaidja-speaking people who jointly manage Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, which protects the ruins and much more.
This story is from the WellBeing #196 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the WellBeing #196 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Avoid the Beauty Hype
Save money, improve your health and contribute to environmental sustainability by creating your own beauty products at home.
Fill your life with delicious scents
Fill your garden with scents and enjoy the sense of tranquillity and quiet joy that comes with them.
Protein - the building blocks of beauty
Chicken, turkey, beef, pork, lamb and organ meats such as pâté are all rich sources of high-quality protein.
Skincare that really cares
We put Sanctum's most popular products to the test and see why they're loved and adored by all.
Chelsea Pottenger - CARING FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Chelsea Pottenger, a mother, ambassador, keynote speaker and the founder and director of EQ Minds, is dedicated to reshaping the corporate landscape of mental health.
Green Beat
All the latest in environmental issues
Community-based prepping
Is the future going to look like it does at the present? Or might there be unexpected challenges? The answer is that challenges are likely and if not now, then soon. The real question becomes how we will respond to that disruption and achieve sustainable positive outcomes as a result.
Rest, roll and recover
Your body requires proper care and attention to function at its best. Just as you fuel your body with nutritious food, you must also provide it with adequate rest and recovery to maintain optimal health.
THE IMPORTANCE OF STILLNESS
In a busy world we say, \"Who has time for stillness?\" But the question should be: \"What are we really missing out on by not prioritising silent and soulful solitude?\"
Cucumbers
Cucumbers hydrate you and have potential antidiabetic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activity.