What are the six seasons of Kakadu?
The Bininj and Mungguy people of Kakadu recognise six seasons: Gunumeleng, Gudjewg, Banggerreng, Yegge, Wurrgeng and Gurrung. Each is marked by changes in weather, plants and animals.
Gunumeleng, from about mid-October to late December, is the pre-monsoon storm season, with hot, humid weather and building thunderstorms. Gudjewg, from January to March, is the true monsoon season, bringing heavy rain and flooding.
Banggerreng, around April, is known as the knock-em-down storm season, when strong winds flatten tall grasses. Yegge, from May to mid-June, is cooler, with misty mornings and early burning to reduce fuel.
The dry season
Wurrgeng, from mid-June to mid-August, is the cold weather season, with clear skies and cool nights. Waterbirds crowd shrinking billabongs. Gurrung, from mid-August to mid-October, is hot and dry, a time for hunting goannas and file snakes.
Visitors usually think of only a wet and dry season, but the six-season calendar describes the country in much greater detail.
Park rangers use these seasons to plan burning, weed control and wildlife monitoring.
The Bininj Kunwok language names come from western Arnhem Land and northern Kakadu.
Did You Know?
The six-season calendar guides when Bininj people hunt, gather foods and hold ceremonies.