Pudakul Cultural Tours is based on the banks of a beautiful billabong 44 kilometres south-east of Darwin. 

Conveniently, it is on the Arnhem Highway, which means guests can learn about Aboriginal life on their way to Kakadu National Park. 

Business owners Graham and Lynette Kenyon have been running Pudakul since 2008. 

Their daughters, Tarizma, Deanne (the first person from the Wariuk community to graduate from year 12), Selena and Tiarnnah, who is taking a Certificate lll in tourism, all work for the company. 

“Guests love learning about Indigenous culture from our family,” Lynette says. “They go away with a much greater understanding of how we live, hunt and forage in the seasons.” 

Pudakul is the macaranga tree, which has lovely heart-shaped leaves and is good for making spears when hunting in freshwater streams. 

Most guests opt for two-hour tours, which include bush tucker walks, a chance to play clap sticks and try to master circular breathing to play the didgeridoo; learn about the making of dilly bags; and enjoy an explanation of the importance of the four Aboriginal colours – white, black ochre and yellow. 

The quaint tourist operation has cabins for those who want to stay overnight. 

Guests come from all walks of life and include schoolchildren, corporate clients, VIPs and independent travellers. 

“All of them say how much they enjoy the experience,” says Lynette. “We’re very pleased to show them our culture, so we’re happy to take any questions.” 

Pudakul has a kitchen for those who stay overnight and a beautiful saltwater pool that overlooks the billabong. 

“People love looking out over the billabong and watching the beautiful sunsets. It’s a fantastic sight.” 

But guests should not expect to be served sundowners. 

“We don’t allow any alcohol on our property. People respect that.” 

CONTACT 

Pudakul Cultural Tours 

2054 Arnhem Highway 

Lambells Lagoon NT 0822 

Coolalinga NT 0839 

0409 124 716 

pudakul@gmail.com 

pudakul.com.au