Numby Numby
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Numby Numby, also known as Nimby Nimby or Ngambingambi, is a sinkhole in the Northern Territory of Australia located in the locality of McArthur about west-northwest of
Borroloola Borroloola ( local Aboriginal languages: ''Burrulula'') is a town in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is located on the McArthur River, about 50 km upstream from the Gulf of Carpentaria. Location Borroloola lies on the traditional c ...
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Description

The sinkhole provides a good environment for swimming, since the water source is a hot spring hidden in the depths, bringing the water temperature to . Surrounded by high cliffs, the water is only accessible via a washout that breaks through the North West side, providing a steep path to the water's edge. Large lily pads dominate the shallows. The depth is at least within a short distance from the shoreline.


Legend

In the Indigenous languages of the area, Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Gudanji and Marra, the sinkhole is known as Ngambingambi. It is an important site associated with the activities of the Rainbow Serpent (Bujimala) and two newly initiated men (rduwarra wujara). The two young men had travelled from the McArthur River, just downstream from the town of Borroloola. As they traveled they began to kill flying foxes, creatures kin to the Rainbow Serpent who was dwelling underground at Ngambingambi. On arrival at Ngambingambi the Rainbow Serpent was so angry, he burst through the ground, creating the sinkhole. He then carried the two young men back to the McArthur River and downstream to the Sir Edward Pellew Islands. The two young men reside on Pearce and Urquart islands. The Rainbow Serpent is said to dwell between these two islands watching the boys.


See also

* List of sinkholes of Australia


References

* Bradley, John; & Yanyuwa families. (1988). ''Yanyuwa Country: The Yanyuwa people tell the story of their Land''. Greenhouse Publications. * Bradley, John; Cameron, Nona; & Yanyuwa Families. (2002). ''Forget About Flinders. A Yanyuwa Atlas of the south west Gulf of Carpentaria''. J.M McGregor Publishers: Queensland. Sinkholes of Australia Lakes of the Northern Territory {{NorthernTerritory-geo-stub