Vansittart Bay is a small remote bay of about 30k m², synonymous with the Truscott air base that was operational during the Second World War. The bay features beaches and aircraft wrecks, but the reason for our visit is the Gwion Gwion or Bradshaw art found on Jar Island. Jar Island was named by an early survey team who found clay jars on the island. These jars were the same type as those used by the Macassans who would travel down from (what today we know as) Indonesia to the top end of Australia in search of sea cucumbers.
According to Aboriginal legend, the art was created by birds. It was said that these birds pecked the rocks until their beaks bled, and then created these fine paintings by using a tail feather and their own blood. The bird said responsible was known as Gwion. The Gwion Gwion art is often called Bradshaw art after Joseph Bradshaw, the first European person to record the style of painting in 1891.
INCLUDED EXPEDITION--NO BOOKING REQUIRED*
Zodiac Landing on Jar Island:
This morning we will head out with the expedition team to explore the uninhabited, Jar Island. From the ship's anchorage position, a short Zodiac ride will bring you ashore for a wet landing onto a perfectly white sandy beach. Once ashore, a short walk of about 250m/750ft along a flat sandy beach and then on to flat rocks, will bring you to the base of the rock art gallery that depicts the Bradshaw or Gwion Gwion art. After a short scramble over some rocks, you will be at the gallery itself, enjoying a rare glimpse into a fascinating part of history along with a vivid interpretation by the expedition team.
*Please note this expedition experience is exclusively available on our expedition ships, Seabourn Venture or Seabourn Pursuit. All shore excursions shared here are subject to availability and are weather and conditions permitting.
