Across the top and other places

Malcolm Douglas, David Oldmeadow

Published by Rigby, hardcover with dustjacket, illustrated.


"MILPAROO appeared grasping a long­necked tortoise. He quickly broke its neck and flung it to the women waiting on the bank ... Nulmarmar rose beside me with five feet of fighting, struggling snake; its jaws were held tightly in his strong fingers. He pushed the reptile's head into his mouth. Gripping it in his teeth he pulled; a firm, quick tug that broke the snake's spinal column. It, too, was flung to the excited women on the bank.

This was only one of the many things which Malcolm Douglas and David Oldmeadow saw and experienced as they worked their way Across the Top of Australia. They were adventuring in rough country, where some Aborigines still bore the scars of bullet wounds suf­fered in fighting oft the white invaders. Many of the tribespeople still followed their ancient patterns of life in the tropical swamps and jungles, while others were feeling the impact of western ways.

For Malcolm and David, the journey was the realisation of a youthful dream. They had planned it when they were at school, and eventually they gave up their jobs and set off in search of adventure. They found it in plenty, together with a host of strange, humorous, serio-comic, and dramatic experiences.

They attended a circumcision ceremony, salvaged a wrecked pearling lugger, fished and hunted with the Aborigines, caught crocodiles and sharks, and worked at any jobs that would finance another series of adventures.

They spent four years in the Top End, and the result was the extremely successful film Across the Top which has been shown throughout Australia. Whether you saw the film or not, you will be enthralled by one of the most colourful and exciting books ever written about a little-known part of Australia.

Arnhem Land Outpost, Elcho Island, Dana Marea, Nangalala, Swamp People............. ................ ..........