On The Way To Yalaŋbara: New Picture Book Celebrates Sacred Yolŋu Place

Author Rärriwuy Gurramu Marika and Illustrator Merrkiiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs are respected Elders of the Yolŋu people of North East Arnhem Land Community, Yirrkala, in the Northern Territory. Each is an artist, author and teacher, and has worked on many books.

Together, they have written and illustrated a new picture book called On The Way To Yalaŋbara, which will be published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) on July 15 2025. 

Yalaŋbara is a sacred site in North East Arnhem Land that has been known to the Community for generations. The Traditional Owners of Yalaŋbara call out to the spirit of the Old people, and Country cares for you. It is a deeply healing and spiritual place. 

“It’s a very beautiful place. The water is clear and the freshwater hole is right next to the sea. A lot of turtles come up and lay their eggs all along the beach,” says Merrkiyawuy.  

Rärriwuy explains that “Yalaŋbara is my homeland. It’s situated south-east, in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Yalaŋbara is a sacred place to all the Yolŋu people, all across East Arnhem Land.” 

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This new picture book was written based on true events that occurred when a group went on a trip to Yalaŋbara and their car got bogged. 

As they wait in the shade for the temperature to cool down enough to free the car, the women daydream and tell stories of the white sand, turquoise water, and food to eat at Yalaŋbara. 

‍“It’s a true story,” says Rärriwuy “We had a visit from a lady from Melbourne University and we decided to take her out to our homelands. But you have to know how to drive on sand.” 

In July 2024, Rärriwuy and Merrkiyawuy had a visit from ILF Ambassador Alison Lester who was working with the school to create picture books that could be published by the ILF. 

“So when we had a workshop with Alison Lester, I thought about the photos that we took on that day and about our adventures of not quite reaching Yalaŋbara, and we decided to turn it into a book.” says Rärriwuy. 

Merrkiyawuy was able to illustrate this book with beautiful artworks that were copied from photos. She used pencil first then went over it with ink. The background watercolours were created by Yirrkala School students. 

In the past, stories were told orally. But both Elders believe it's important for stories to be written down, especially in your own language.

On The Way To Yalaŋbara has been written first in Dhaŋu Language and then translated into English. The Dhaŋu version of this book titled Bala Yalaŋbarali is for the Community to enjoy, and they have decided for the English version to be sold commercially. 

Rärriwuy and Merrkiyawuy are excited for people around Australia to be able to read this book.

“Rärriwuy is happy, I'm happy. We can’t wait,” says Merrkiyawuy.