19/01/2025
Meet Nike: Bawaka’s Legendary Crocodile
Deep in the heart of Bawaka, in the unspoiled beauty of Arnhem Land, lives Nike, a saltwater crocodile with a story as unique as the land itself. Named by the legendary Cathy Freeman during her visit to Bawaka years ago, Nike is more than just a local icon—he is a living symbol of Yolŋu culture, resilience, and the deep connection between people and Country.
Nike’s Remarkable Story
As a hatchling, Nike was found tangled in a ghost net—a harmful remnant of discarded ghost net on Bawaka’s shoreline. Rescued and nurtured by the Yolŋu people, Nike grew strong under their care, embodying the spirit of Baru, the crocodile, which holds immense cultural significance as a totem in Yolŋu law and storytelling.
Today, Nike roams the waters around Bawaka, a powerful yet respected presence that reminds visitors of the balance between humanity and the natural world.
Experience Nike at Bawaka
• Cultural Significance: Learn about Baru, the crocodile totem, and its deep importance to Yolŋu identity, law, and the sacred connection to Gumatj clan and other clan groups in Arnhem Land.
Nike’s story is one of care, respect, and survival—a story that mirrors the resilience of Bawaka itself. For visitors, meeting Nike isn’t just an encounter with a crocodile; it’s an opportunity to understand the intricate bond between the Yolŋu people and their land, and to feel the spirit of Arnhem Land come alive.
Come to Bawaka and meet Nike, the crocodile named by a champion, raised by a community, and loved by all who visit. It’s an experience you’ll carry with you forever.
