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).

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.