Botj ends up on the wrong side of both laws

Botj goes to see Darwu, and determine his future. That night, he tells of getting jailed for pretending to be on turtle hunt, the boys laugh. The next day Botj visits his father, finding him drunk and unable to recognise Botj. Lorrpu and Milika plead Botj's case to Darwu. Botj, caught between two worlds, turns to bad habits. Milika and Lorrpu come to an understanding about their own futures. Botj's body is found washed up below the bridge.

Returning to the water, Milika, Botj and Lorrpu find a campsite. Inside the camp they notice evidence of disrespectful occupants. Stealing the camp's boat, the boys work together to catch their first turtle. After eating it, Lorrpu places pieces of shell and bones into the fire. Lorrpu explains it is in respect of the old people. As they walk across country Botj begins singing their song line. Together they embrace their journey and rediscover Yolngu knowledge.

The boys set out for Darwin, with only themselves, their memories and their hopes. Lorrpu leads the group, entreating the others to trust him and their cultural knowledge. Back home in north-eastern Arnhem Lab, Matjala reasons with police to give him a chance to find the boys first. Bäru Dirramu (crocodile man) visits Botj, Milika and Lorrpu as they dream.