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Arnhem Land is a historical region of the Northern Territory of Australia, with an Aboriginal population of 12,000. It has a rich and ancient culture, a history of Makassan contact, and a space launch facility.
Arnhem Land is a unique expanse that stretches over 97,000 square kilometres. This land is rich in Aboriginal culture, breathtaking scenery and rare wildlife. Bound by rugged coastline and the Arafura Sea, the warm tropical waters provide some of the best fishing in the world. Explore secluded beaches and craggy rockpools.
Arnhem Land is a vast, unspoiled wilderness area with deep ties to Australia’s Aboriginal peoples. Explore its rugged coastlines, remote islands, lush rainforests, towering escarpments and savanna woodlands, and enjoy fishing, cultural tours, rock art and festivals.
- Getting to Arnhem Land
- Where to Go in Arnhem Land
- Things to Do in Arnhem Land
- Touring Arnhem Land
- Entering Aboriginal Lands in Arnhem Land
- Weather
- Accessing Money
- Cultural Protocol
- Don’T Leave Home Without
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Entry to Arnhem Land is by a free permitonly (with minor exceptions like a day trip where you fly in and out). If you’re travelling independently, you’ll need to apply to the Northern Land Councilat least 10 working days before you leave. If travelling with a tour, your tour operator will make the application on your behalf.
Gunbalanya
The community of Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) lies about 15km from the border of Kakadu National Park. Nearby is the rugged Arnhem Land Escarpment, known as the Stone Country, where deep plunging gorges, huge boulders and wide overhanging rock platforms dominate. Beyond the settlement is Gunbalanya billabong, surrounded by open flood plains and overshadowed by Injalak Hill, a site extensively rich in rock art paintings and a source of inspiration for the local artists.
Cobourg Peninsula
The Garig Gunak Barlu National Park includes the entire Cobourg Peninsula and surrounding waters of the Arafura Sea, Van Dieman Gulf and a few neighbouring islands in northwest Arnhem Land, a land area of 4500km2. Only 15 vehicles a day are allowed into the park and permits are required for both entry and camping. The journey is well worth the effort; this is a true wilderness. A highlight is a visit to the ruined Victoria Settlement, where the British made their third attempt to settle the T...
Maningrida
At the mouth of the Liverpool River, Maningrida is in the heart of west Arnhem Land, where the landscape of the rocky escarpment country meets sprawling flood plains that feed meandering river systems. It’s largely comprised of monsoon woodlands intermingled with billabongs and riverine habitats turning into one vast wetland during the wet season. Maningrida is a centre for 34 homelands, home to 2600 people, and fosters more than 800 artists through Maningrida Arts and Culture.
Fishing
A select number of operators have cornered the market on quality fishing expeditions in Arnhem Land. For a full list check out the fishing page on Northernterritory.com. Meanwhile here are a few selections. Banubanu // Personalised fishing charters from Banubanu Beach Retreat off Bremer Island in east Arnhem Land. Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge// Caters for anglers seeking remote sportfishing experiences with comfortable tented lodge accommodation near Maningrida.
Indigenous art
Arnhem Land is rich with Indigenous art. Here are three repositories you shouldn’t miss. Anindilyakwa Artson Groote Eylandt Injalak Arts and Craftsat Gunbalanya. Maningrida Arts and Cultureat Maningrida. Buku-Larrnggay Mulkaat Yirrkala Community near Nhulunbuy.
Discovering culture
From living in an Aboriginal family home to making your own didgeridoo, there are plenty of ways to expand your cultural horizons in Arnhem Land. Nhulunbuy & surrounds There’s a wide selection of Yolngu Cultural Programs available in Nhulunbuy mostly organised by and through Lirrwi Tourism. One of the most popular is the women’s multi day tour and we loved the Bawaka experience. Groote Eylandt Groote Eylandt Touring Company // More than just fishing the touring company can organise cultural t...
Here’s a selection of quality tour guides operating in the region. For a full list of all operators, check out the Arnhem Land tour page on northenrterritory.com. 1. Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris // Visit Mt Borradaile, one of the most significant art sites in Australia, and investigate one of Australia’s most pristine environments. Read about our ...
Permits from the Northern Land Council are required to travel in Arnhem Land. These are free, but the paperwork must be lodged prior to your trip and approval granted. If you’re travelling with an accredited touring company, your tour package should include your permit. For information on how to apply, click here. For info on Groote Eylandt permits...
The tropical dry season is May-Oct and is the so-called “winter”, during which temperatures hover around 28ºC with superb tropical nights warm enough to dine out under the stars. Rainfall is usually during the tropical summer season from Nov-April and daytime temperatures are around 30-33ºC with sea breezes.
Nhulunbuy has Westpac Bank and there are ATMs in the bank and the Walkabout Lodge. Maningrida has an ANZ Bank as well as several ATMs around the community. There’s an ANZ Bank in Alyangula on Groote Eylandt, as well as ATM access. There’s no ATM or bank in Gunbalanya or on the Cobourg Peninsula.
Whether on tour or self-driving, remember you’re travelling on private land through sensitive cultural regions. Aboriginal people tend to be polite to strangers and are thus more inclined to “agree” to requests from visitors, such as being the subject of photos, even if it’s something they don’t want to do. Avoid taking advantage of the hospitality...
1. A big water bottle // You’ll need to drink at least two litres of water a day. 2. The right clothes // Light-coloured, lightweight clothing that covers tummies, bottoms and legs. Aboriginal people are very conservative and for women, exposing skin below the waist and above the knees is considered inappropriate. 3. Sturdy walking shoes // The roc...
Arnhem Land is a vast, remote and culturally rich region in the Northern Territory. Learn about its history, wildlife, attractions, access and permits for travelling independently or with a tour.
- Join in the celebration of the Garma Festival. Visit in August to experience the special Garma Festival, a 4-day celebration of Yolngu culture with the Aboriginal people of north-east Arnhem Land.
- Fish for a famous barramundi. Floodplain billabongs, tidal rivers, pristine coastline and vast bluewater— fishing in Arnhem Land is world-renowned for its thriving habitats.
- Take an eco-retreat. Really get away with a stay at the Bremer Island Banubanu Beach Retreat, near the township of Nhulunbuy. This secluded retreat of deluxe beachfront eco-tents and private cabins is simple and secluded, with a maximum of 16 guests at one time.
- Join an authentic Aboriginal art experience. Climb to the top of Injalak Hill, a site rich in Aboriginal rock art, on a cultural tour with Injalak Arts and Crafts in Gunbalanya, three hours east of Darwin.
Aug 7, 2024 · Arnhem Land, historical region of Northern Territory, Australia. It consists of the eastern half of the large peninsula that forms the northernmost portion of the Northern Territory. The region, with a total area of about 37,000 square miles (95,900 square km), consists of a ruggedly dissected.
Arnhem Land is a wild and untamed landscape with rich Aboriginal culture and history. Explore its highlights, tours, DIY trips and essential info in this comprehensive guide.
