Arnhem Land

Understand

The main settlement is Nhulunbuy with a population of over 4,000 people, actually the fourth largest settlement in the Northern Territory. The area belongs to the Yolngu Aboriginal people who have lived on and taken care of the land for more than 40,000 years. Nhulunbuy is one of the most isolated areas of Australia, surrounded by beautiful beaches and is a popular adventure fishing spot. The town was built in the early 1970s to service a bauxite mine and alumina refinery, operated by Alcan. However it has also assumed a role as a centre for service provision to Arnhem Land. Its isolation has meant that its natural attractions have had little visibility in the mainstream tourist market. Nhulunbuy is often referred to as "Gove", however Gove is actually the peninsula on which the town is located.

History Arnhem Land is home to the oldest living culture in the world. There are hundreds of different languages, customs and laws, each woven together to tell a story that is more than 50,000 years old. Sharing and learning about Aboriginal art and culture is central to the Arnhem Land experience.

Geography This Aboriginal-owned expanse is made up of wild coastlines, deserted islands, rivers teeming with fish, lush rainforests, soaring escarpments and savannah woodland. This land is one of the last great unspoiled areas of the world. Its small population is predominantly indigenous, whose traditional Aboriginal culture remains largely intact. The didjeridu originated in Arnhem Land, and the area is also world-renowned for its distinctive Aboriginal art.

Flora and fauna Arnhem Land is one of the best fishing destinations in the world, mainly owing to its rarely fished waters. The World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land, the Mary River and the Gove Peninsula are home to around 280 bird species, equating to about a third of all bird species found in Australia, making the region a drawcard for bird watchers. The apex predator of Arnhem is the saltwate

Getting there

By car Access by road to Nhulunbuy is only possible via the Central Arnhem Road which connects to the Stuart Highway south of Katherine. A permit to travel this road is required by the Northern Land Council. The Central Arnhem Road is approximately 650 km of mainly gravel road with numerous river crossings. The drive should only be done in a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle. Caravans are not permitted on the road. There is limited fuel available along this route.

By plane Helicopter tours and light aircraft flights are available. There are daily Qantas flights to Nhulunbuy (Gove Airport) from both Darwin and Cairns. Airnorth flies from Darwin 6 days a week as well. Gove Airport (GOV), is approximately 13 km from Nhulunbuy and 7 km from Yirrkala.

Getting around

Many travellers fly in or visit Arnhem Land on a four-wheel drive tour, but to really test your driving skills, obtain a permit and experience the networks of four-wheel drive tracks yourself (April to September only). Scenic flights are another way to really take in the vast scenery. Organised tours are really the best way to experience Arnhem Land. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the area and answer any questions you may have.

To Groote Eylandt To get to Groote Eylandt, you can either catch a ferry or cross the gulf by boat or alternatively, fly to Groote Eylandt from Darwin, the Gove Peninsula (within Arnhem Land) or Cairns.

See

There are a number of indigenous art galleries in and around Arnhem Land. The art centres can arrange visitor permits and advise when is the best time of day to watch local artists and craftspeople create their work.

1 Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre (Yirrkala Art Centre), 138 Tuffin Rd, Yirrkala, ☏ +61 8 8987 1701. 8AM–4:30PM. The Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre, located in Yirrkala near Nhulunbuy, houses a collection of Yolngu, Aboriginal, bark paintings, carvings and artefacts. The museum includes the original church panels that are of great historical and cultural significance. There is also an extensive history of Yolngu service in World War II, and a collection of stories and petitions relating to the Yirrikala area. The centre also has a retail outlet. Entry fees apply. Dhamitjinya (East Woody Island) and Galaru (East Woody Beach), Dhamitjinya, Nhulunbuy, ☏ +61 8 8987 3992. Dhamitjinya (East Woody Island) and Galaru (East Woody Beach) are 3 km from Nhulunbuy. These pristine beaches are spectacular in both their length and the clarity of their azure waters - a great spot to enjoy a tropical sunset. Entry fees apply. 2 Umbakumba Art Centre, 35 Mamarika Rd, Umbakumba, ☏ +61 8 8987 4006. An cultural and art centre located on the eastern end of Groote Eylandt, and a good way to experience Indigenous Australian culture. (updated May 2022) As access can be affected due to high tides, please check with Dhimurru Land Management Land Corporation for details. Travellers must also obtain a recreation permit from Dhimurru prior to visiting the area. The beaches around Nhulunbuy are absolutely spectacular. Beautiful sand and water that you can swim in most of the year, of course being cautious about sharks and other dangers. The bush here is great as well. Beautiful animals and types of plants you see all along the way to the spectacular waterholes. They have clear pristine water.

Do

You can learn about and view the many world-famous rock art galleries on a guided tour or through the comprehensive interpretative signage at many art sites. Tours led by Aboriginal guides explore the spectacular bush environment, searching for traditional foods and medicines while others cruise rivers and billabongs or tell you the story of the didgeridoo.

Nomad Tours and Charters, 10 Beagle Circuit, Nhulunbuy, ☏ +61 8 8987 8085. They operate around remote north east Arnhem Land, from their base in the town of Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula. They offer luxury four-wheel drive small group tours and personalised private charters throughout the Gove Peninsula area with fishing day trips around Nhulunbuy or extended activity based safaris to their Banubanu Wilderness Retreat on Bremer Island. Fish or just chill out and enjoy the remote solitude. Conservation Volunteers Australia, Shop 4, 41 Cavenagh Street, Darwin, ☏ +61 8 8981 3206. Conservation Volunteers Australia is a non-profit, non-government organisation and is Australia’s leading practical conservation organisation. They welcome more than 10,000 volunteers per year and have 24 offices across Australia. $640. Yothu Yindi Foundation, Level 3, 43 Cavenagh Street, Darwin, ☏ +61 8 8941 2900. The Yothu Yindi Foundation is a not for profit charitable Indigenous organisation with three primary aims. Sharing knowledge and culture, thereby fostering greater understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The maintenance, nurturing and celebration of cultural traditions and practices. Creating economic opportunities for Yolngu through education, training, employment and enterprise, communi