Arnhem Land
It’s a journey that will be your lasting memory, so take your time and experience the raw natural beauty of Australia’s Top End. Hit the road out of Darwin to discover the region’s stunning national parks, pristine river systems and abundance of nature and wildlife. Experience stunning landscapes carved by nature over millions of years and traditional Aboriginal communities and artworks.
Arnhem Land and Gove Peninsula
The Arnhem Land is made up of 91,000 square kilometers of unspoiled wilderness, located in the middle of Australia’s Northern Coast, bordered by Kakadu National Park, the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Arnhem Land is blessed with wild coastlines, deserted islands, rivers teeming with fish, rainforests, soaring escarpments and savannah woodland. The park protects wetlands of international importance and provides a habitat for abundant wildlife including crocodiles, dugong, nesting turtles and migratory birds. One of the last pristine areas in the world, its small population is predominantly Aboriginal people, whose traditional culture remains largely intact. The region is an exciting destination for travelers wanting authentic traditional cultural experiences, with many tailored indigenous tours on offer. This is the land where the didgeridoo originated. Access to Arnhem Land is restricted and only selected tour operators who have earned the trust of traditional landowners may bring visitors in. It is therefore advised to travel to Arnhem Land on a tour or under approved supervision. There are many areas of historic significance including the ruins of an early European colony at Victoria Settlement in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, on the secluded Cobourg Peninsula and the Black Point Cultural Centre which displays Aboriginal, Macassan and European histories of the area. The town of Maningrida, on the north coast of Arnhem Land, is famous for its indigenous art. Gunbalanya (Oenpelli), one of the first stops east of Kakadu National Park, is an Aboriginal community where indigenous artists gather at the Injalak Art and Craft Centre. An open day is held in Oenpelli usually during July, when travelers can visit freely and enjoy the cultural activities without a permit. The town of Nhulunbuy is located on the Gove Peninsula, approximately 600 kilometers east of Darwin. It is a major service center, providing accommodation and supplies, and offers spectacular beaches and great fishing.
The Cobourg Peninsula – West Arnhem Land
The Cobourg Peninsula, remote and rugged, is fringed with magnificent white sandy beaches. The Peninsula, recognized as one of Australia’s most spectacular fishing locations, is accessible only by 4WD from Oenpelli via Jabiru (it is essential you report to the Ranger Station on arrival), or a 30 minute charter flight from Darwin. Click here for more information regarding tours to Cobourg Peninsula with Venture North. Accommodation is available at the luxury eco-resort Seven Spirit Bay Eco
Wilderness Lodge. The Peninsula is the perfect destination for hiking, bird watching and photographing this truly unique landscape.
Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, Northern Australia’s first flora and fauna protection reserve, and the surrounding Cobourg Marine Park, provides an ideal habitat for many thousands of waterfowl and other bird species. The Parks and Wildlife Commission restricts the number of vehicles travelling through Arnhem Land and it is therefore necessary to apply for your permit well in advance.
Please note: Access by road to the Cobourg Peninsula is not possible during the wet season. The area can be accessed by private air charter or boat. For further information phone (08) 8999 4555
Aboriginal Art and Culture
Join a safari tour with Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris to Mount Borradaile and witness one of the most stunning Aboriginal cultural sites in Australia. View galleries of ancient rock art paintings which depict the indigenous history of the clans and show elements of the Dreamtime.
Fishing
Fishing is a major draw card for the region and Gove offers some of the best sports fishing in the world. Fish are abundant – catches include red emperor, Spanish mackerel and coral trout. A range of fishing charters are available from half day to extended island safaris – or boat hire can be arranged for a self-guided 4WD trip.
The fishing in the region is all about options and something can be arranged to suit individual needs – talk to one of the licensed tour operators. Crystal clear waters are also perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.
The strong Yolngu culture in the region is evident in the range of arts and crafts. Contemporary Yolngu art is available in the form of milk wood carvings (unique to this region), bark paintings, screen prints, woven baskets and mats. Traditional art can be found at one of Australia’s most renowned community based traditional Aboriginal art museums at Yirrkala.
Visitors to the Gove Peninsula will be amazed by the quality of the beaches, ideal for picnics, snorkeling and day trips. Daliwuy (Daliwoi Bay) is a popular fishing spot with the locals. Ngumuy (Turtle Beach) is a beautiful, sheltered sandy cove and Garanhan (Macassan Beach) has an historical link with the Macassan sea traders. Please note a visitor’s permit is required.
Nanydjaka (Cape Arnhem), just a few hours’ drive from Nhulunbuy, has long white sandy beaches, with sand dunes as far as the eye can see. The snorkeling is fantastic and you can fish straight off the beach. This is the perfect destination for absolute peace, solitude and relaxation. Note: A visitor’s permit is required.
Gayngaru is an area of lagoon wetlands extending some seven kilometers parallel to the beachfront. The lagoon, home to around 200 species of birds, has an over-water observation platform providing an ideal hideaway for keen bird watchers. A marked walking trail offers easy access for those on foot. Guided interpretive tours are available. Permits are not required here.
The Marika Lookout offers visitors the opportunity to take in the extensive panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. Take time to look over the lagoon wetlands with their abundance of birdlife, the activity on Gove Harbor, the coastline, the town center and the Gove bauxite mining operation.
Accessible by boat from Gove Harbor, these island groups and coastline offer unbeatable fishing opportunities. Here you will find outstanding blue water and reef fishing, sports fishing, estuary fishing and excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal-clear waters. Day and overnight camping trips can be organized by local charter operators.
Qantas has daily jet services to Gove Airport from Cairns and Darwin with connections to anywhere in the world. The Cairns-Gove flight is one hour and 40 minutes and the Darwin-Gove flight is one hour and 10 minutes.
Aircraft are jets seating 73-80 passengers. There is also a turbo-propeller service from Darwin-Gove offered by Air North, seating 30 passengers. An airport shuttle bus meets every flight for transfers to accommodation houses in Nhulunbuy for a nominal fee.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available for visitors in Nhulunbuy and includes motel, hotel/lodge and budget accommodation. Currently there is an accommodation shortage in the region so ensure you make your bookings before you depart. Contact Walkabout Lodge Motel.
Touring the Region
The pristine environment can be enjoyed overland with eco-tours encompassing Yolngu culture and art, birds, flora and fauna. A guided tour of the town lagoon wetlands includes bird watching, wildlife and bush tucker. Other activities include a free bauxite mine tour every Friday morning, scenic flights over spectacular landscape, bushwalking, beachcombing, 4×4 driving, surfing and sailing
The wide open wilderness areas and warm climate of the Top End regions make them ideal destinations for caravan and 4WD Camping Holidays. The main season is between May and September, so you need to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Start planning your holiday with Arnhem Land 4WD Hire from Darwin, cut a straight line across Australia to Alice Springs and Adelaide. Or arc through Australia’s north-west corner driving the Savannah Way to Broome. Canoe down Katherine Gorge and fly over the beehive-shaped Bungle Bungles in Western Australia’s wild Kimberley Region along the way. From Darwin, drive the Nature’s Way to Kakadu National Park, World Heritage-listed for both its cultural and natural significance. See Uluru, Kings Canyon and other Red Centre attractions from the outback hub of Alice Springs. Elegant Adelaide is your base for exploring the Barossa Valley, Flinders Ranges, the Fleurieu Peninsula and the wildlife wonderland of Kangaroo Island.
National Parks have serviced camp areas, many with onsite rangers, designated generator and non-generator sites, fresh water, toilets and shower facilities. These areas may have restrictions on length of stay and park fees may apply. See the Parks and Wildlife Commission NT website for more information about national park camping sites and fees. There can be huge distances between townships so you may have to camp on private properties or Aboriginal lands, make sure you obtain permission and permits before entering the area. Some roads are not suitable for towing a caravan and there are camping restrictions in certain areas. Please check road conditions and permit requirements with the local Park Management before you set off on your journey.
The town has no established caravan park or camping facilities, however bush camping without facilities are available in the recreation areas managed by Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation and a permit must be obtained.
Please note that the Central Arnhem Road is not recommended for caravans. The Northern Land Council will not approve a permit to tow a van into East Arnhem Land and Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation will not issue a Visitor Recreation Permit to anyone with a caravan.
This is to minimize the environmental impact of long term camping at recreational camping areas. Penalties apply for moving throughout the region without a permit and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of the Traditional Owners in this regard.
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