Arnhem Land

Northern Territory, Australia

Overview

Exotic island retreats, historic sites, chartered fishing trips, cultural experiences, or just relax by the pool. Find yourself in paradise – East Arnhem Land is beautiful and diverse with remote and rugged coastlines and white sandy beaches. This vast area of nearly 100,000km2 of land is one of Australia’s last strongholds of traditional Aboriginal culture.

There are many activities and things to see and do locally, so make sure you spend the time to experience them all. Take a morning stroll along the beach looking out to the sparkling Arafura Sea, learn from the locals and join a Yolngu cultural tour, visit some of the art and craft centres, take part in an interpretative walking trail and cast a line out fishing – your catch of the day can be prepared at one of the local restaurants for your evening meal, you can’t get much fresher than that.

Climate

  • Summer

    Dec—Feb
    35°C Avg. High
    30°C Avg. Low

  • Winter

    Jun—Aug
    30°C Avg. High
    25°C Avg. Low

Places to go

Croker Island Little Bondi Beach Gunbalanya / Oenpelli Groote Eylandt Cobourg Peninsula Nhulunbuy / Gove Maningrida Dholuwuy Bay West Arnhem Land

Croker Island

Experience the wild and untouched Northern Territory coastline on Croker Island, one of the most secluded areas of fishing paradise that the NT has to offer. The island has an area of 120km2 and is only 2km off the Cobourg Peninsula. The traditional owners are the Yammirr people and a permit from the Northern Land Council is required for all visitors to the island. Many Aboriginal people acknowledge Croker Island as the birthplace of the Rainbow Serpent – one of the most important spiritual beings in tales of the Dreamtime.

The island landscape is flat and covered with tropical rainforest, fringed by sandy beaches and coral reef. Birds including the brolga and jabiru are abundant and fishing is a popular draw card with anglers bringing in a range of fish such as trevally, queenfish, Spanish mackerel and mangrove jack. There’s one general store on Croker Island and supplies are flown in once a week from Darwin.

Tips

  • Croker Island is accessible by air and sea. You can charter a flight from Darwin or book a ferry or charter boat from nearby mainland communities such as Goulburn Island or Maningrida. Plan your travel arrangements in advance and confirm schedules and availability with local operators.
  • Immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous culture of Croker Island by participating in cultural activities such as art workshops, traditional dance performances, and storytelling sessions. Engage with local artists, artisans, and community members to learn about their way of life.

Little Bondi Beach

Just south of Nhulunbuy is the pristine Baringura or Little Bondi beach, a 200m long white sand beach, bordered by 10–20m high red laterite cliffs, extending 200–300m off the beach. The cliffs reduce waves to just under 1m and maintain a low tide bar. There are large sand dunes behind the beach with informal camping in this area.

With its turquoise blue waters, Little Bondi is a relatively popular surfing beach, and at times the entire Gove surf life saving patrol moves to the beach, so people can enjoy the surf in greater safety. Be on the look out for crocodiles year round, as well as stingers which are more prominent in the wet season.

Tips

  • Before embarking on your journey to Little Bondi Beach, check the road conditions and weather forecasts, especially during the wet season (November to April). Some roads may be impassable or require four-wheel-drive vehicles, particularly after heavy rainfall.
  • Little Bondi Beach is renowned for its stunning sunsets over the Timor Sea. Stay until the evening to witness the breathtaking colours of the sunset as the sun dips below the horizon.

Gunbalanya / Oenpelli

Gunbalanya/Oenpelli is an Aboriginal community on the eastern border of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park at the base of the Arnhem Land escarpment. Being part of Arnhem Land, travellers wanting to visit Gunbalanya/Oenpelli require a permit before visiting. Access by 4WD vehicles are recommended and permits can be obtained from the Injalak Art and Craft Centre. An open day is held annually in August or September when travellers can visit freely and enjoy cultural activities without a permit.

Gunbalanya is the Aboriginal name for the Oenpelli settlement (which was originally a mission). The area includes the flood plains of the East Alligator River that are covered by water from December to April and a rocky sandstone plateau rising up to 200m above the plains. Local artists’ work is displayed in the Injalak Art and Craft Centre. Walking tours are also available around Injalak Hill, a site rich in ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings.

Tips

  • Consider joining a guided tour led by local Indigenous guides who can provide insights into the region’s culture, history, and traditional practices. These tours offer a unique opportunity to learn directly from the local community and explore hidden gems off the beaten path.
  • Gunbalanya/Oenpelli is accessible by road, air, and in some areas, by boat. Consider your preferred mode of transport and plan accordingly. Be aware that road conditions may vary, especially during the wet season.

Groote Eylandt

Groote Eylandt means ‘big island’ in Dutch and is indeed the largest island in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Dutch were the first Europeans to record the existence of the island, located 630km by air from Darwin off the east coast of Arnhem Land. Ownership today has been returned to the Anindilyakwa people. If you plan to visit, it’s mandatory to obtain a permit by contacting the Anindilyakwa Land Council.

The Groote Eylandt landscape is typical of the Top End, light woodland savannah country fringed by mangroves on the coast. Alyangula is the main town with a population of 870 and most residents are non-Aboriginal miners, with manganese being mined since 1966. Groote Eylandt is a fantastic spot for fishing, while facilities for visitors are limited, safaris can be organised for anglers and accommodation is available at the Groote Eylandt Lodge.

Tips

  • Consider booking a fishing charter or hiring a local guide who can take you to the best fishing spots and provide expertise on techniques and equipment.
  • Stock up on provisions such as food, water, fuel, and fishing gear before traveling to Groote Eylandt, as services and amenities may be limited on the island. Carry sufficient supplies to sustain yourself during your visit, especially if planning outdoor activities.

Cobourg Peninsula

If you’re looking for a place to get away – The Northern Territory’s Cobourg Peninsula is almost 2,000 square kilometres of mostly uninhabited coastline, so you’ll find a fishing or camping spot to yourself.

Tips

  • Before visiting the Cobourg Peninsula, ensure you obtain the necessary permits. The area is part of the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park and requires permits from Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission. These permits can be obtained online or through local tour operators.
  • Accommodation options on the Cobourg Peninsula include camping grounds and eco-lodges. Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as options are limited and can fill up quickly.

Nhulunbuy / Gove

The Gove Peninsula encompasses nearly 100,000km2 of land owned by the Yolngu Aboriginal people and is famous for spectacular beaches and great fishing. The mangrove-fed waters of the Peninsula are jumping with all types of prized tropical species with several charters and fishing tours available. Camping, cabin and hotel accommodation is available with access to services including two shopping centres, cafes, a newsagent, bank and library.

Nhulunbuy was built in the early 1970s to service the bauxite mine managed by Nabalco. If you plan to travel by the Central Arnhem Road to Nhulunbuy, you’ll require a permit from the Northern Land Council. The Garma Festival is a celebration of Yolngu culture that takes place near Nhulunbuy every August and is considered one of the most important Aboriginal festivals in Australia.

Tips

  • Take the time to explore the Gove Peninsula, home to stunning beaches, rocky cliffs, and scenic lookouts. Visit iconic landmarks such as Cape Arnhem, Macassan Beach, and Mount Saunders for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
  • Sample the local cuisine of Nhulunbuy/Gove, which includes fresh seafood, bush tucker, and Indigenous-inspired dishes. Visit local restaurants, cafes, and markets to savour the flavours of the region.

Maningrida

The Maningrida community lies on the north coast of Arnhem Land and is best known as a pristine fishing destination. Travellers need a permit from the Northern Land Council to visit. Maningrida’s waterways are teeming with species such as barramundi, salmon, mangrove jack, golden snapper, Spanish mackerel, trevally and coral trout.

Visitors can also learn about Aboriginal art and culture at the Maningrida Arts and Culture, which features traditional and contemporary art, bark paintings, sculptures, fibre craft, prints and items of material culture. Conical woven fish traps made by the local men and women are unique to the area and a popular collector’s item.

Tips

  • Maningrida experiences a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Visit during the dry season (May to October) for more comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. Be prepared for hot temperatures and high humidity, especially during the wet season (November to April).
  • Participate in cultural activities such as art workshops, traditional dance performances, and guided tours of Indigenous communities. Respect cultural protocols and seek permission before entering Indigenous-owned land.

Dholuwuy Bay

The Dholuwuy Recreation Area is a large camping area on the shores of Blue Mud Bay, 17km from the Baniyala (Yilpara) community. Dholuwuy Bay is located in Arnhem Land located approximately 3 hours’ drive from Nhulunbuy. To obtain road access you’ll need a road transit permit from the Northern Land Council.

Facilities at Dholuwuy include camping areas, fireplaces, tables/seating, composting toilet, water for washing, boat launching, and fishing. Catch barramundi and mud crab straight off the beach.

Tips

  • Accommodation options near Dholuwuy Bay may be limited and often consist of camping grounds or eco lodges. Plan your accommodation in advance and be prepared for basic amenities that prioritise immersion in the natural environment.
  • Explore the pristine beaches, rocky cliffs, and crystal-clear waters of Dholuwuy Bay by embarking on outdoor adventures such as snorkelling, swimming, beachcombing, and wildlife spotting. Be respectful of the environment and adhere to any conservation guidelines.

West Arnhem Land

There’s heaps to explore in West Arnhem Land including Garig Gunak Barlu National Park & Seven Spirit Bay, Injalak art centre, Mt Borradaile and more. On the western side of Arnhem Land is Gunbalanya (Oenpelli). Gunbalanya is a large Aboriginal town situated about 60km north east of Jabiru, across the East Alligator River in Arnhem Land.

The area around Gunbalanya is known as Stone Country, a name inspired by the spectacular Arnhem Land escarpment and rock formations that emerge from the floodplains surrounding the town. Call in to see artists at work and to buy baskets and paintings at the famous Injalak Art and Craft Centre. Join a tour led by an Aboriginal guide to Injalak Hill to see ancient rock art and hear Dreamtime stories, or join a bush tucker tour and learn how the Aboriginal people live from the land.

Tips

  • West Arnhem Land is a restricted area requiring permits for non-Indigenous visitors. Obtain the necessary permits from the Northern Land Council or Traditional Owners before your trip. Be sure to adhere to permit conditions and respect Indigenous cultural protocols.
  • Camping is a popular option for visitors to West Arnhem Land, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the serenity of the remote wilderness.

Tips & Suggestions

  • East Arnhem Land is a restricted area, and visitors require a permit to enter. These permits are issued by the Northern Land Council (NLC) and must be obtained in advance. Make sure to apply for appropriate permits well before your trip.
  • East Arnhem Land experiences a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Be prepared for hot temperatures, high humidity, and the possibility of heavy rainfall, especially during the wet season (November to April).