What’s stopping you from visiting East Arnhem Land?
If adventure amongst ancient landscapes with the world’s oldest continuing culture sounds like something you need to experience, but you don’t know where to start, here’s the lowdown.
Ŋalarrk (Lonely Beach), Bawaka Homeland
Where is East Arnhem Land?
- It’s in the north-east corner of the Northern Territory, and includes the Gove Peninsula, the town of Nhulunbuy and more than 50 Aboriginal communities and homelands.
Can I visit East Arnhem Land?
- Yes! It is 100% Aboriginal land and the Traditional Owners welcome visitors, with some of them operating cultural tours and hosting accommodation in their communities and homelands.
Beswick, Central Arnhem Road
Can I drive there?
- Yes, the Central Arnhem Rd runs off the Stuart Hwy 50km south of Katherine. It’s 675km long, is mostly unsealed, and is rough in places so we recommend a 4WD and an offroad caravan or camper. It’s a two-day drive with accommodation mid-way at Mainoru Store with a caravan/campground, food and fuel. Check out our Central Arnhem Rd guide here.
Can I drive there direct from Darwin or Kakadu?
- No, you need to go via Katherine and the Central Arnhem Rd. While there are additional tracks, these are not generally accessible to visitors.
Gove Airport
Can I fly there?
- Yes, Airnorth flies daily to Gove Airport from Darwin and Cairns - find out more here.
But don’t I need a permit to visit?
- Yes, but these are simple to apply for online, much like visiting a national park. You need a (free) transit permit to travel the Central Arnhem Rd, a recreation permit to explore the Gove Peninsula, and to camp you’ll need to pre-book a site. A permit is also needed to buy takeaway alcohol, and a few more remote fishing spots require a permit. Find out more here.
When should I go there?
- April to September are the prime months when the weather’s perfect and there’s little rainfall. October to December is also a great time to visit with calm water and the best fishing. From January to April heavy rain can make roads impassable. Interestingly, the Yolŋu people recognise six seasons based on thousands of years of observing weather patterns. You can find out more about weather and seasons here.
Groote Eylandt Lodge
Where can I stay?
- There are two caravan/campgrounds in Nhulunbuy, an island eco-retreat, several motels and other accommodation. There’s accommodation in some Aboriginal homelands and communities, and there are designated campsites on the coast and inland. You can find out more here.
Can I free camp?
- No. Just like a national park, camping is only permitted at designated campsites that are booked online.
Garma Festival
What is there to do in East Arnhem Land?
- Experience Australia's most authentic Aboriginal culture; visit or camp at some of the most remote coastal landscapes in the country; visit world-renowned art centres; take a fishing charter or launch your own boat; encounter wildlife including wallabies, crocodiles, dolphins, turtles, buffalo and more than 200 bird species. You'll find lots more info here.