Tourism East Arnhem continues to monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19 and the impacts this has on visitors to East Arnhem Land. Keeping visitors and the community safe by minimising the spread of COVID-19 is our utmost priority.
The Central Arnhem Road, Nhulunbuy and Dhimurru Recreational Areas remain open to visitors. A number of travel restrictions are currently in force to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the Northern Territory.
If you are visiting East Arnhem Land and believe your plans may be affected by COVID-19 related travel restrictions please contact the operator you booked with or your travel agent directly.
Disclaimer
Content on this page is based on information issued by the Northern Territory Government relevant to the East Arnhem Land region. While we endeavour to keep this page as current as possible, we can not guarantee that all information is up to date.
To keep up to date on the COVID-19 situation in the Northern Territory (NT) visit the NT Health website and follow Secure NT on Facebook. For advice, it is recommended to call the NT COVID-19 hotline on 1800 490 484.
On this page:
- Information for interstate arrivals
- Excluded communities
- Mask mandate
- Permits
- COVID-19 testing
- COVID-19 vaccination
Interstate and international arrivals to the NT
There are no entry restrictions on people arriving into the Northern Territory.
International travellers should follow advice from the Department of Home Affairs.
Visitors to the NT can travel anywhere within the NT, except to excluded communities (see below).
Excluded communities
Travel is currently restricted to excluded communities unless you are a resident of that community or an essential worker for the purpose of work. To enter you must have a negative Rapid Antigen Test the day of travel and before you enter community.
Communities in East Arnhem Land currently designated as excluded communities include:
- Milingimbi
- Ramingining
- Galiwin'ku/Elcho Island
- Marthakal homelands
As of 11 April 2022, the following communities/areas are not considered excluded areas:
- Nhulunbuy
- Yirrkala
- Gunyangara
- Gapuwiyak
- Laynhapuy homelands
- Groote Eylandt
Read more about excluded communities
Mask mandate
Masks are required in high-risk settings, including hospitals, GP clinics, aged care facilities, disability facilities and corrections facilities. Masks must also be worn in airports and on flights, in line with federal requirements.
It is strongly recommended that all people aged 12 years and over continue to wear a mask when physical distancing cannot be applied, but it will no longer be compulsory.
Read more about the mask mandate
Permits
Permits continue to be required to drive the Central Arnhem Road and most areas outside the township of Nhulunbuy. To understand which permits are relevant for your travels, please use our permit guide.
Read more about access permits
COVID-19 testing on the Gove Peninsula
If you have symptoms, Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) are provided free to members of the public to take away and perform testing as directed.
Rapid Antigen Tests can be collected from the screening facility at the front of the Gove District Hospital, Monday to Friday: 8am – 4:30pm.
Visit the NT Health website to find your nearest RAT distribution point, or call the NT COVID-19 hotline on 1800 490 484.
Getting vaccinated and boosted
Visit the NT Health website to find your closest vaccination centre, or call the NT COVID-19 hotline on 1800 490 484.