Tourism East Arnhem continues to monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19 and the impacts this has on visitors to East Arnhem Land.
How do I visit East Arnhem Land?
Permits
Permits are required to access and transit some land destinations within the Northern Territory. Some permit requirements have changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please read the information below to obtain the correct permit(s) for your travels.
I am travelling to Nhulunbuy (Gove Peninsula)
Nhulunbuy and the broader Gove Peninsula remain open to visitors and permits are being issued. This includes recreational areas and campsites administered by Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation.
I am travelling by road
If travelling to Nhulunbuy (Gove Peninsula) via the Central Arnhem Road for recreational purposes, you require a Northern Land Council Transit Permit, you should not apply for a Recreational Permit. You can apply for your permit online and should upload the following as part of your application:
- your Dhimurru Access Permit (apply here). Your permit will be sent to your email.
- a signed COVID-19 declaration (download here).
The latest advice from the Northern Land Council requires visitors to apply within 14 days of their intended date of departure. This is to ensure the COVID-19 declaration is current.
If you are a resident of the Gove Peninsula or visiting friends or family you should specify this as part of your application instead of supplying evidence you are a tourist.
By Air
No permit is required if you are travelling to the township of Nhulunbuy by air. However, a Dhimurru Access Permit is required to visit recreational areas surrounding the town.
I am travelling with a tour operator
Tour operators (Lirrwi Tourism, Culture College, Outback Spirit, Great Divide Tours) continue to take bookings for 2021. Any permits required for your tour will be organised on your behalf.
I am travelling to areas outside of Nhulunbuy (Gove Peninsula)
If you have a booking with a tourism business outside of the Gove Peninsula (Dhipirri Barra & Sports Fishing Lodge or Dholuwuy Campgrounds at Baniyala) you should contact these businesses for specific advice.
The Northern Land Council has advised they are not issuing permits for recreational travel (recreational permits) to communities and homelands outside the Gove Peninsula. This includes the communities of:
- Gapuwiyak (Lake Evella)
- Ramingining
- Milingimbi
- Galiwin'ku / Elcho Island
These restrictions are at the request of community leaders and will affect very few travellers. Please consult the Northern Land Council (Nhulunbuy office) if you are required to travel to these communities for non-recreational purposes such as work.
I am travelling to Groote Eylandt
Travel to Groote Eylandt is by air. Permits are not required for travel to the township of Alyangula or communities of Angurugu, Umbakumba and Milyakbura. Permits, issued by the Anindilyakwa Land Council, are required if you plan on visiting the various recreational areas on the Archipelago.
If you have a booking with a tour company on Groote Eylandt, your permit will be organised on your behalf.
Got questions?
If you have any questions about travelling to East Arnhem Land, please contact us or join the East Arnhem Land travel information Facebook group and post a question.