experience The perfect 24 hours in nhulunbuy
Highlights:
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Discover the tranquility of GAYŊARU WETLANDS
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Immerse yourself in Yolŋu culture and art at Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre
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Explore pristine beaches
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Enjoy a vibrant East Arnhem Land sunset at GOVE BOAT CLUB
BEFORE YOU GO
A Visitor Access Permit from Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation is required to visit most areas around Nhulunbuy – these permits can be purchased easily prior to your arrival.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, it is highly recommended you hire a car to get around. There is so much to see and do in East Arnhem Land and having your own transport will be well worth it.
7am - APpreciate the tranquility of Gayŋaru Wetlands
Town Lagoon
Rise early and head to Gayŋaru Wetlands (Town Lagoon) to experience this tranquil wetland in the early morning with its abundance of native flora and fauna. There is a 3km return walking trail that follows the edge of the wetland with interpretive signage, viewing platforms and a bird hide – if you are lucky you might even spot a crocodile from one of the platforms!
8.30am - CAFE FOR BREAKFAST AND COFFEE
Once you have worked up an appetite, it's time to head to a cafe such as Kamayan or Rafiki at one of the two shopping precincts for a much-needed coffee and breakfast. Relax and catch up on the news or social media while you indulge in your pick from the delicious menus.
10.30am - Be amazed AT Buku-Larrnggay Mulka
After you have recharged for the day ahead, take the 15-minute drive to the nearby community of Yirrkala and world-renowned Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Art Centre in the Yolŋu community of Yirrkala. Spend an hour or two browsing the range of inspiring artworks including bark paintings, larrakitj (memorial poles), yidakis (didjeridu), prints and fibre art, as well as the fabulous museum rich with Yolŋu history. Artworks are available to buy along with a range of jewellery, books and more.
While in Yirrkala grab a coffee, snack and souvenir from the Community Store, and check out the memorial alongside the boat ramp dedicated to the Yolŋu men and women who served in WWII.
1pm - Float IN the pool at the walkabout
Head back into Nhulunbuy for lunch at Latitude 12, the Walkabout Lodge’s poolside restaurant, then cool off in the refreshing pool before the next part of your adventure. If you look hard enough, you might even catch the local lizard waiting patiently in the garden for a photo with you - don’t worry this one doesn’t bite!
2.30pm – marvel at the view from Nhulun
A quick but must-see stop on the itinerary is the Roy Marika Lookout, located at the summit of Nhulun (Mt Saunders). This is a sacred site of great significance to Yolŋu and is the hill from which the Nhulunbuy township gets its name. From the top of the lookout you will enjoy panoramic views of Gayŋaru Wetlands, Nhulunbuy township and the surrounding coastline. At the top of the lookout, learn about the history of the region and the Yolŋu story of the spirit man, Wuyul.
3pm - Sink your feet into the sand at Galuru
Next stop is the pristine Galuru (East Woody Beach), which is just 4km from Nhulunbuy town centre and is a favourite spot for locals to spend the afternoon. Take a stroll along the squeaky white sand for views of Dhamitjinya (East Woody Island) and if the tide is right, you can climb to the top of the island for uninterrupted views along the coast and out to the Arafura Sea. If you look carefully you might spot marine life including dolphins, turtles and even manta rays.
For those who enjoy a longer beach walk, this stretch of coastline extends to Wirrwawuy (Cape Wirrawoi).
5pm - See the sky light up at the ‘BOATY’
End the day on a high with a visit to the locals’ favourite Gove Boat Club for drinks and dinner. Nhulunbuy is the self-proclaimed sunset capital of Australia and this is one of the best places to sit back, relax and take in the vibrant colours of a typical East Arnhem Land sunset. Arrive by 6pm in the tropical summer (November to April) and 5.30pm in the dry season (May to October) to ensure you're there in time to see the sky light up over Melville Bay. The Gove Boat Club has a big grassed area looking over the beach, a playground for kids and picnic tables to enjoy a meal from The Waterfront Kitchen.
24 hours is a start but doesn’t give you much time to explore the Gove Peninsula and broader East Arnhem Land. Check out our THREE and SEVEN day itineraries for inspiration on how to make your experience in East Arnhem Land more memorable!
Need help planning? Feel free to contact us!