Must do:
- Some of the most prized indigenous arts and crafts anywhere in the world, including the world-famous musical instrument - the didjeridu (Yidaki).
- Meeting Aboriginal people in their natural environment in places like Gunbalanya,Maningrida and Yirrkala.
- Spectacular wildlife and scenery.
- Diving and spear fishing around spectacular coral reefs in little-known regions.
The Cobourg Peninsula - West Arnhem Land
The Cobourg Peninsula, remote and rugged, is fringed with magnificent white sandy beaches. The Peninsula, recognised as one of Australia’s most spectacular fishing locations, is accessible only by 4WD from Oenpelli via Jabiru (it is essential you report to the Ranger Station on arrival), or a 30 minute charter flight from Darwin. Click here for more information regarding tours to Cobourg Peninsula with Venture North.
Accommodation is available at the luxury eco-resort Peppers Seven Spirit Bay and at Cape Don. There are also campsites and cabins available at Smith Point. The Peninsula is the perfect destination for hiking, birdwatching and the opportunity to photograph this truly unique landscape. See Page 79 for details of touring opportunities for this region.
Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, Northern Australia’s first flora and fauna protection reserve, and the surrounding Cobourg Marine Park provide an ideal habitat for the many thousands of waterfowl and other bird species. The Parks and Wildlife Commission restricts the number of vehicles travelling through Arnhem Land and it is therefore necessary to apply for your permit well in advance.
Please note: Access by road to the Cobourg Peninsula is not possible during the wet season. The area can be accessed by private air charter or boat.
For further information phone (08) 8999 4555 or (08) 8979 0244.
Historic Sites
Take the time to visit Kennedy Bay and Port Essington where, over 165 years ago the British made an attempt to establish settlements. Explore the ruins at Fort Wellington (1827) and Victoria Settlement (1838) which met with failure -the harsh conditions proving too much for those early settlers.
Wildlife photography
For the keen photographer, the Cobourg Peninsula offers the visitor excellent opportunities to capture the true nature of this remote region. With an abundance of wildlife including buffalo, Timor ponies, wild boar and wallabies, and with an array of colourful birdlife there is no better location in the Top End to capture that 'once-in-a-lifetime' shot.
Fishing
Considered to be one of the finest fishing spots in the country, the waters around the Cobourg Peninsula abound with Spanish mackerel, giant trevally, queenfish and coral trout, whilst in the tidal creeks and estuaries barramundi, mangrove jack and threadfin salmon lie in wait to tempt the serious angler.
Aboriginal Art and Culture
Join a safari tour with Davidson's Arnhemland Safari's to Mount Borradaile and be guided to witness one of the most stunning Aboriginal cultural sites in Australia. View galleries of ancient rock art paintings which depict the indigenous history of the clans and show elements of the Dreamtime. Brooke's Australia Tours also offer exclusive tours into Arnhemland and Kakadu.
To download a Parks and Wildlife fact sheet, click Garig Gunak Barlu National Park
One day tours into Arnhemland departing from Jabiru are also available. Please click here for more information.
The Gove Peninsula - East Arnhem Land
Arnhem Land is culturally strong, remote, pristine, easy to get to and has some of the best adventure fishing in the world! Yolngu people solely own Arnhem Land. Yolngu have lived in the region for at least 60,000 years with recognised land and marine estates. Clans live throughout Arnhem Land hunting fish, bush animals and seasonal bush foods.
Today, Yolngu retain their cultural and spiritual links to the area.
East Arnhem Land is one of the last wilderness areas on earth, yet all services can be found in the town of Nhulunbuy, located on the Gove Peninsula, approximately 750 km by road from Katherine and home to about 4000 people. Alcan Gove built the town on a special purpose lease in1971 to service its bauxite mine, despite concern from the Yolngu. However, the town is now an intricate part of the region, making it an ideal base from which to explore. Nhulunbuy has a lodge and a motel in town. The Gove Airport is about 15 km from town.
There is no campground or caravan park available, although camping is possible at the recreation areas. (NOTE: A permit must be obtained through the Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation).
The Gove Peninsula is scenic with long white sandy beaches, azure waters and green vegetation. This is where the Gulf of Carpentaria meets the Arafura Sea and the temperature ranges between 28° and 30°with plenty of cool breezes.
Fishing
Fishing is a major drawcard for the region and Gove offers some of the best sportsfishing in the world. Fish are abundant - catches include red emperor, Spanish mackerel and coral trout. A range of fishing charters are available from half day to extended island safaris - or boat hire can be arranged for a self-guided trip.
The fishing in the region is all about options and something can be arranged to suit individual needs - talk to one of the licensed tour operators. Crystal clear waters are also perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Aboriginal Arts and Culture
The strong Yolngu culture in the region is evident in the range of arts and crafts. Contemporary Yolngu art is available in the form of milkwood carvings (unique to this region), bark paintings, screen prints, woven baskets and mats. Traditional art can be found at one of Australia's most renowned community-based traditional Aboriginal art museums at Yirrkala.
Baringura - Little Bondi
Visitors to the Gove Peninsula will be amazed by the quality of the beaches, ideal for picnics, snorkelling and day trips. Daliwuy (Daliwoi Bay) is a popular fishing spot with the locals. Ngumuy (Turtle Beach) is a beautiful, sheltered sandy cove and Garanhan (Macassan Beach) which has an historical link with the Macassan sea traders. Note: Visitor’s permit required.
Nanydjaka - Cape Arnhem
Nanydjaka (Cape Arnhem), just a few of hours drive from Nhulunbuy, has long white sandy beaches, with sand dunes as far as the eye can see. The snorkelling is really excellent and you can fish straight off the beach. This is the perfect destination for absolute peace, solitude and relaxation. Note: A visitor’s permit is required.
Gayngaru
Gayngaru is an area of lagoon wetlands extending some 7 km parallel to the beachfront. The lagoon, home to around 200 species of birds, has an over-water observation platform providing an ideal hideaway for keen bird watchers.A marked walking trail offers easy access for those on foot. Guided interpretive tours are available. Note: Permits not required.
Rotary Marika Lookout
The Marika Lookout offers visitors the opportunity to take in the extensive panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. Take time to look over the lagoon wetlands with their abundance of birdlife, the activity on Gove Harbour, the coastline, the town centre and the Gove buaxite mining operation.
Wessel Islands, Bromby Islets, English Company Islands, Elizabeth Bay
Accessible by boat from Gove Harbour, these island groups and coastline offer unbeatable fishing opportunities. Outstanding bluewater and reef fishing, sports fishing, estuary fishing and excellent opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving in crystal-clear waters. Day and overnight camping trips can be organised by local charter operators.
Air services
Qantas has daily jet services to Gove Airport from Cairns and Darwin with connections to anywhere in the world. The Cairns-Gove flight is 1 hr 40 mins and Darwin-Gove flight is 1 hour and 10 mins.
Aircraft are jets seating 73-80 passengers. There is also a turbo-propeller service from Darwin-Gove offered by Air North, seating 30 passengers. An airport shuttle bus meets every flight for transfers to accommodation houses in Nhulunbuy for a nominal fee.
Travelling overland
To travel the Central Arnhem Road (4WD only) requires crossing many Yolngu clan lands and a permit from the Northern Land Council (NLC) is required. There is no cost for this permit but it is necessary to monitor the numbers of people on the road to maintain this region.
Contact the Northern Land Council in Nhulunbuy. Tel: (08) 8987 2602.
Visitors to the recreation beach and river areas require a visitor’s permit and should contact: Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation / Nhulunbuy. Penalties apply for travelling throughout the region without a permit and visitors are requested to respect the wishes of the Traditional Land Owners.
Arnhem Land is scenic and enjoyable. If you’re seeking adventure or simply a relaxing time, this is the place to visit.
Touring the region
The pristine environment can be enjoyed overland with eco-tours encompassing Yolngu culture and art, birds, flora and fauna. A guided tour of the town lagoon wetlands includes birdwatching, wildlife and bush tucker. Other activities include a free bauxite mine tour every Friday morning, scenic flights over spectacular landscape, bushwalking, beachcombing, 4x4 driving, surfing and sailing.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available for visitors in Nhulunbuy and includes Motel, Hotel/Lodge and budget accommodation. Currently there is an accommodation shortage in the region so ensure you make your bookings before you depart. Click here for more information on the Walkabout Lodge Motel.
Camping or Caravanning
The town has no established caravan park or camping facilities, however Bush camping without facilities are available in the recreation areas managed by Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation and a permit must be obtained.
Please note that the Central Arnhem Road is not recommended for caravans. The Northern Land Council will not approve a permit to tow a van into East Arnhem Land and Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation will not issue a Visitor Recreation Permit to anyone with a caravan.
This is to minimize the environmental impact of long term camping at recreational camping areas. Penalties apply for moving throughout the region without a permit and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of the Traditional Owners in this regard.
Tours departing from Nhulunbuy
The Gove Peninsula and surrounds hold a huge and uniquely untapped potential for fishing enthusiasts and for those seeking an authentic remote area experience. Nomad Tours and Charters offer you a truly unique opportunity for adventure in this remote region of Australia. Top End Expeditions can provide exclusive fishing charters and stay aboard the Auriga Bay II, a Luxury 17.0 metre (56’) air conditioned, steel hulled cruiser.
Alcohol in Arnhemland
We'd like you to enjoy your stay whilst travelling through Arnhemland. Please click here for more information regarding the alcohol restrictions within this area.
