Arnhem Land is Aboriginal land and is like nowhere else in Australia. One of the country’s last great untouched wilderness areas, it’s a vast area that stretches across the top of the Northern Territory, covering 100,000 square kilometres and with a population of just over 16,000.
You can fly into Arnhem Land from Cairns and Darwin, but if you’re driving, you’ll need a four-wheel drive. Keep in mind that roads are impassable in the wet season (Nov-April) and no caravans are allowed.
However you decide to travel, you’re sure to find mesmerising ancient rock art, pristine landscapes, stunning wilderness lodges, and profound cultural experiences here.
Best places to visit in Arnhem Land
You’ll need a permit to visit Arnhem Land. If you’re travelling on a tour, the permits are usually included in the package, but if you’re planning a do-it-yourself adventure, you’ll need to organise permits before you travel. Head over to the unique Groote Eylandt Island for fantastic fishing and exploring lush landscapes and pristine waters. And discover the registered Aboriginal sacred site Mount Borradaile, also known as Awunbarna, which holds profound cultural significance for the traditional owners, the Amurdak people.
Things to do in Arnhem Land
One thing Arnhem Land isn’t short on is rich cultural experiences. Some of the most spectacular ancient rock art that dates back as far as 30,000 years can be found here. There are also a host of community galleries like Anindilyakwa Arts and Cultural Centre and Bula’bula Arts, where you can admire traditional paintings and crafts, and even witness local artists at work.
A celebration of Indigenous culture in Australia, the annual Garma Festival held in August is another must-do, offering a diverse program of cultural activities.
Where to stay in Arnhem Land
A stay at one of these unique wilderness lodges in Arnhem Land will make your stay in Arnhem Land extra special. Seven Spirit Bay, Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge, and Banubanu Beach Retreat are three of the most special, and you can find out the details of each in our wilderness lodges guide.
Where to eat and drink in Arnhem Land
The aforementioned wilderness lodges also have fantastic onsite dining options. Banubanu Beach Retreat offers dishes that reflect the flavours of the region, such as wild-caught barramundi, and Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge offers delicious outdoor feasts that utilise local produce and bush foods.
Outside of the lodges, the Waterfront Kitchen, located at the Gove Boat Club on the Gove Peninsula, is a popular spot for casual bites and stunning ocean views.
Nhulunbuy has one petrol station and one large supermarket. Food is available at the Mainoru Outback Store, about 256km from the Stuart Highway on the Central Arnhem Highway. Black Point on the Cobourg Peninsula has a store open throughout the dry season. Maningrida has two supermarkets, four takeaway outlets and two petrol stations.
