Lonely Beach/Ngalarrkpuy is a stunning, untouched paradise in the Top End.
We’d argue that Australia has the world’s most beautiful beaches. From the idyllic Whitehaven Beach to the iconic Bondi Beach, we’re blessed with an abundance of stunning coastal escapes. However, one beach, rich in cultural significance and far from the crowds, remains under the radar, hidden away in the Top End.
Lonely Beach, known as Ngalarrkpuy to the Traditional Owners, is a sacred site located in Bawaka, a small Yolŋu homeland approximately one-and-a-half hours’ drive from Nhulunbuy. It is on the ancestral land of the Gumatj people, the Yunupiŋu, the Burarrwaŋa and the Mununggurritj families. Bawaka means ‘unknown heaven’, and it’s easy to see why the name fits. The scenery at Ngalarrkpuy is breathtaking, with two white sand beaches converging at a rugged island, its sandstone cliffs towering from the pristine turquoise waters. Stand at the top of the dunes, and you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the landscape and views looking out to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
How to get to Lonely Beach/Ngalarrkpuy
East Arnhem Land’s pristine coastline. (Image: Tourism NT/Rob Mulally)
Ngalarrkpuy is a sacred site, and access is only possible through organised tours with Bawaka Experience. Bawaka Experience is a fully Aboriginal-owned and operated business that provides an incredible opportunity for visitors to learn about Yolŋu culture – one of the oldest continuous cultures on earth. Led by Timmy, Rita, Aaron, and Dianne, Bawaka Experience embodies their commitment to sharing Yolŋu traditions:
“We want to build a future for our children by bringing our ancient homeland and culture together in a new, friendly, contemporary business. So whether you are just visiting or doing a cultural experience tour, we hope you really enjoy your time with us."
An idyllic view from the dunes. (Image: Tourism NT/Rob Mulally)
The Ngalarrkpuy Lonely Beach Tour can only be booked after booking accommodation, camping, or a day visit pass. On the beach tour, you’ll be guided by an experienced local who will take you to their ancestral lands to share the history and cultural connection. The tour also includes a visit to Bungugunglu, a fishing site that is thousands of years old.
The accommodation is close to Ngalarrkpuy and comes in the form of oceanfront cabins and safari tents, or you can bring your own camping gear and camp on their grounds. It’s also important to note that access to Bawaka Homelands is only possible for experienced 4-wheel drivers as there is some sand driving, and Bawaka Experience don’t currently offer transfers.
Are there crocs at Lonely Beach/Ngalarrkpuy?
Ngalarrkpuy is a sacred site and access is only possible through organised tours. (Image: Tourism NT)
As tempting as the waters may be, like many areas in the Top End, it’s recommended that you don’t swim at Ngalarrkpuy due to the potential presence of crocodiles. However, swimming is possible strictly under the supervision of the Yolŋu hosts, and visitors are encouraged to wear modest clothing that respects Yolŋu culture.
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.
Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.
Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.
1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole
Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.
Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)
2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole
Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.
Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)
3. Tour the Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!
Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).
Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)
4. Dine in Darwin
Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .
Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.
Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)
5. Up close with Uluṟu
The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.
There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.
Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)
6. Drive the Red Centre Way
From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.
Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.
Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)
7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa
Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).
Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.
Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)
8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges
Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .
Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)
