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.
The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.
Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.
Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.
Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.
1. Alice Springs
See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)
Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary , there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.
Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park . Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.
Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary . You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.
Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co , tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27 .
2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park
Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)
Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.
Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.
Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.
3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)
Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.
Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.
For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.
4. Tennant Creek
See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)
Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.
For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre , which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.
Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.
5. Mataranka
Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)
A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs , within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.
Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.
6. Nitmiluk National Park
Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)
Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.
One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.
Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise , discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.
Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)
Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.
Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.
8. Darwin
Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)
This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival , one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.
Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct , an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.
