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Arnhem Land is a vast and unspoiled wilderness region in the northeasternmost part of the Northern Territory of Australia. Arnhem Land is an area with deep ties to Australia's Aboriginal peoples and its wild and rugged landscapes. This is a part of Australia famous for its lingo - so consider brushing up on the Aussie Slang before going Down Under. No one could ask for a greater contrast to the rest of Australia than Arnhem Land.
Those who would like to really see the Outback should consider driving the 1,690-mile-long "World Longest Shortcut." The Australian Outback is truly vast and is impossible to do justice to in a single visit. One of the things to be aware of before visiting Australia is not to bring an apple! Biosecurity and customs in Australia (and New Zealand) are very strict.
Arnhem Land The Vast Unspoilt Tropical Land Home To Thriving Traditional Aboriginal Communities
The area of Arnhem Land was explored by the Dutch in 1623 - long before most of Australia was explored by Europeans and around 150 years before the first European settlement in Australia. It is named after the city of Arnhem in the Netherlands.
Arnhem Land is unspoiled and vast, it is the land of rugged coastlines, remote islands, lush rainforests, savanna woodlands, and more. The tropical coastal waters around Arnhem Land boast some of the best fishing in the world. It is full of secluded beaches and craggy rockpools.
One of the main attractions to Arnhem Land is learning about the culture and way of life of the Aboriginal peoples living there. Learn from the Traditional Custodians of Arnhem Land – the Yolngu people – and experience fishing expeditions, outback safaris, and cultural tours.
- Size: 97,000 km2 (37,000 sq mi)
- Population: 16,000 (12,000 Of Which Are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
- Location: North-East Northern Territory 500 km or 310 miles From Darwin
Most of the Aboriginal population lives in small outstations or homelands where they have very little Western cultural influence. In many ways, visiting Arnhem Land is like visiting another country in Australia. The Aboriginal peoples are one of the world's oldest populations and have called Australia home for the last 60,000 or so years. In the United States, the largest Indian Reservation is the Najavo Nation and it has some of the most iconic landscapes of the Southwest.
Arnhem Land Is Best Explore With An Organized Tour
Visitors are required to get a permit to visit Arnhem Land from the Northern Land Council - they should plan ahead and apply at least 10 days in advance (or they can join organized tours who are already permitted to enter).
On a self-guided tour, visitors can see local native artists and buy their baskets and paintings. While there, join a tour led by an indigenous guide and learn about the Dreamtime stories. There are a number of Indigenous arts centers around Arnhem Land (there are cultural tours with local guides from some of these centers).
There are plenty of tours to choose from, but the only tour company with permission to travel right into the heart of Arnhem Land is Outback Spirit. With them, visitors can explore the sacredness and mysticism of the land that few outsiders get to see. Outback Spirit's adventures are the result of their consultations with the Northern Land Council and Traditional Owners.
On their tours, visitors can stay at luxury safari camps and lodges. It is thought that the Aboriginal peoples represent the oldest surviving culture in the world (at least according to Outback Spirit).
Outback Spirit's Thirteen-Day Tour Of Arnhem Land
While it may be possible to have day tours of Arnhem Land or explore limited areas by oneself with a permit, the best way to explore it is with a multi-day tour.
Outback Spirit offers a thirteen-day tour of Arnhem Land, starting from the northern city of Cairns and ending in Darwin.
- Duration: 13 Days
- Cost: From AUD $12,915 pp Twin Share
- Group Size: 22 People
- Meals: All Meals Included
On the tour, visitors explore the heart of Arnhem Land with an exclusive touring route. Visitors see Aboriginal attractions like a "Welcome to Country" performance in Nhulunbuy, see bush Medicine demonstrations, see exquisite rock art, experience authentic cultural activities with Indigenous guides, and more.
Outdoor activities include exploring the Arafura Swamp by boat and 4WD, the Cobourg Peninsula by 4WD safari, half-day Barramundi fishing, and exploring the pristine waters of the Cobourg Maine Park Sanctuary. Additionally, guests get to see the ghost town ruins of the historic Victoria Settlement at Port Essington circa 1838.
Accommodation includes seven nights in luxurious safari camps and wilderness lodges (two more nights at Davidson's Arnhem Land Safaris and three nights at hotel accommodation).