Top 9 Things to Do in Arnhem Land, Australia

Lirrwi Tours in Arnhem Land
Lirrwi Tours in Arnhem Land | © Roderick Eime / Flickr

If you prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations, discover Arnhem Land in Australia’s Northern Territory before the rest of the world does.

One of the Northern Territory’s five regions, Arnhem Land is the definition of a wild natural paradise. Located in the state’s northeast, it’s home to rugged coastlines, isolated islands and savanna woodland. A totally underrated destination in the Northern Territory (and Australia), here are Culture Trip’s recommendations for the best things to do.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Go fish

Because Arnhem Land is an Aboriginal Reserve, the only way visitors can legally go fishing is through accredited tour operators or by obtaining a permit. But the red tape is worth it as this is where you’ll experience some of the best fishing in Australia. There are various areas where you can go fishing in this vast region. Cobourg Peninsula is known for its bluewater fishing (think golden snapper, red emperor and coral trout) and permits are available between May and October through the Cobourg Peninsula Sanctuary Board. There’s guided fishing charters operating around the Gove Peninsula, while Groote Eylandt is known for its marlin and sailfish, which are especially active between November and March. Groote Eylandt Sports Fishing organises professional fishing expeditions in the area.

Fishing in Arnhem Land

Admire Aboriginal art

Discover Aboriginal art at the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre. Located near Nhulunbuy, it houses an extensive Yolngu art collection, which includes the renowned Yirrkala Church Panels. For something more raw, head over to Elcho Island Art and Craft, which displays a range of traditional art made by local artists using materials from the surrounding bushland and beaches – think bark paintings, shell jewellery and woven pandanus baskets. Anindilyakwa Arts on Groote Eylandt provides a place for local artists to sell their work, while Injalak Arts in Gunbalanya has an arts centre and offers guided tours (Dreamtime stories included) to ancient rock art galleries at Injalak Hill as well.

Traditional Aboriginal art

Experience a Lirrwi tour

Lirrwi Tourism is a business owned by the Yolngu Aboriginal people, who have lived in the region for over 40,000 years. The company offers both day and multi-day tours across Arnhem Land, plus women-only and cross-country options. Their Bawaka Yolngu Day Tour allows you to experience traditional spear fishing and crab hunting. The Gululu Day Tour includes stops at Daliwoi Bay, as well as Macassans and Turtle Beach, and you can also participate in a yidaki (didgeridoo) masterclass.

Lirrwi Tourism

Attend the annual Garma festival

Garma is the Australian indigenous equivalent of the World Economic Forum. Coordinated by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, it brings together over 2,500 business and political leaders from around the world to discuss Australia’s most pressing issues. The annual festival includes both a key and youth forum, a nightly ceremonial dance, workshops, musical performances and an indigenous film program.

A traditional Aboriginal cultural ceremony

Sleep beneath the stars

Located on the Cobourg Peninsula, Wiligi Outstation offers tents, cabins and camping on a cliff overlooking Mount Norris Bay and Copeland Island. Fish, birdwatch and see the sunset at this gorgeous slice of nature. For those seeking a little more luxury, nestled among savanna bushland is Cobourg Coastal Camp – a glamping experience that offers guests both luxury tours and fishing charters. Another eco-friendly option is Banubanu Beach Retreat on Bremer Island, where there’s a maximum of 10 guests and no internet or phone coverage. Bliss.

Explore Dhimurru’s designated recreation areas

Dhimurru is an Aboriginal corporation that manages permits for specific areas in Arnhem Land, giving you access to ample fishing, boating, camping and walking opportunities. This includes the beautiful Dhamitjinya (East Woody Island) and Galaru (Easy Woody Beach). Located just three kilometres from Nhulunbuy, they’re characterised by their pristine sand and clear waters. To top off the sheer variety of natural wonders here, no visit would be complete without exploring the Rainbow Cliffs (Banambarrnga), the watering holes at Giddy River (Guwatjurumurru) and the beaches of Little Bondi (Baringura) and Turtle Beach (Ngumuy).

Galaru sunsets

Discover Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris

The award-winning Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris offers both eco lodge living and ecotourism experiences. Set against a natural bush backdrop, the eco lodge has a relaxed lounge area, fully-stocked bar, large outdoor deck and swimming pool. Its eco tours include a billabong cruise, exploring the wetlands to spot both reptiles and birds, and an epic trip to Mt Borradaile.

Exploring the wetlands

Go to Garig Gunak Barlu National Park

Natural Feature, Park, Museum, Ruins

Remnants of the early British settlement
© Ian Cochrane / Flickr

Located at the very top of the Northern Territory, Garig Gunak Barlu National Park is home to historic sites, colourful coastlines and white-sand beaches. On the Cobourg Peninsula, visit Port Essington to see the remains of an early British settlement, which was established in 1838. Then check out the Black Point Cultural Centre and its displays on Aboriginal, European and Macassan history in the region. Keep your eyes peeled on the ocean for saltwater crocodiles, dugongs, turtles and dolphins. A permit is needed to access this national park.

Do some birdwatching

The best time to visit Arnhem Land for birdwatching is from May to December, when you’ll have prime access to floodplains and billabongs following the wet season. In Nhulunbuy, the Gayngaru Wetlands interpretive walk is home to over 200 bird species and two viewing platforms. Native birds here include the blue-faced honeyeater and the northern fantail. Higginson Island is also significant as it supports the bridled and roseate terns. For avid birdwatchers, Bird Week is held annually at the Arnhemland Barramundi Nature Lodge, where specialists offer extended birdwatching tours. Happy spotting!

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