Perched at the top corner of the Northern Territory, Arnhem Land is an untouched wilderness encompassing 95,000 square kilometres of wetlands, rivers, gorges and woodland.
The area extends from the Gulf of Carpentaria’s Port Roper, all the way around the coast to the East Alligator River.
Anthem Land’s population of 4,000 concentrates around the township of Nhulunbuy. Its original settlers are the Yolngu people, and it’s also the location where the famous didgeridoo was created! Now, you can also enjoy safari and bush walking tours, fishing adventures and sandy coastal beaches.
Attractions
Take a visit to Gunbalanya − the Injalak Art and Craft Centre is where you’ll see talented local artists at work. Also consider joining a tour by indigenous guides to Injalak Hill, where mysterious ancient rock art awaits.
Four-wheel driving from Nhulunbuy is another popular activity. Areas you can head to include the Dhimurru Recreational Area and Garig Gunak Barlu National Park.
Or get on a boat to Port Essington, where the ruins of Victoria Settlement − a failed British settlement on Cobourg Peninsula− are located.
Along the coastal area of Galaru, the beautiful East Woody Beach is the best place to enjoy the sunset.
Stay
For fishing enthusiasts, the Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge in Maningrida is where you’ll want to be. The lodge’s fishing licenses will give you access to Arnhem’s Lands most pristine waterways.
Situated on the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Groote Eylandt Lodge is a luxurious hideaway which also offers sport fishing, along with a verdant nine-hole golf course and cultural tours by the native Warnindhilyagwa people.
For those with a tighter budget, the Gove Peninsula Motel has spacious rooms, portable barbeques and a saltwater pool.
And in Nhulunbuy, Walkabout Lodge & Tavern offers convenience, comfort and excellent grub.
Dine
Arnhem Land’s Nhulunbuy and Gove area has plenty of great restaurants, cafes and pubs.
Situated in the heart of town, Kamayan Café’s variety of Southeast Asian cuisine is sure to tantalise your tastebuds. Also at Nhulunbuy’s centre is The Walkabout Tavern, which houses two bars, a shaded Beer Garden and a Thirsty Camel bottleshop.
For yummy bakes and great coffee, make a beeline for Peninsula Bakery and Café. We recommend the beef, bacon and cheese pies. Over at Gove Peninsula’s Gove Boat Club, The Waterfront Kitchen includes an array of international and local dishes with generous portions.