Where we visit:
In the farthest reaches of remote Northern Australia lies East Arnhem Land. This vast and rugged wilderness is where the Yolngu people have lived for millennia. Today you’ll still find clans fishing, sailing and enjoying the homeland of their ancestors. Discover this beautiful stretch of traditional land in the Bawaka Homeland, and learn how to hunt and gather, paint, weave and hear stories of the area and history of the region, all under the guidance of Yolngu leaders. Then depart the mainland for nearby Dhambaliya (Bremer Island) and feel like castaways marooned on this spectacular oasis, devoid of human development and interference. Don’t pass up this unique opportunity to witness the close cultural connection between the land and The First Peoples of Australia, the oldest civilization on Earth.
Day 1 – Gove/Nhulunbuy
Welcome to your East Arnhem Land adventure. After you land at Gove airport, you’ll be met by your Yolngu guide and transferred to your accommodation in the town of Nhulunbuy. Take some time to relax before a Welcome Meeting at 6:30 pm this evening, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and your Yolngu guide will provide an overview of the upcoming days. The rest of the evening is free – maybe get your new friends together for a first group dinner in the hotel or one of the restaurants here in Nhulunbuy.
Travel time: 15 mins
No meals included.
Days 2-3 – Yirrkala to Bawaka Homeland
After breakfast this morning head for the community of Yirrkala for a visit to its world-famous art gallery. The Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre presents artworks created by men and women of the many Aboriginal groups in the area, with paintings, sculptures, wood crafts, and cross-hatching techniques on display. You can also see bark petitions which symbolise the beginning of the Indigenous Lands Rights movement. There is also an opportunity to learn about how this establishment serves as a learning centre for the local children of the surrounding communities, and only if you wish, to purchase unique artwork from the gallery.
Make the short drive to Lovely Beach – no need to guess why it’s called that – and enjoy lunch along the sand. Afterwards, head south to the eastern edge of East Arnhem Land and Bawaka Homeland, which looks out into the Gulf of Carpentaria. You’ll be greeted with a traditional smoking ceremony Welcome to Country and general orientation to the homeland. A family elder will lead a Yolngu cultural class, sharing and telling the story of the homeland.
Over the next two days, enjoy cultural activities with the Bawaka traditional owners. There will also be an opportunity to witness the hunting and gathering methods that have fed the Yolngu for generations, and to try some of the food that has been caught or collected, like mud crabs or bush honey. You might also learn about bush medicine, the Yolngu kinship system and language, and how the Yolngu people lived on their traditional lands. At the end of each day, sit with the traditional owners around the fire and make the most of this unique opportunity to learn about their culture, to hear the songs, music and stories of the land.
Travel time: 1 hr 15 mins
All meals included.
Day 4 – Bawaka Homeland to Nhulunbuy
Make the most of your last morning here in Bawaka with any cultural activities you haven’t had the chance to participate in yet. Then it’s time to say farewell to your Yolngu hosts and make your way back to Nhulunbuy. Check back into your accommodation and enjoy dinner together with the group. Then it’s time to meet up with your guides again and share stories of your stay at Bawaka.
Travel time: 1 hr
All meals included.
Day 5 – Nhulunbuy to Dhambaliya (Bremer Island)
After breakfast this morning head to the nearby jetty to jump in a speedboat for the trip across to Dhambaliya (Bremer Island) (approximately 1 hour). You’ll be staying in an eco-sensitive beach retreat built in partnership with the Yolgnu people at the northern tip of the island. This is glamping right next to world-class beaches in rooms that overlook the sand, with decks from which to watch the sun disappear behind the ocean and a pool overlooking the Arafura Sea. The day is free for a number of activities or simply relaxing. Perhaps set out on one of the many walking trails through the dunes and along untouched beaches, or you may even have the privilege of seeing turtles nesting if the time of year is right. If this is sounding too active to you, then just sit back, relax, and experience the remote solitude and a chance to recharge.
Travel time: 1 hr
All meals included.
Day 6 – Dhambaliya (Bremer Island) to Nhulunbuy/Gove
Enjoy a final breakfast at this calm waterside retreat before catching a boat back to the mainland. Return to Nhulunbuy and on to Gove airport for your farewell to East Arnhem Land and your outbound flight.
Travel time: 1 hr 15 mins
Breakfast included.
This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.
East Arnhem Land remains the same rugged wilderness that the Yolngu people’s ancestors walked, so some remote areas have only basic facilities and limited communication links to the outside world.
The Yolngu people’s culture and history are incredibly important to them, and they want to share it with the outside world. To be part of this is a privilege and requires sensitivity and patience towards guides and staff.
The minimum age for the East Arnhem Land Adventure is 15 years.
Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.
Personal items might include reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellant, insect bite cream/antihistamine, painkillers, toiletries, antibacterial gel/wipes, a small first-aid kit, and personal medication.
Other items should include a camera, water bottle, hat, sunglasses, jacket, thongs, walking shoes, swimmers, beach towel, umbrella, and comfortable clothing.
Our emphasis is on fresh food wherever possible and our meals are nutritious and varied. We cater for vegetarian and gluten intolerance – please advise at time of booking so that arrangements can be made.
During this trip, you'll travel by a combination of private vehicle and speedboat.
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
The physical rating on this trip is 2 out of 5. This means there are some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.
Important Information
Not all Intrepid tours are 'confirmed bookings'. When this is the case, our Backpacker Deals Agents will reach out to confirm with Intrepid and notify you within 48hrs that your booking is confirmed
Cancellation by the traveller If you cancel some or all portions of your booking cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation.
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