'''Arnhem Land''' covers 91,000 square kilometres in the Northern Territory of Australia. thumb|right|Map of Arnhem Land
Understand
Arnhem Land is located in the middle of Australia's northern coast and bounded by Kakadu National Park, the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria. The main town is called '''Nhulunbuy''' with a population of over 4,000 people. The area belongs to the Yognu Aboriginal people who have lived on and taken care of the land for more than 40,000 years. Nhulunbuy is surrounded by beautiful beaches and is a popular adventure fishing spot.
History
Arnhem Land is home to oldest living culture in the world. There are hundreds of different languages, customs and laws, each woven together to tell a story that is more than 50,000 years old. Sharing and learning about aboriginal art and culture is central to the Arnhem Land experience.
Landscape
This Aboriginal-owned expanse is made up of wild coastlines, deserted islands, rivers teeming with fish, lush rainforests, soaring escarpments and savannah woodland. This land is one of the last great unspoiled areas of the world. Its small population is predominantly indigenous, whose traditional Aboriginal culture remains largely intact. The didjeridu originated in Arnhem Land, and the area is also world-renowned for its distinctive Aboriginal art.
Flora and fauna
Arnhem Land is one of the best fishing destinations in the world, mainly owing to its seldom-fished waters. The World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land, the Mary River and the Gove Peninsula are home to around 280, or one-third, of Australia's entire collection of bird species, making the region a mecca for bird watchers.
Climate
Six seasons of Kakadu and Arnhem Land
Throughout the year, Kakadu and Arnhem Land's landscapes undergo spectacular changes. Bininj/Mungguy recognise six different seasons, as well as subtle variations that signpost the transition from one season to another. This knowledge of nature is fundamental to the culture of Kakadu and its people. Bininj/Mungguy have lived with the changing landscape for tens of thousands of years, adapting and using the land for food, shelter and general well?being.
Yegge: Cool weather time, May to June. The wetlands are carpeted with water lilies. Drying winds and flowering Darwin woolly butt tell Bininj/Mungguy to patchwork burn the woodlands to encourage new growth.
Wurrgeng: Early dry season, June to August Most creeks stop flowing and the floodplains quickly dry out. Magpie geese, fat and heavy after weeks of abundant food crowd the shrinking billabongs.
Gurrung: Hot dry season, August to October Hunting time for file snakes and long-necked turtles. White-breasted wood swallows arrive as thunderclouds build, signalling the return of Gunumeleng.
Gunumeleng: Pre-monsoon, October to December Streams begin to run, water birds spread out as surface water and new growth becomes widespread. Barramundi move from the waterholes downstream to the estuaries to breed.
Gudjewg: Monsoon, December to March. The heat and humidity generate an explosion of plant and animal life. Spear grass grows to over two metres tall and creates a silvery-green hue throughout the woodlands.
Banggerreng: Harvest time, April. Clear skies prevail, the vast expanses of floodwater recede and streams start to run clear. Most plants are fruiting and animals are caring for their young.
The most popular time to visit Arnhem Land is in the dry season (April to September) The wet season sees extremely dramatic weather conditions. Unless you are an experienced adventure traveller booking a tour to visit the area at this time is highly recommended.
Get in
Access from Darwin to Jabiru is via the Arnhem Highway. This is a reasonable quality sealed road that is usually open all year road. Access from the south to Jabiru is via the Kakadu Highway, again usually open all year round. Check road conditions before setting off. It is around 3-4 hours drive from Darwin to Jabiru.
You can hire 2wd and 4wd cars in Darwin, with daily distance limits. Campervan rentals often don't have distance limits. A variety Coach and small group tours are also available from Darwin.
Some parts of the park are not accessible during the wet season, or are not accessible by 2wd vehicles during the wet season. Check road conditions and closures in advance.
Helicopter tours and light aircraft flights are also available.
Fees/Permits
Anyone wanting to venture into Arnhem Land needs to apply for a permit through the Northern Land Council (+61 1800 645 299) and discuss the best spots to camp with the regional permit officer. Call or check website for up to date details on pricing etc [http://www.nlc.org.au] www.nlc.org.au
Get around
Many travellers fly in or visit Arnhem Land on a four-wheel drive tour, but to really test your driving skills, obtain a permit and experience the networks of four-wheel drive tracks yourself (April to September only). Scenic flights are another way to really take in the vast scenery.
Organised tours are really the best way to experience Arnhem Land. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the area and answer any questions you may have.
See
There are a number of indigenous art galleries in and around Arnhem Land. The art centres can arrange visitor permits and advise when is the best time of day to watch local artists and craftspeople create their work.
Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre. irrikala, Gove Peninsula, Nhulunbuy. 61 (8) 8987 1701. ttp://www.yirrkala.com/. ntry fees apply. The Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre, located in Yirrkala near Nhulunbuy, houses a collection of Yolngu, Aboriginal, bark paintings, carvings and artefacts. The museum includes the original church panels that are of great historical and cultural significance. There is also an extensive history of Yolngu service in World War II, and a collection of stories and petitions relating to the Yirrikala area. The centre also has a retail outlet.
Dhamitjinya (East Woody Island) and Galaru (East Woody Beach). hamitjinya, Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory . 61 (8) 8987 3992. ttp://www.dhimurru.com.au/. ntry fees apply. Dhamitjinya (East Woody Island) and Galaru (East Woody Beach) are located just three kilometres from Nhulunbuy. These pristine beaches are spectacular in both their length and the clarity of their azure waters - a great spot to enjoy a tropical sunset.
<see name='''Twin Falls''' is set in the Arnhem Land escarpment. Access to the falls is via the Twin Falls Gorge Boat Shuttle Service that will ferry you to the base of the falls. Note that the walk to the boat shuttle, although easy, is very exposed and hot. Post-boat shuttle, the walk continues and in some parts may present a challenge to those with a fear of heights. Carry sufficient drinking water.
As access can be affected due to high tides, please check with Dhimurru Land Management Land Corporation for details. Travellers must also obtain a recreation permit from Dhimurru prior to visiting the area.</see>
Do
You can learn about and view the many world-famous rock art galleries on a guided tour or through the comprehensive interpretative signage at many art sites.
Tours led by aboriginal guides explore the spectacular bush environment, searching for traditional foods and medicines while others cruise rivers and billabongs or tell you the story of the didgeridoo.
Nomad Tours and Charters. 0 Beagle Circuit, Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory. 61 (8) 8987 8085. ttp://www.nomadcharters.com.au/. They operate around remote north east Arnhem Land, from their base in the town of Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula. They offer luxury four-wheel drive small group tours and personalised private charters throughout the Gove Peninsula area with fishing day trips around Nhulunbuy or extended camping safaris to their Banubanu Wilderness Retreat on Bremer Island. Fish or just chill out and enjoy the remote solitude.
Conservation Volunteers Australia. hop 4, 41 Cavenagh Street, Darwin. 61 (8) 8981 3206. ttp://www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/. UD $640.00 to $640.00. Conservation Volunteers Australia is a non-profit / non-government organisation and is Australia_fs leading practical conservation organisation. They welcome more that 10,000 volunteers per year and have 24 offices across Australia.
Yothu Yindi Foundation. evel 3, 43 Cavenagh Street, Darwin. 61 (8) 8941 2900. ttp://www.healingplace.com.au/. UD $1540.00 to $1540.00. The Yothu Yindi Foundation is a not for profit charitable Indigenous organisation with three primary aims. Sharing knowledge and culture, thereby fostering greater understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The maintenance, nurturing and celebration of cultural traditions and practices. Creating economic opportunities for Yolngu through education, training, employment and enterprise, community and personal development.
Buy
The art sites and galleries sell original aboriginal arts and crafts.
'''Collect Aboriginal Art''' [http://artconnections.com.au]offer small, tailor made flying tours to remote Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land, Central Australian and beyond, to view and purchase authentic Aboriginal art. Focusing on their belief, _ethe first rule when collecting Aboriginal art is to spend time where it_fs created_f, these fully escorted tours will provide you with a rich cultural experience.
The Arnhem Land Art Tour runs for three and a half days and visit remote art centres. This tour costs from AUD $8600.00 to $9220.00. Private Charters are also available.
Eat
Exploring the area through a tour is most recommended. The tours will provide you with all your food needs. Bush tucker tours show visitors how the indigenous people live from the land. Basic food is available at the sporadic rest stops and museums throughout the park.
Drink
Make sure you drink plenty of water when trekking through Arnhem Land, at least one litre of water for every hour of walking.
Sleep
Lodging
Gove Peninsula Motel. Matthew Flinders Way, Nhulunbuy. 61 (8) 8987 0700. ttp://www.govemotel.com/. UD $154.00 to $176.00. Whether your itinerary is business or pleasure, stay in their immaculately presented rooms that offer a base for all activities. The spacious airconditioned units are serviced daily and are inclusive of all modern conveniences and the kitchenette permits self catering.
Dugong Beach Resort. Bougainvillea Drive, Alyangula, Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory. 61 (8) 8987 7077. ttp://www.dugongbeachresort.com.au/. UD $350.00 to $850.00. Offers a range of accommodation, a large reception and restaurant area, a cultural building and a fishing village hosting its own recreational area. There are timber decking walkways, beautiful tropical landscaping and all areas are inter-connected by boardwalks to preserve the natural surroundings.
Arnhemland Barramundi Nature Lodge. rnhem Land, Maningrida. 61 (8) 8983 1544. ttp://www.barralodge.com.au/. UD $3975.00 to $5435.00. The remote and exclusive Arnhemland Barramundi Nature Lodge is situated on an escarpment fringe overlooking scenic river valleys on the coast of a reserve near the Aboriginal community of Maningrida, approximately 500 kilometres north east of Darwin. The safari cabins are comfortable and spacious, offering a taste of luxury in this remote part of the Northern Territory.
Camping
You can then sleep under the stars at one of Arnhem Land_fs many secluded camp spots. Discuss the best places to camp with the regional permit officer.
Stay safe
'''Crocodiles''' Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles are dangerous. They have attacked and killed people. They inhabit most areas of water in Kakadu National Park including floodplains, freshwater billabongs, creeks, rivers and coastal areas. In most locations, '''crocodile warning signs''' tell you not to enter the water and to keep away from the water_fs edge. Obey signs warning of crocodiles. If you do not see a warning sign, assume that crocodiles are present. '''Do not enter the water unless you are sure it is safe to do so.'''
'''Swimming''' Due to the risk of estuarine crocodiles in the park, the only public place we recommend you swim is in the Jabiru swimming pool. Some visitors choose to swim at their own risk, in selected natural plunge pools and gorge areas such as Gubara, Maguk, Jim Jim Falls, Gunlom, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) and in creeks on the plateau above Twin Falls, Jim Jim Falls and Gunlom. These areas are surveyed for estuarine crocodiles prior to opening each dry season. There remains some risk that estuarine crocodiles may move into gorges and plunge pools during the dry season. Read the crocodile warning signs in each plunge pool and gorge area and consider their information carefully.
Some of the most poisonous snakes in the world inhabit Kakadu, but luckily for visitors they are all very shy and are very rarely seen, let alone confronted. These species include the '''Taipan''', '''Death Adder''', and '''King Brown'''. They are seldom active during the day, hunting at night. '''DO NOT''' hike off any trails after dark.
'''Feral''' animals have become relatively common in Kakadu, some of which may pose a threat if harassed. '''Asian Water Buffalo''' and '''Wild Horses''' can cause serious injury or death if they charge.
'''Cliffs''' Climbing rock ledges and cliffs and walking or standing near cliff edges can lead to serious injury or death, especially when rock surfaces are wet. Keep well away from all cliff edges.
'''What to Wear''' During the heat of the day, you will be most comfortable in loose covering clothing which is cool but protects you from sunburn and insect bites. Use sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Mosquitoes can carry viruses such as the Ross River virus, so if they are biting, use a repellent.
'''Dehydration''' Early symptoms include feeling thirsty, excess sweating, headache, dizziness and nausea. If dehydration continues, it can result in seizures, a loss of consciousness and even death.
'''Preventing dehydration''' Limit your activity to the cooler parts of the day (mornings and late afternoons) and drink plenty of water. Most people need between 4 to 8 litres of water per day so start drinking water early (coffee, tea and alcohol don_ft count!). For every hour you walk, carry at least one litre of water per person.
'''First aid''' Lie the person down in a cool shaded area. Give them water in small quantities at a time (creek water is alright if you have no other water). If the person cannot keep the water down, or does not recover quickly, seek medical assistance. Contact the medical centre at Jabiru on 8979 2018.
'''Emergency Call Devices''' [ECD] are available in remote locations throughout the park. Instructions on use are written on the ECD. These are for emergency calls only. See maps for locations.
'''Flash Flooding''' Please be aware of possible sudden rises in the levels of waterways, which can quickly cut off the return route from the top of waterfalls such as Gunlom and Jim Jim. Fast flowing water can be deceptive, creating strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions.
'''Driving Hints''' Top End roads can be hazardous. Plan ahead and allow sufficient time for travel. Slow down! Roads can become slippery in the wet. During the dry, dust from other vehicles can obscure your vision. When using 4WD tracks, put your vehicle into 4WD. Read your vehicle instructions: many vehicles need their front wheel hubs physically locked, before engaging 4WD from the driver_fs seat. At flooded crossings read the signs, look at depth markers and observe how quickly the water is flowing, before deciding whether to cross. Sometimes it is safer to wait until the water recedes. Remember crocodiles may be present. In the event of fires, make sure you park your vehicle in cleared areas rather than in flammable long grass. Use vehicle headlights if driving through heavy smoke, and drive slowly. If stopping, park well off the road and use hazard lights. Do not park on bridges or causeways at any time. Always check road access.
'''Make sure you have all the correct permits.'''
Get out
Kakadu National Park
Darwin
Katherine
'''Mary River National Park'''
'''Gove'''