East Arnhem Land

Exotic island retreats, historic sites, chartered fishing trips, cultural experiences, or just relax by the pool.

Find yourself in paradise – East Arnhem Land is beautiful and diverse with remote and rugged coastlines and white sandy beaches. This vast area of nearly 100,000km² of land is one of Australia’s last strongholds of traditional Aboriginal culture.

There are many activities and things to see and do locally, so make sure you spend the time to experience them all.

Take a morning stroll along the beach looking out to the sparkling Arafura Sea, learn from the locals and join a Yolngu cultural tour, visit some of the art and craft centres, take part in an interpretative walking trail and cast a line out fishing – your catch of the day can be prepared at one of the local restaurants for your evening meal, you can’t get much fresher than that.

Things to see & do in East Arnhem Land

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How do I get to East Arnhem Land?

Due to the beauty and scale of Arnhem Land, driving is an excellent option as you’ll see the landscape change all around you. Flying into Gove Airport is possible all year round from Cairns or Darwin.

Can East Arnhem Land be done as a day trip?

No, East Arnhem Land can’t be explored in one day. Take your time, you won’t regret it.

How do I get around East Arnhem Land?

Unless you’ve organised a guided tour, you’ll need your own car. Much of East Arnhem is 4WD accessible only, so be sure to check with local tourist information once you’ve planned your itinerary.

Do I need any passes or permits to visit East Arnhem Land?

Most visitors to East Arnhem Land are required to obtain a permit. What permit(s) you require depends on your travel plans.

How far is East Arnhem Land from the nearest main town?

From Katherine, the Gove Peninsula is approximately 8–10 hours’ by car (730km), while Darwin to Gove is approximately 11–13 hours’ drive (1,043km).

What are the major attractions in East Arnhem Land?

Just south of Nhulunbuy is the Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, where you can learn about the region’s Aboriginal culture, before heading to East Woody Island (Dhamitjinya) and East Woody Beach (Galaru) to catch the sunset. Head to Bawaka to learn about culture and history of the Yolŋu, the traditional custodians of North-east Arnhem Land, or travel north to the secluded Bremer Island.

What should I bring with me to East Arnhem Land?

Bring walking shoes, drinking water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first aid kit and food. If you’re driving yourself, you’ll need extra fuel and tyres for the journey. A communication device like a satellite phone is recommended. Don’t forget your fishing gear – East Arnhem Land has some of the best fishing spots in Australia.

When is the best time to visit East Arnhem Land?

The Top End has two seasons, the dry and the wet, and both offer something unique. The best time to visit depends on your interests. You’ll be able to access the region more easily during the dry season, from May to October – this is the most popular time to visit, though if you’re a fishing enthusiast, you should consider the wet season (November – April) as it’s the best time of year for fishing.