Arnhem Land First-Time Visitor Guide
Where is Arnhem Land?
Arnhem Land is located in the northeastern corner of the Northern Territory in Australia, situated about 500km from Darwin. Made up of coastline, savannah, rainforest, and escarpment, Arnhem Land is home to some of the largest Aboriginal communities in Australia, dramatic landscapes and native wildlife. The name Arnhem Land is actually the historical name for the area, but it is widely used to describe the 970,000 km2 that stretches across the NT today.
What is Arnhem Land known for?
Arnhem Land is known for its Aboriginal culture and communities, rock and bark art, song and stories, as well as its beautiful, isolated landscape of rivers, outback, valleys, rainforest and coastline.
Can I visit Arnhem Land?
Yes, you can visit Arnhem Land, however as the area is officially recognised as Aboriginal-owned, you do need permits to visit, camp and travel through the lands and waters. Entering Arnhem Land without a permit can incur a fine up to $11,000, so it is critical to attain one before your trip.
How to get a permit to visit or camp in Arnhem Land
You can apply for a permit through the Northern Land Council’s website. Please allow up to 10 days for the outcome of your permit/s, as the relevant Traditional Owners are contacted to approve, deny or ask for more information about your visit.
You will be required to provide details about your travel dates, planned routes, accommodation, destinations and activities. As such, it is incredibly important to plan your time in Arnhem Land in advance. And, if you’re visiting for the first time or are without transport of your own, it is pretty necessary to head out on a pre-booked tour with one of the few local operators in the area.
If you’re visiting for tourism including camping, fishing and visiting art centres, you will need a Recreation Permit. Travellers will also require a Transit Permit to travel through Arnhem Land to their selected destinations. There are also Work Permits, Visitor Permits and more types of permits, depending on your intentions. Please check the Northern Land Council website for all of the relevant and up-to-date information on Arnhem Land permits.
Why do I need a permit to visit Arnhem Land?
Visitors need a permit to visit the Top End to be approved by the Traditional Owners of the area you’re visiting. This is to ensure the privacy of communities, preserve and respect the local Aboriginal culture and protect the area's environment and sacred sites. The permit system also allows visitors and tourists to safely and respectfully visit the lands and waters of Arnhem Land, with a check on who is where in this vast, unique area.
By gaining a permit, you are obliged to follow the terms of your permit, such as: only entering areas, lands, waters and roads allowed on your written permit; carrying your permit at all times; abiding by direction from Traditional Owners of the area; abiding by the Liquor Act when applicable to your area; respecting and not removing or interfering with any parts of the natural environment; not entering restricted or sacred sites, and more.
For your own safety and the wellbeing of the communities and land in which you visit, it is vital that you respect and enjoy the beauty of Arnhem Land according to the obligations of your permit.
Who are the Traditional Owners of Arnhem Land?
There are distinct groups of Traditional Owners in the Top End, including the Yolngu Peoples in the north-eastern part, and the Bininj in the north-western part of Arnhem. With deep conection to Country and their ancestors' way of life, many communities conserve their culture in everyday ways of life, undertaking ancient practices like hunting, harvesting, and gathering along with song, dance, storytelling and art. We acknowledge and pay our respects to all First Nations communities and peoples of Arnhem Land, who have been here since time immemorial.
