Australia Expedition: Journey into East Arnhem Land
7 days
from Nhulunbuy to Nhulunbuy
From
$ 5175
Duration7 days
Wild, spiritual and remote – welcome to East Arnhem Land. 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. Even today you’ll still find clans fishing, sailing and enjoying the homeland of their ancestors. Discover this beautiful stretch of traditional land, learning how to hunt and gather, dance and make bark paintings under the guidance of clan leaders. Then depart the mainland for nearby 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.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 7 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: NhulunbuyPhysical Grading: Light
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Ends in: NhulunbuyAges: 8+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival into Gove, East Arnhem Land
Start place: Nhulunbuy
Catch an early flight from Darwin to Gove and head directly to Nyinyikay homelands by air. Arrive at Nyinyikay and be greeted with a traditional Welcome to Country and a welcoming dance. This important tradition ties into one of the areas Dingo song lines, which you will learn about during your time here. After being officially welcomed, unpack your bags and settle into your tents. The tents are quad share and hold single beds with inner spring mattresses. After lunch, spend the remainder of the day learning about Yolngu culture.
Meals: D
Day 2-3: Nyinyikay Homelands
Enjoy two days of cultural activities with the Nyinyikay traditional owners. These activities could include making spears and Yidaki (Didgeridoos) for men, or collecting materials and dyes for basket making. 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. If you’re more interested in the traditional arts, the homeland also teaches some traditional dances as well as bark painting. 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4-5: Nyinyikay Homelands to Bremer Island
Say farewell to your Nyinyikay hosts and get ready for the flight to Bremer Island. From Bremer Island air strip it’s a short drive to the BanuBanu Wilderness Retreat, where you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. You’ll be spending the next two nights here and there are plenty of activities to try during your stay. Perhaps set out on one of the many walking trails through the dunes, practice some bird watching or beach combing. The hand built sunset viewing platform is ideal to watch the sun disappear behind the ocean. You may even have the privilege of watching baby turtles hatch in August and September. They choose Bremer Island as their chosen place to nest and lay their eggs only metres away from the Driftwood shack. If you're perhaps feeling like a bit more adventure, head out on the boat for a days fishing or exploring East Bremer Island, a pure white sand Island a short boat ride away from BanuBanu.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Bremer Island and Yirrkala community
Enjoy one final breakfast at this calm waterside retreat before catching a boat back to mainland Australia. Join your trip leader for a tour of the Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala townships, including a visit to Yirrkala’s world famous art gallery. The Buku Art Centre presents art works created by men and women of the many Aboriginal clans in the area, with paintings, sculptures, wood crafts, and cross hatching techniques on display. There is also an opportunity to purchase unique artwork from the gallery and learn about how this establishment serves as a learning centre for the local children of the surrounding communities. Enjoy a final meal with your group at the Walkabout Hotel in Nhulunbuy and reflect on your experiences over the past few days.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Nhulunbuy to Gove Airport
Wake this morning and enjoy a final breakfast with your fellow travellers, before being dropped at the airport for your outbound flight.
End place: Nhulunbuy
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
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Transport
All Terrain vehicle, Boat, Plane -
Accommodation
Beach cabin (2 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Lodge (1 night)