East Arnhem

East Arnhem is one of Australia’s last true wilderness destinations where the timeless Yolngu and Anindilyakwa cultures, and a breathtaking natural landscape that ranges from rugged coastlines and remote islands to lush woodlands and wild rivers, makes for the ultimate adventure.

The region is located on the north-east coast of the Northern Territory and is accessible by road and by air, and while the vast 91,000sqkm expanse is private Aboriginal land, visitors are invited to experience the ancient culture and unspoilt wilderness.

Access and Permits

East Arnhem is one of the last wilderness areas on earth, but Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula is a fully serviced town that is 750km from Katherine by road.

Nhulunbuy is an ideal base for exploring the region with a supermarket, fuel and other services, and accommodation including an island eco retreat, hotel, motel, caravan parks and campgrounds. Flights service Gove Airport from Darwin and Cairns daily. The Cairns-Gove flight is 1 hour and 40 minutes and the Darwin-Gove flight is 1 hour and 15 minutes. Gove Airport is about 15km from town, with taxis and hire cars available.

Driving the Central Arnhem Road is one of Australia’s great road trips, with 4WD vehicles and offroad campers/caravans recommended. A transit permit from the Northern Land Council is required and these can be obtained free of charge online at nlc. org.au/permits.

Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation manages a range of recreational areas and campsites across the Gove Peninsula where visitors can experience beachfront and freshwater locations. A permit is required to explore these areas and campsites need to be booked in advance. This can be done online at dhimurru.com.au/permits-information.html