Arnhem Land

Introducing Arnhem Land

The entire eastern half of the Top End is the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Reserve, a vast ochre-coloured frontier (about the size of Portugal) with a population just over 17, 000, who are mostly Yolngu people. Most people live on outstations, combining traditional practices with modern Western ones, so they might go out for a hunt and be back in time to watch the 6pm news. Outside commercial interests and visits are highly regulated through a permit system, designed to protect the environment, the rock art and ceremonial grounds. Balanda (white people) are unaware of the locations of burial grounds and ceremonial lands. Basically, you need a specific purpose for entering, usually to visit an arts centre, in order to be granted a permit. If you’re travelling far enough to warrant an overnight stay, you’ll need to organise accommodation (which is in short supply). It’s easy to visit Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) and its arts centre, just over the border, either on a tour or independently. Elsewhere, it’s best to travel with a tour, which will include the necessary permit (s) to enter Aboriginal lands.