Willem replied:

Pretty much a No Go area for white fellas unless of course you are priviledged.

Only people who may be able to tell you about those areas are government workers who have to service that area. It is hard enough getting a permit to go to Nhulunbuy as it is.

Tripp'n Around replied:

Hi Marilyn

Try here........we are looking at going that way June/July next year.
http://www.nlc.org.au/html/visit_tourist_areas.html
Hope this helps?

Cya
Tripp'n
:)

Steve replied:

Been on trip Katherine to (Gove) Nhulunbuy ? ...need to get a permit from Land Council in Katherine its a generally good drive although there are about 20 creek crossings..nothing to worry about in the dry...no camping allowed on the route except for a couple of patches...and no camping whatsoever in Gove..or vicinity ..you may get camping permit for a couple of places around the area ...get them in Gove ..but dont hold your breathe waiting ...was up that way about 3 years ago..it may all have changed but would not be rushing back in a hurry ...overnight at the hotel in Gove cost an arm and a leg and was as close to camping as one can get...an ffff...ar out expensive...anywhere in Arnhem Land requires a serious thought as time and passes are necessary and difficult (IMHO) to obtain...and without them you do not go !! Cannot comment on all the places you mention ...haven't been to them all ..
steve

The Rambler replied:

From Roper Bar to Nhulunbuy via Numbulwar should be no problems providing you leave enough time to obtain the necessary permits from the Northern land council,and you would be very unlucky to be asked for permits anyway.When Iwas in Nhulunbuy I found that the more important permit was the one obtained there on site for that area as the local rangers seem to have more time on their hands to do checks.Idid manage to do some bush camping out on the beach at Cape Arnhem but you will be on your own so go prepaired.As far as going from Nhulunbuy to the Border store across the top goes Ithink you would take forever trying to get the necessary permits as there are many different tribes in that area all with their own rules.
Good luck

Peter 2 replied:

When we went to Gove/Nhulunbuy in the late 90's you had to know someone there to get a permit to travel from Mataranka to Gove, as has been said you can only camp at a couple of spots enroute, pretty good road most of the way but don't be in a hurry especially towards the gove end as it is surfaced with bauxite (little round balls) and is very slippery.
Once in Gove we had to visit local community office and get a 3 month camping permit which allowed us to camp pretty much anywhere. We also towed a Cub supamatic camper. Caravans are not allowed. There is also a weight limit on the road for several hundred k's to stop trucks and larger vehicles coming in by land. can't remember what it was but around 3-4t from memory.