Exploring Arnhem Land

Hi Stephen

When I was first looking around, according to https://permits.dhimurru.com.au/dacp/GeneralPermit.aspx?text=new&permit=30133 i can get a 2 months general permit and that seems to cover the area.

As much as I want to I dont think we can spare weeks :( so will have to work with the time frame we have.


http://www.dhimurru.com.au/permit-information.html

Hi Again Rangana

The Permits from the Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation only cover the Nhulunbuy area as you would be aware and the only access road in ( 800 plus kilometres ) on the Arnhem Highway is via permit from the Northern Land Council. The Dhimurru permits range in time from one day, through to 12 months, to cover all those that visit the area.

What you will not find anywhere, which is a real pitty, is that a number of Aboriginal Communities along the way have opened up there Home Lands to Tourists and welcome everyone. One community that I managed to get hold of said that if no one was in the community, then go to their camping area some distance away and you set up camp right on the beach, and come back before you leave and pay your fees.

From all accounts there is a lot to see in that region and the more time you have, the better.



Cheers




Stephen

If you go to east arnhem land you will not be able to go west via Ramminginning and Maningrida. You will have to backtrack down the Central Arnhem Hwy. , go to Katherine and head to Kakadu.. Pretty sure permits still neede to cross Cahills Crossing to enter Arnhem Land here. Normally an 8-9HR drive from Sturt Hwy to Nhulunbuy. If you have to stop overnight, due to car trouble, you are only allowed to to camp on the main road. Permit does not allow you to visit communities UNLESS EXPRESSLY WRITTEN ON PERMIT. No veering off the main road in. Unless you have a permit to visit a community you would be asking for trouble to just head out there. I spent 15 years working in the area and visiting every community often. The internal politics is mind numbing. Unless its written in black and white on a piece of paper..its worthless!! TROUBLE IS DIFFERENT ELDERS AND LAND OWNERS WILL GIVE CONFLICTING INFORMATION AND MUCH OF IT IS WRONG!! Get your permit to drive to Nhulunbuy from the Northern Land Council and once in Nhulunbuy Dhimmaru should be able to assist you with contacting the correct people for permits to visit different communities. The Dhimmaru permit only allows camping in several areas and does not allow community visits. The NLC in Nhulunbuy can also help get permits to visit communities that allow paid camping. Baniyala is one area that has a campsite . As I said I worked in West and East Arnhem Land with an open permit to go where ever. It really is a controlled environment. Dont forget that no alcohol can be taken into an Aboriginal area. When travelling from the Hwy to Nhulunbuy you can take alcohol..HOWEVER NO CAN, CASK OR BOTTLE IS ALLOWED TO BE OPENED...4 Days with 2 days driving makes it a waste of time..especially if the road is corrugated(which it often is). Vehicle breakdown would be hellishly expensive for recovery and repairs. What takes a week down South takes 3 weeks to a month in these areas. I,d do the Kakadu area and relax a bit more. 7-10 days minimum to see Nhulunbuy..

We have seen a party drive across, turn around and return. All video captured by a member of their crew at the observation point. Seriously doubt they had a permit.

But yes, to be on the eastern side you are required to have a permit.

I'm a lot of things.. but cashed up is def not one of those. lol