Gove - Nhulunbuy

Nhulunbuy is a very interesting area if you are prepared to get out of the mining lease. Was up there a few weeks ago and its worth the drive. Definately need a day to get out there from Katherine and I would spend a few days there and then a day back. Dhimurru is the first IPA in the NT and have set up a
very good camping/tracks network around the general area with some good interpretational material to fill you in on what that country means to Yolngu.

Hi Algee
We were hoping to include this in our trip next year too but may not do it at this stage.
Here is some info you maybe interested in.
Northern Land Council 9 Rowling St Casuarina NT 0810
or
PO Box 42921 Casuarina NT 0810
Tel:- 08 8920 5100 Fax 08 8945 2633

It is best to contact them by phone wherever possible.
It is advised not to email them due to if they have "mourining" sessions (which can last for sometime) and emails may get missed.

We were told that it is a 2 day trip in and out with a stop over just before entry into Aborigianl land. (I am happy to be corrected on this as we have never been there and are only going on info we have been told so far by N.T. Tourist operators at a recent show.)
You also must prove that you have "booked" accommodation as part of the entry conditions.

Hope this helps you?

Cya
Tripp'n
:)

AH - good old Nhulunbuy...

I lived in Nhulunbuy for around 10 years from 1980 to 1990 and drove in for a holiday in 1999. Really is a great place with lots of nice camping areas. The pick would be Cape Arnhem with its very white sand beaches and great snorkelling and crayfishing just of the beach. Other great places to camp are the Goyder River, Giddy and Latram Rivers. Also great fishing at the Bauxite Shelf, Drimmie Head Cape Wirawawoi and East Woddy Island. There a lot of realy nice beaches there. My mother still lives there (used to own the local paper) so she knows a lot of great spots as well.

Check with the land councils though as camping is restricted in a lot of areas. I was lucky enough to know one of the ladies in the council (went to school with her son) so obtaining permits was easy.

Regards
David

I'd allow a day and a half each way from Katherine/Mataranka, take your time and enjoy the scenery. The road is topped with bauxite (little round balls, as much grip as ice) towards the Gove end and very slippery, not condusive to fast travel. We camped overnight both ways in and out and spent ten days up there nearly ten years ago now. Very beautiful part of the world, can reccommend the yacht club as a great place to while away a warm afternoon as a change from camping. Lots of bities (sand and march type flies, mossies especially if you camp out of the breeze).

Look at the website regularly, but have never signed on. Bit dissapointed that not to many ford Couriers have been given an airing on the site. Anyway back to the point. Algee, if you are still interested. I am currently living in Gove (Nhulunbuy) as you have already been told great place, relaxed, sunny, good fishing, great camping areas. We have driven out a number of times. You have two options, either way you need to check with Northern Lands council in Katherine or you can phone a head to NLC here in Gove. Check the road is open and you need to obtain a permit (no Cost). The central Arnhem road is the main drag from Katherine to here 10 hrs one way. Mainoru outstation store is near Bulman this is around 3 hrs from Katherine. Petrol available and a basic camping ground. Good spot to stop and break the trip up. As stated you do need to provide an address here to obtain a permit. There is one motel and one pub with accomodation, no camping in the town lease. If you need to camp you will need to purchase a permit from Dhimurru land management here in Gove about $25.00 for two weeks. The other option is to come in on the Top Road from Kakadu through Ounpelli, raminginning etc and on to Gove. This is a harder permit to obtain. Unless you like aboriginal art. Plenty of art galleries along the way. Both roads are pretty good at the moment but caution is needed. Two river crossing which are not to bad at this time of the year. There you are a quick rundown of what the trip is like. Personally I don't mind the trip. Although after about 6 hrs it tends to get a bit tedious. If you make it up have a great trip.

Go the Ford