Arnhem Land Camping

Chris, That's true to a certain extent, but you can get permits through the Northern Land Council depending on where you want to go. We went to the Cobourg NP a couple of years ago. The camping was good with minimal facilities, and plenty to see. The permits only allow travel through Arnhem Land to and from Cobourg, without detouring. You are not allowed anywhere near any of the communities. We didn't get to see any aboriginal culture and the only aborigines we saw were the rangers, who were very friendly and helpful. The area is truly remote, and you have to be self sufficient, but a great experience just the same. The only services available were limited fuel and a kiosk selling icecreams etc. Diesel was $1.98, two years ago. Do your research and figure out where you want to go, then apply for your permits well in advance, as there are severe limits about how many white fellas they let in there at a time. Like Ayers Rock, they can close the area at any time for cultural reasons.
Cheers Ferris

Went up to Smiths Point last year and only got permission because we booked at the cabins ..but there is a couple of camp spots up there and there were very few people...in fact we booked the cabins and the key was in the door ...we left after our stay...and saw nobody ..except a couple of other people in the other cabins...there are four of them from memory...all access was arranged by the Land Council at Jabiru...and booked through the Travel Agents in the town..where they give out permits for very limited travel..thats why we paid for the accommodation in the cabin..we got to go where normally one can't ....or so it seemed at the time...And as said..any Indigenous reason will close the place off at a whim..deaths, ceremonies etc....Some years ago we went to Nhulamboy...same drama..and could only stay in the 'hotel' all fenced of like afortress...and police station where you leave your guns and ammo.. outside...definitely a touch of the Wild West !!! Strictly No Camping anywhere up there either..