Journey into East Arnhem LandNorthern Territory, Australia

To the outsider, Australia is broken into two categories – major cities and small towns that fringe its technicolour reef coastlines and the outback. And the latter is considered wildly off the beaten track – an arid, desolate landscape; a place the late Steve Irwin wrestled with crocs; where all kinds of creepy critters live, from giant funnel web spiders to fire ants, snakes and dingos. It's all true, of course – after all, Australia has myriad landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else on the planet – and thankfully Intrepid Travel's Journey into East Arnhem Land tour, based in the Northern Territory, will make you look beyond the surface where you'll find ancient history imbued in one of the country's most remote regions.

Australia’s indigenous people are the oldest living culture on Earth and this incredible journey gives you a unique opportunity to experience it. You’ll be welcomed by the Yolngu people, the traditional owners of East Arnhem Land, who have lived here for many millennia. Clan leaders will guide you in learning how to hunt and gather, dance and make bark paintings and you’ll learn about traditional gender roles and responsibilities, kinship and the history of the region.

You’ll also experience the remote Island oasis, Bremer Island. It’s a complete privilege to have access to East Arnhem Land and there really is no other way to fully experience Indigenous Australia and it’s cultural connection with the land.

get there

Get an international or domestic flight to Darwin or Cairns, then a flight from Darwin to Gove (GOV).

amenities

• Camping with basic facilities, as well as wilderness lodge and motel accommodation on Bremer Island

price guide

The seven-day Expedition – Journey into East Arnhem Land tour starts from US$5110, plus flights.

difficulty

It’s very remote, and there’s only one airline that flies from Darwin or Cairns to Gove (Airnorth) so it’s not the easiest place to get to (but it’s worth it). Accommodation is camping with basic facilities, without wi-fi or phone coverage, as this is a truly remote region. The Yolngu people’s culture and history is incredibly important to them, and they want to share it with the outside world. To be part of this is a privilege and requires sensitivity and patience towards guides and staff.

contact

Intrepid Travel
intrepidtravel.com/au

need to know

This tip was provided by Intrepid Travel, but we’re sharing it with you because we think it’s great.