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Intrepid Travel is launching tours to Arnhem Land.
IT’S described as Australia’s last frontier — so remote, that many Aussies haven’t even heard of it.
But that’s all about to change, with new tours and an all-star cast movie tipped to turn the region into the next big destination on everyone’s lips.
There’s no Wi-Fi coverage, no fancy hotels or glamping options, and no big-city conveniences — but that’s all part of the appeal.
Arnhem Land, in the Northern Territory, is bordered by Kakadu National Park, the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
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Pristine beaches are just one of Arnhem Land’s attractions.Source:Supplied
With striking landscapes including rugged coastlines, remote islands, lush rainforests and towering escarpments, perhaps the most surprising thing about its emergence as a tourism drawcard is that it’s remained under the radar for so long.
A survey by Tourism NT in 2014 found it was so little-known among Australians that one in 10 believed Arnhem Land to be a mythical destination from a children’s book.
Life in Arnhem Land moves at a different pace.Source:Supplied
Known for its art — sought after by collectors around the world — and for fishing that’s said to be among the world’s best, Arnhem Land has been home to the Yolngu people for 60,000 years.
The region is set to provide the backdrop for a new Australian movie High Ground, starring Guy Pearce, David Gulpilil and Jack Thompson.
Visitors get the chance to camp under the stars with the locals in Arnhem Land.Source:Supplied
Tour company Intrepid Travel is about to launch its first tours in the region.
A seven-day tour will let travellers visit the remote coastal communities of Nyinyikay, Bremer Island and Nhulunbuy (also known as Gove) and spend time camping traditional owners.
“Nyinyikay is a very unique area, there’s not many places around in Arnhem Land that is like this, with big cliffs, with a view of water right at your doorstep,” says Marcus Lacey, a young leader of Yolngu Customary and Ngarra Law who lives with his family on the homeland community of Nyinyikay.
Arnhem Land is beginning to open up to tourists.Source:Supplied
“Yolngu have been living here for thousands of generations. The lifestyles changed a bit, but the knowledge is ancient.
“This is a new day for us. We want to be able to use tourism as a vehicle for connecting with other people. Come here, sit with us, walk with us, eat with us.
“This is the real Aboriginal Australia.”
Marcus Lacey is welcoming visitors to Arnhem Land.Source:Supplied
Intrepid’s regional director for Australia, Brett Mitchell, says he expects the tours to appeal to Australian travellers as well as international tourists — as long as they’re prepared for the ultimate bush experience.
“This is real Australia,” he says. “There are no luxury tented camps with Wi-Fi coverage in this part of the country, but it is an enriching cultural experience even for Australian travellers.
Intrepid Travel is launching tours to Arnhem Land.Source:Supplied
“It is an absolute privilege to camp under the star-filled skies in the same untouched wilderness that the Yolngu people’s ancestors walked.”
Intrepid’s first seven-day tour, includes opportunities to learn how to hunt, fish and forage with locals, runs from August 31, 2017.