There are a variety of maps available to view here which show local beaches.
What to bring, travel permits and more. Essential reading for all visitors to East Arnhemland.
East Arnhem Land Beaches
The beaches of Nhulunbuy, islands and surrounding
areas are renowned for their vast pristine stretches of white sand,
washed by the brilliant blue ocean waters. The magic of the area
is created by unspoilt wilderness and the absence of high-rise buildings.
Take a four-wheel drive excursion to pristine beaches and wilderness
areas like Nanydjaka (Cape Arnhem), Lurrupukurru (Oyster Beach),
Rangura (Caves Beach), Baringura (Little Bondi), Ngumuy (Turtle
Beach), Garanhan (Macassan Beach), and Daliwuy (Daliwoi Bay).
Many traditional walking trails traverse the area, both inland and
along the beaches. There are three marked coastal walking trails,
providing relatively short and pleasant walks. These are Daliwuy
to Garanhan (3 km, red trail marker), Garanhan to Ngumuy (2.5 km,
yellow trail marker) and Ngumuy to Baringura (1.5 km, black trail
marker).
The Yolngu landowners constructed the trails, therefore you will
see land and sea belonging to several clans. Elders have provided
interpretative material so visitors can appreciate and understand
the richness and beauty of the Yolngu cultural landscape.
Vehicle tracks provide access to each section of the trails so it
is easy to plan transfer arrangements.
Remember permits are required from Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal
Corporation in Nhulunbuy, for access to recreational area
Charter boats can take you to many of the local Islands and bays.
There are a variety of maps available to view here.
Islands and Bays
The nearby Wessel Islands, Bromby Islets, English
Companys Islands and Elizabeth Bay are one of the world's last great,
untouched fishing areas.
Accessible by boat from Gove Harbour, not only is the fishing outstanding,
but the coastline and blue waters are simply spectacular. Local
charter operators can organize day trips and overnight camping trips.
The reefs along these Islands offer wonderful scuba
diving and snorkelling, and visibility is usually excellent.
Diving courses and certification is available from expert tutors.
Remember that these Islands are also Aboriginal land. Visitors are
required to organise their own permits if landing on these Islands
There are a variety of Eco Tours and Cultural Tours available through various local operators.
There are a variety of maps available to view here.
What to bring, travel permits and more. Essential reading for all visitors to East Arnhemland.
Gayngaru Wetlands
The township of Nhulunbuy is located between the
foot of Nhulun (Mt. Saunders) and the landward side of Gayngaru
(Town Lagoon). The lagoon is a tranquil place with plentiful wildlife
and tall stands of paperbarks.
Gayngaru was once a popular and fertile hunting area for Yolngu
and today the cultural significance of the area remains. The lagoon
provided an important source of freshwater and food. The men hunted
the gurrumatji (magpie geese) and their eggs as well as minhala
(long-necked freshwater tortoise). The women collected water lilies
and räkay (water chestnuts).
Many Yolngu people today remember camping as children on the seaward
side of the lagoon before the establishment of Nhulunbuy. Middens
consisting of fragments of shellfish, molluscs and oyster shells
can be seen around the coast indicating favourite camping sites.
Räkay (Water Chestnut or Spike Rush, Eleocharis dulcis) is
a round rush with stems up to 2m in length. Dark coloured, older
corms are roasted whereas lighter, younger corms can be eaten raw.
A bed of fresh räkay reeds and sand over a smouldering fire
is used to treat severe backache.
Wärrkarr (Onion Lily, Crinum angustifolium) is an annual herb
with an onion-like bulb, which can be seen blooming around the lagoon
at the beginning of the wet season. When the pink-white flowers
are produced this signals that maranydjalk (stingrays) are fat and
ready to be hunted.
EALTA has upgraded an interpretative walking trail on the edge of
Gayngaru. The aim is for people to obtain a better understanding
of the local plant and animals species of Gayngaru and their importance
to Yolngu .
Please respect the area by not damaging the plants or signs or littering.
It is important to remember not to eat any plants or berries unless
in the company of a Yolngu guide. Interpretative booklets are available
from the Visitor Information Centre.
