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 areas.

Location Maps

There are a variety of maps available to view here which show local beaches.

Travel Tips

What to bring, travel permits and more. Essential reading for all visitors to East Arnhemland.

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.

Fishing and Diving Charters

Charter boats can take you to many of the local Islands and bays.

Location Maps

There are a variety of maps available to view here.

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.

Cultural and Eco Tours

There are a variety of Eco Tours and Cultural Tours available through various local operators.

Location Maps

There are a variety of maps available to view here.

Travel Tips

What to bring, travel permits and more. Essential reading for all visitors to East Arnhemland.