Arnhemland Landscape

Arnhem Land: a place of rich history and ancient culture

Take a step back in time and experience one of the world’s oldest cultures. Arnhem Land is well-known for its Aboriginal rock-art, fishing and breathtaking landscapes made up of escarpments, billabongs and savannah woodlands. The Aboriginal culture and history can be traced back more than 50,000 years. Arnhem Land is privately owned Aboriginal land and all visitors need a permit to enter the region.

Where is Arnhem Land?

Arnhem Land is located in the Northern Territory (NT) in Australia. The region extends across from the eastern side of Kakadu National Park to the coastal border reaching the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria including the surrounding island communities. Arnhem Land is divided into two parts: East Arnhem Land and West Arnhem Land.

For more information about the regions visit the West Arnhem Shire Council or East Arnhem Shire Council.

Arnhem Land permits

According to the Northern Land Council a permit is written permission from the traditional owners to enter the private land of a family or group of Aboriginal people. The permit system is designed to help protect the privacy of Aboriginal communities, preserve Aboriginal culture, safeguard the natural environment and promote visitor safety.

All visitors to Arnhem Land need permits to enter the region. For this reason many people choose to see the area on a guided tour. Some areas are restricted and communities can close due to ceremony, death or flooding during the wet season (November - March).

For visitor permits go to the Northern Land Council website.

Interesting facts about Arnhem Land

Arnhem Land is home to the world’s oldest living culture having passed down art, skills and story telling for more than 50,000 years.
The area covers 91,000 square kilometres of land.
The small population of Arnhem Land is predominately Indigenous.
The didgeridu, a traditional musical instrument, originated in Arnhem Land.
Arnhem Land is one of the best fishing destinations in the world.
The landscape dramatically changes between the dry and wet seasons where large areas of Arnhem Land are covered with water for nearly half of the year.

 Click here to view a map of Arnhem Land.

A Frill Neck lizard in the Northern Territory

The contrasting landforms of floodplains, tidal flats, savanna woodlands, southern hills and stone country provide the perfect environment for diverse species of wildlife to thrive in Kakadu National Park.

There are more than 280 species of birds, 60 kinds of native mammals, 55 kinds of fresh water fish, thousands of species of insects and 117 kinds of reptiles that can be found in the world heritage listed national park.

Kakadu National Park also hosts a number of rare, endangered or endemic (not found anywhere else in the world) species of wildlife.

Some of the animals you may cross paths with in Kakadu National Park are:

• The famous Estuarine (salt water) crocodiles - kings of Kakadu. Ever heard the phrase never smile at a crocodile? Well, these reptilian beasts can grow more than six metres in length and can take a fair chomp out of anything that’s nearby. The best way to see these amazing creatures is to go on a commercial boat cruise. Their freshwater crocodile cousins grow to about three metres in length and are more timid than the saltwater crocodile unless provoked.
• The magnificent red-tailed black cockatoo is often heard before it is seen. They are noisy birds which can be seen travelling in flocks to the water in the morning and evening. The adult males can grow up to 60cm in height. They are easy to recognise, the males are covered in black feathers and have red tail feathers (hence their name). The female cockatoos are black with yellow-orange stripes in the tail and chest, and yellow or red spots on the wings.
• Cathedral termite mounds are one of the species of termite mounds that can be spotted throughout Kakadu and Litchfield national parks. Inside each mound lies an intricate network of tunnels and chambers that its inhabitants use to transport food and water. The termite mounds form what look like small cities in sections of the parks.
• A frilled-neck lizard's greatest defence against predators is to put on a show. The dragon lizard flares out its frill at any sign of danger, making it look nearly ten times its size. Then makes a run for it while the predator is left startled – the perfect distraction. Frilled -neck lizards are found mainly in savanna woodlands, living in the tree tops.

If you would like to take a closer look at the local wildlife, some of Parks Australia’s suggestions are:

• Early morning and sunset are good times to see wildlife.
• Use a torch at night to look for nocturnal animals. Be careful not to shine strong spotlights onto sleeping roosting birds.
• Look for clues to where animals have been, especially tracks, scats (droppings) and scratching.
• Animals are often heard before they are seen. Walk quietly, listen and watch for movement
• Sit for a while and wait for animals to come to you.
• Use binoculars to get a closer look.
• Look for animals such as lizards and snakes crossing roads. Slow down so that you see the wildlife
• rather than run over it
• Do not approach, disturb or feed wildlife
• Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles inhabit Kakadu waters and deaths and severe injuries have occurred in the park. Obey crocodile warning signs
• Snakes, pigs and buffaloes can also be dangerous. Keep well away from them.

For more information on Kakadu National Park’s fauna check out the Parks and Reserves website:
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/nature-science/fauna.html

Aboriginal artwork at Nourlangie in Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park's rock art sites are estimated to range in age from 20 000 years to the recent present and constitute one of the longest historical records of any group of people in the world.

Many of these ages old art sites can be found in the escarpments, gorges and rock outliers in Kakadu. To date there have been 5000 art sites recorded with a further 10 000 sites thought to exist. It is for these reasons that Kakadu is recognised internationally for its cultural value and is inscribed on the United Nations list of World Heritage properties.

Aboriginal people in Kakadu rarely paint on the rocks nowadays. This is partly due to the fact that the Aboriginal people no longer live in rock shelters and there are fewer people with the knowledge and skills to allow them to pain at certain sites. Nevertheless, Aboriginal artists continue to paint on bark, paper and other materials. In recent years printing traditional designs onto fabric has become a popular art form, particularly among women.

The Aboriginal people painted on rocks for a number of reasons:

Hunting

• By painting animals, it was believed that this was a way to connect with the animal spirits and ensure the increase in their abundancey.

Religion

• Many art sites depict religious ceremonies and how they were conducted.

Stories and Learning

• Painting on the rock was a primary way to tell stories and record the history.

Magic

• Painting could be used to change the outcome of events and gain influence over people.
  

Roads can flood during the wet.

Dry Season in Kakadu National Park - Advantages

• Cooler temperatures
• Roads are open and not flooded. This means most attractions are accessible.
• Camping is easier as its unlikely you’ll encounter raining.
• Less mosquitos!
• Crocodiles tend to be more visible in colder weather, as they warm themselves up in the sun.

Dry Season in Kakadu National Park- Disadvantages

• The Dry season marks the busy period for tourism in the topend of Australia. This means Kakadu can be flooded with tourists.
• Pricing for tours is generally slightly more expensive.
• Waterfalls will dry up towards the end of the dry season.
• Wildlife is not as active and plentiful.
• Vegetations tends to be a lot drier and less vibrant than the wet. This also leads to bush fires.

Wet Season in Kakadu National Park - Advantages

• Low season for tourism
• Park rangers and staff have more time for you.
• Low season prices for tours and accommodation in/from Darwin and Jabiru.
• Tones of wildlife. During the wet everything is busy mating and breeding.
• The waterfalls are roaring. Although this can also lead to waterfalls such as Jim Jim closing down due to danger.
• The vegetation is green and everything is lush and refresh.
• The Topend of Australia's see more lightening to than most places in the world and this is particularly true for Kakadu. During the wet you’ll stand witness to some amazing lightning storms and thunder.

Wet Season in Kakadu National Park - Disadvantages

• Very hot and humid. This can make it very uncomfortable at night unless you have a fan or are staying in air conditioned accommodation.
• A lot of roads are flooded and unless you have a good 4WD are inaccessible.
• Because of the all the water, this is a perfect environment for mosquitoes to breed. This leads to a lot of annoying encounters.
• The wet season also marks the time for cyclones. This can cause a lot of interruptions in travel plans and tours.

These days Kakadu is easy to navigate.

Kakadu National Park has two entrances. The most common entrance for visitors is the northern side which can be reached via the Arnhem Highway and is approximately 160km east of Darwin. Most tour groups use this route as it’s the quickest and easiest way to get into Kakadu National Park.

The south entrance is usually for those who are coming from other destinations such as Katherine or Litchfield national parks. This entrance is just off the Stuart Highway where you need to turn right in Pine Creek which is located 230km south of Darwin. From the Pine Creek turn off its another 60km along the Kakadu Highway until you reach the southern entrance.

Once in Kakadu, there are many signs which can help direct you to where you want to go and many of main roads are made of solid bitumen. However, if you intend on visiting some waterfalls such as Jim Jim and Twin falls, these roads are dirt and strictly require a four wheel drive. This is perhaps where an organized tour might be a better option.
Kakadu is also accessible by air and there are many different companies that specialize in scenic flights through Kakadu which depart either Darwin or Jabiru!

However, when considering travelling in the kakadu by vehicle it is very important that you check the road and weather conditions before embarking on your journey. This is particularly important if you are travelling between the months of November and March which falls under the wet season.

Driving along an old dirt track in Kakadu

Where is Kakadu National Park you say? Despite its immense size and popularity, a lot of people still don’t know where Kakadu National Park is located!

Travellers can find Kakadu National Park in the Northern part of Australia in the Northern Territory. Its located within the Alligator Rivers region approximately 4 hours drive east from the Capital Darwin. The park covers an area of 19,804 square kilometers and is nearly 200 kilometers north to south and over 100 kilometers east to west. It's immense size makes it as big as Slovenia, half the size of switzerland and 1/3 the size of Tasmania!

Most of Kakadu National Park was actually under a very shallow seat approximately 140 million years ago. Nowadays the enormous escarpment which now runs through the park rises 330 meters above the plateau and extends approximately 500 kilometers along the eastern size of the park and into neighboring Arnhemland.

Tourism NT has launched is $800,000 Kakadu Campaign to try and inspire Australians to Visit the region.

Ubir Rock In Kakadu National Park

The minister for tourism Malarndirii McCarthy, today said that the Government is investing approx $800,000 into marketing Kakadu National Park to the domestic market of Australian Spirited travellers.

“Kakadu is beautiful and this campaign highlights its dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage, and we want our fellow Australians to come and experience all it has to offer,” said Ms McCarthy.
 
“Holidaying in Kakadu is an active experience and there are many adventures on offer,” said Ms McCarthy. 
 
“The campaign also features eye-catching imagery and footage of Kakadu with its stunning natural attractions and extraordinary wildlife.
 
“These are showcased in a 45-second television commercial and run in a series of print and online advertisements designed to inspire more Australians to visit Kakadu.”

Television commericals will be aired on such channels as Channel 9 and 7, SBS, 7 Two, Discovery and National Georgraphic channels. Not only this but print advertisements will be running is many major newspapers and magazines. Some of these include the Good Weekend, Weekend Australian, The Age and Sunday Life.

When visiting Kakadu National Park there is always the question of where to start from. Many travellers choose to start their camping safaris from Jabiru ( inside Kakadu itself ), Alice Springs or Darwin. 
On the most part, Darwin is by far the best strategic location for tourists to embark on a Kakadu Tour; Heres why:

1. Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and has a international and domestic airport. This make it extremely accessible to/from anywhere in the world.
2. It's a booming city and offers a large range of services catered to travellers such as accommodation, hospitals, information and various travel options.
3. Most operators conducting Kakadu tours live and conduct business from Darwin. If your looking for a tour this is the best place to find great deals and cheap tours.
4. There are also many hostels that offer competitive prices on tours around this area.
5. If your a light traveller who is ill prepared for a camping safari, although most Kakadu tours provide camping equipment, Darwin is the perfect place to stock up. Darwin has many out door leisure shops that can provide high quality and affordable products.
6. Darwin is predominately a tourist town. Meeting and making friends with other travellers here is easy and can provide great company for a potential Kakadu tour.

These are just a few tips to help you plan your next big adventure here in the Northern Territory. If you have any enquiries about Kakadu or Kakadu tours, don't hesitate to contact us on info@territoryexpeditions.com.au.

Kakadu National Park Maps can be easily found on the NT governments website; Department of Environment and Heritage. 

This map is perfect for visitors and those wishing to do a Kakadu Tour or who are planning to. You can see everything needed to plan a kakadu tour including all the roads, driving distances, boat ramps, camp sites, waterfalls and facilities.

Click here to view the Large map of Kakadu National Park. This has been setup so it will open up on a new window.

Here is a small version of the above map created by Google Maps. This is handy as it shows most major attractions that are frequented by travellers. You can also select certain regions to explore. This is an interactive map.

For those serious about travelling on a Kakadu Tour and want some information, you can't go past this booklet created by the Department of Environment and Heritage. This little visitor guide of Kakadu National Park provides all the basic knowledge for the area along with some great safety procedures, destinations and maps. Its free and can be downloaded and printed. Click here for the Kakadu National Park Booklet and Map.

If your planning a Kakadu tour and you need more details for your trip, feel free to email the Bowali Visitor Centre in Kakadu National Park. These guys are the experts when it comes to Kakadu and can answer anything regarding Kakadu.

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