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Australia Expedition: Journey into East Arnhem Land

Australia Expedition: Journey into East Arnhem Land

From $ 5,995 AUD

Description

In the farthest reaches of remote Northern Australia lies East Arnhem Land. This vast and rugged wilderness is where the Yolngu people have lived for millennia. Even today you’ll still find clans fishing, sailing and enjoying the homeland of their ancestors. Discover this beautiful stretch of traditional land, learning how to hunt and gather, dance and make bark paintings under the guidance of clan leaders. Then depart the mainland for nearby Bremer Island and feel like castaways marooned on this spectacular oasis, devoid of human development and interference. Don’t pass up this unique opportunity to witness the close cultural connection between the land and The First Peoples of Australia, the oldest civilization on Earth.

Trip Name
Australia Expedition: Journey into East Arnhem Land
Last Updated
2019-06-23
Days
7
Capacity
10
Highlights
  • Join us for privileged and exclusive access to East Arnhem Land.
  • Take part in traditional hunting, fishing, and gathering on country
  • Learn about gender roles and responsibilities, kinship and moiety, stories about the area and history of the region
  • Sit around the campfire with East Arnhem Land’s traditional owners and listen to the stories and songs of their people
  • Be welcomed by the Yolngu people and learn about their traditional methods of hunting and gathering, bark painting and basket weaving.
  • Travel to remote Bremer Island and spend two days exploring this beautiful oasis.
  • Visit the Yirrkala community and its world famous art gallery featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art work.

Itinerary

The relationship between ATA and Intrepid Australia For over 25 years, Intrepid Travel and Adventure Tours Australia have been leading brands in the adventure travel business. With Intrepid’s global product range and Adventure Tours’ local knowledge, the two brands joined force in 2011 to provide the ultimate range of Australian product with Intrepid running all of it’s local trips under the Adventure Tours Australia name. Today we’re proud to bring Aussie-made trips to the world, both here with Adventure Tours and overseas through the Intrepid brand, so no matter which brand you have booked through, you’re travelling with the best.

Day 1 - Arrival into Gove, East Arnhem Land
Catch an early flight from Darwin to Gove and head directly to Nyinyikay homelands by air. Arrive at Nyinyikay and be greeted with a traditional Welcome to Country and a welcoming dance. This important tradition ties into one of the areas Dingo song lines, which you will learn about during your time here. After being officially welcomed, unpack your bags and settle into your tents. The tents are quad share and hold single beds with inner spring mattresses. After lunch, spend the remainder of the day learning about Yolngu culture.
Day 2-3 - Nyinyikay Homelands
Enjoy two days of cultural activities with the Nyinyikay traditional owners. These activities could include making spears and Yidaki (Didgeridoos) for men, or collecting materials and dyes for basket making. There will also be an opportunity to witness the hunting and gathering methods that have fed the Yolngu for generations and to try some of the food that has been caught or collected. If you’re more interested in the traditional arts, the homeland also teaches some traditional dances as well as bark painting. At the end of each day, sit with the traditional owners around the fire and make the most of this unique opportunity to learn about their culture.
Day 4-5 - Nyinyikay Homelands to Bremer Island
Say farewell to your Nyinyikay hosts and get ready for the flight to Bremer Island. From Bremer Island air strip it’s a short drive to the BanuBanu Wilderness Retreat, where you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. You’ll be spending the next two nights here and there are plenty of activities to try during your stay. Perhaps set out on one of the many walking trails through the dunes, practice some bird watching or beach combing. The hand built sunset viewing platform is ideal to watch the sun disappear behind the ocean. You may even have the privilege of watching baby turtles hatch in August and September. They choose Bremer Island as their chosen place to nest and lay their eggs only metres away from the Driftwood shack. If you're perhaps feeling like a bit more adventure, head out on the boat for a days fishing or exploring East Bremer Island, a pure white sand Island a short boat ride away from BanuBanu.
Day 6 - Bremer Island and Yirrkala community
Enjoy one final breakfast at this calm waterside retreat before catching a boat back to mainland Australia. Join your trip leader for a tour of the Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala townships, including a visit to Yirrkala’s world famous art gallery. The Buku Art Centre presents art works created by men and women of the many Aboriginal clans in the area, with paintings, sculptures, wood crafts, and cross hatching techniques on display. There is also an opportunity to purchase unique artwork from the gallery and learn about how this establishment serves as a learning centre for the local children of the surrounding communities. Enjoy a final meal with your group at the Walkabout Hotel in Nhulunbuy and reflect on your experiences over the past few days.
Day 7 - Nhulunbuy to Gove Airport
Wake this morning and enjoy a final breakfast with your fellow travellers, before being dropped at the airport for your outbound flight.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-09-201925-09-2019AUD $ 5,995-

Accommodation

Beach cabin (2 nts),Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nts),Lodge (1 nt)

Transport

All Terrain vehicle,Boat,Plane

Map