Located at the very tip of the Top End, Arnhem Land is a huge expanse of Aboriginal territory covering 94,000 sq km. Stretching from the Kakadu National Park all the way to the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria, it is only accessible to visitors in two spots - the Cobourg Peninsula in the west and the Gove Peninsula in the east.
The Cobourg Peninsula is almost completely covered by the 2,200 sq km of the Gurig National Park and is bordered by the Cobourg Marine Park. One of Australia's best fishing spots, the area is renowned for more than 250 species of reef fish and the iconic Barramundi. The marine park is also a haven for protected marine animals such as crocodiles, turtles, dolphins, dugongs and manta rays. The Gurig National Park is only accessible via a 220km chartered flight from Darwin or a 4WD restricted road from Jabiru in the Kakadu and permits from the Cobourg Peninsula Sanctuary and Marine Park Board are required to enter.
The Gove Peninsula is far more accessible and is renowned as a major area for bauxite mining however there are also a number of attractions. Scheduled flights are available from Darwin or the main seaside town of Nhulunbuy which is just minutes from the Nabalco mine. Nhulunbuy is a major Aboriginal art and crafts hub and also offers a range of activities and attractions including fantastic fishing, wetlands rich with native flora and fauna, scenic flights, sunset cruises, reef walking, scuba diving and snorkelling. You can also enjoy the unique opportunity to spend the day with the Yolngu family for a traditional Aboriginal cultural experience and take part in hunting, gathering, painting and cooking. Permits are required for visiting recreation areas or driving into Nhulunbuy.
