Arnhem Land Tours from Darwin

In modern-day Australia, Arnhem Land stands out as a region that has preserved its cultural heritage to a significant extent. Today, for non-Indigenous people it's a place with strict entry regulations; individuals cannot access Arnhem Land without obtaining a special permit, as it is Indigenous territory or unless they are residents.

At Venture North, we have cultivated strong relationships with Indigenous Traditional Owners who have graciously granted us the privilege of entering Arnhem Land with our tour guests.

Furthermore, we have been granted permission to operate our unique safari-style camp, known as Cobourg Coastal Camp, on Madjunbalmi land. This is within the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park situated on the Cobourg Peninsula in north-west Arnhem Land.

In both Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park, the cherished Aboriginal rock art represents the world's longest continuous art tradition and offers a captivating visual narrative of their cultural heritage. Through Venture North, our guests not only have the opportunity to view this remarkable rock art but also to engage with local Indigenous people and gain firsthand insights into their extraordinary culture. This cultural exchange occurs through various mediums, including verbal storytelling, artistic expressions, songs, dances, hunting practices, and traditional plant utilization.

On the Cobourg Peninsula, the Indigenous narrative is merely the beginning of the story. Here, one can also explore the ancient Macassan trading history, the unsuccessful British colonization attempts in northern Australia, and the tales of renowned European explorers like Ludwig Leichhardt, whose 1845 expedition to Cobourg was considered a significant national achievement. During our tours of Arnhem Land and the Cobourg Peninsula, guests also learn about the frontier era, when buffalo hunters, prospectors, pastoralists, and missionaries occupied a substantial portion of Indigenous land in the Top End.

Cobourg Coastal Camp offers breathtaking views of Port Essington's pristine waters, where centuries ago, well before British or Dutch presence, the Macassans harnessed prevailing winds to navigate their praus (boats) from Makassar on the island of Sulawesi (Indonesia) to the northern Australian shores. The Macassans established camps during the wet season while searching for trepang (sea cucumber), which marked Australia's first export. They engaged in trade with the Indigenous population, exchanging items like tobacco, alcohol, tools, and rice for trepang. This trade enabled the Macassans to develop a prosperous trepang industry with China. With the arrival of the dry season, these intrepid voyagers returned home using the southeast trade winds. The remnants of their presence, such as trepang processing woks and rock art, serve as intriguing evidence of their historical activities.

Using Cobourg Coastal Camp as our base, we embark on boat journeys to explore the Cobourg Marine Park, which happens to be the largest marine park in the Northern Territory. We also visit the ruins of Victoria Settlement, a British establishment established in 1838. The British government, concerned about potential Dutch and French expansion, decided to establish a military post along Australia's northern coastline. After two unsuccessful attempts at Fort Dundas and Fort Wellington, Victoria Settlement was established. Guests gain insight into the challenges faced by those who built this military and trading hub for passing ships in Port Essington.

Upon completing our tours, many guests express a sense of privilege for having visited this unique part of the world. They also convey a heightened connection to Indigenous culture and a deep fascination with the European heritage. Additionally, they are often in awe of the remote wilderness areas, unspoiled beaches, and the distinctive wildlife they have encountered.

You can explore Arnhem Land and the Cobourg Peninsula by joining our 4-day Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula tour departing from Jabiru or our 5-day Kakadu, Arnhem Land, and Cobourg Peninsula tour departing from Darwin. For more information about our tours, please contact us via email or phone at (08) 8927 5500. Thank you for taking the time to read our message.