Arnhemland is one of the largest aboriginal reserves in Australia, known for its art and the continuation of traditions practiced by the people who live here. It’s off limits to most people, you need a permit to enter or special permission from the aboriginal elders who look after and own the area.

Many sites sacred to the Dreamtime, the aboriginal story of creation, are within these boundaries, including remarkable rock art painted at various points in the aboriginal people’s 50,000 years of habitation. The art at Mount Borradaile is some of the earliest, dating from the beginning of this period, 50,000 years ago, it tells the story of the Rainbow Serpent who created the land and all the animals and people.

Ubirr Rock, part of Kakadu National Park and Injalak Hill are other well known rock art sites. Injalak Hill has paintings showing the European invasion of Australia, guns and ships appear in the art. Settlements at Nhulunbuy and Gunbalanya are known for their bark paintings.

One way to gain access to Arnhemland is to join a safari, you’ll be taken around in 4X4 convoy visiting key sites by a local guide. Coming from the Kakadu side you’ll see flood plains with their abundant wildlife, then dryer, soaring escarpments before the vegetation grows more lush again around the coast and turns into mangrove forests you reach the ocean at the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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