Nhulunbuy/Gove

There’s plenty to see and do in the NT all year round. The Territory has two distinct climate zones: the tropical Top End and the semi-arid Red Centre. Nhulunbuy and East Arnhem Land come under the Top End seasons.

It's summer from November to April with magnificent thunderstorms, spectacular sunsets and warmer weather. There are smaller crowds during summer (which is considered low season), which is a great time to grab hot deals on flights, accommodation and tours.

From May to October is the Dry Season which is warm and pleasant with sunny days and cooler nights. It’s the most popular time for road trippers driving Central Arnhem Rd which connects Nhulunbuy with Katherine. This predominantly unsealed road may be closed during summer when rain makes it impassable. Read more about the NT’s weather and seasons.

By air - Darwin is the international gateway to the Northern Territory and its well-equipped airport hub is the arrival point for most visitors travelling by air. Gove-East Arnhem Airport is connected to Darwin by Airnorth. The NT is serviced by major domestic and international airlines, providing passengers with easy access to destinations across the Territory from almost anywhere in the world.

By road - Nhulunbuy is accessible via the Central Arnhem Rd, a distance of almost 700km from the Stuart Hwy, along a predominantly unsealed road. Permits are required if travelling by road through Arnhem Land.

Journey by road to the NT on well-maintained, sealed highways, which provide the most direct routes between the NT and South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. Once you cross the border into the NT from adjoining states, explore these driving routes around the Territory.

The best way to get around Nhulunbuy is by driving your own vehicle or arranging a hire car to collect on arrival at Gove-East Arnhem Airport. Additionally, there are a small number of tourism operators based in Nhulunbuy or who have Nhulunbuy as a stopover on multi-day Arnhem Land tours. There is a taxi service in Nhulunbuy.

Beyond Nhulunbuy, 95% of the NT’s attractions are accessible by well-maintained roads. There’s plenty to explore in a 2WD regular car or campervan, as well as in all-terrain 4WDs. Hire companies operate across the NT, so if you fly into the Territory, arrange to collect a vehicle then hit the road on one of the Territory’s popular driving routes.

Note that permits are required if driving through Arnhem Land to Nhulunbuy. Permits are also required from Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation if driving to sites surrounding Nhulunbuy.

Garma Festival is a significant cultural celebration held in Nhulunbuy each August. Check the calendar of events for Territory-wide festivals throughout the year.

Connection to Country is very much a part of the NT’s identity, where the breadth and depth of Aboriginal cultural experiences are like nowhere else.

There are many ways to learn and connect with the diverse Aboriginal cultures of Arnhem Land and Nhulunbuy. Take a guided tour or boat trip to Bremer Island from Nhulunbuy, visit an Aboriginal art centre or self-drive to some of the camping and recreational areas surrounding Nhulunbuy.

The Territory welcomes travellers of all abilities and aims to empower visitors with the necessary information to confidently plan your holiday. In the NT accessibility goes beyond physical infrastructure to encompass the compassionate and helpful nature of its locals.

Discover a variety of accommodation, tours and attractions tailored to different access needs, including hearing loss, vision loss, wheelchair access, and high support requirements. You can narrow down your search by region and accessibility preferences. If you can't find your preferred tour or attraction, we suggest contacting the business directly to find out about their accessibility. Many tourism operators are happy to accommodate special requests whenever possible.

Safety in any destination depends on various factors. Respect the environment, be aware of wildlife hazards, and stay informed about weather conditions and happenings in the local area. By being mindful of your surroundings and taking necessary precautions, visitors can enjoy exploring the Northern Territory confidently.

While the Northern Territory has remote and rugged areas, it’s essential to take the usual precautions you’d take anywhere. Main centres like Nhulunbuy are well regulated with facilities and services to help visitors find their way around safely. Park Rangers, signage boards and online guides increase safety for visitors, including actively monitoring waterways for crocodiles. As with any travel experience, exercise common sense, follow guidelines, and you’ll have a safe experience.

Permits are required if driving through Arnhem Land to Nhulunbuy. Permits are also required from Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation if driving to, or camping within, recreational sites surrounding Nhulunbuy.

Permits are not required if you are flying into Nhulunbuy and are not visiting any other areas in East Arnhem Land.