For the adventurer, the best way to explore the Northern Territory is on a road trip. Starting from the lively city of Darwin, your destination is the sacred Injalak Hill in West Arnhem Land. In between you'll experience ancient rock art galleries of Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park.
Why Injalak Arts?
If you want to feel cultural and spiritual significance during your trip to the NT, experience the Injalak Rock Art Tour. These breathtaking ancient rock galleries are anywhere between 8,000 and 10,000 years old and are an integral part of Aboriginal culture. Join a tour with a local guide to hear the stories behind extraordinary rock art galleries.
Don't miss a visit to Injalak Arts & Crafts in Gunbalanya, a community-based art centre which has an extensive gallery and retail store. Artists specialise in weaving, painting, printing and sculpting, with workshops held throughout the year which visitors may join in.
Local’s tip: You may need to provide transport for your guide from Injalak Arts to Injalak Hill - this will be confirmed when you make a booking.
Getting to Gunbalanya
To experience the Injalak Rock Art Tour, you’ll need to drive to Gunbalanya – an Aboriginal community town that’s a four hour drive from Darwin. You'll pass through Kakadu National Park and the township of Jabiru. Jabiru is a good base from which to explore Kakadu.
Local’s tip: When travelling to Gunbalanya you'll have to cross East Alligator River at Cahills Crossing. Access may be affected by high tides or heavy rain. Cahills Crossing is a well known hot spot for viewing crocodiles from the safety of the elevated viewing platform.
How to apply for a visitor permit for Arnhem Land
In order to visit Gunbalanya and partake on the Injalak Rock Art Tour, you must apply for a permit. Permits can be arranged in advance through the Northern Land Council and you can apply for your permit in either Darwin or Jabiru.
An alternative is to book an all inclusive day tour where the permit is included in the tour price.
Where to stay
If you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay, consider the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. The Aboriginal-owned (managed by Accor) hotel is built in the shape of Kakadu’s best-known wildlife, the crocodile. After a day full of touring, take a dip in the pool (or the heart of the croc), peruse the hotel’s Aboriginal art gallery or try bush tucker at Escarpment restaurant and bar.
If you want a hideaway to escape to after a long day of exploring, book an architecturally-designed self-contained cottage at the Anbinik Kakadu Resort nestled amongst tropical flora and fauna. There’s a range of accommodation options for different budgets including rooms, cabins, suites and bungalows.
Extending your trip? If you’re travelling a little further into Kakadu, stay at Cooinda Lodge. We recommend tucking into the ‘Taste of Kakadu’ platter at the Barra Bar & Bistro. Feast on Aussie favourites including crocodile, barramundi, buffalo and kangaroo.
What to do
Ubirr is a magnificent Aboriginal rock art gallery which can be accessed from a 1km walking track. Time your visit in the late afternoon and walk to the lookout point to see the sun setting over the floodplains.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the NT by learning about Aboriginal heritage at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Wander through the displays, and marvel at the artefacts gallery. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop so you can take a little bit of Kakadu home with you.
In World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, see history come alive right before your eyes. The Nourlangie Rock Art Site is another sacred site of Aboriginal art and cultural heritage. Interpretive signage tells stories about the significance of the land to the Aboriginal people.
Bring your swimsuit and walking to Kakadu as there's plenty of waterholes to swim in, many of them with waterfalls.Walking trails to swimming holes like Maguk and Jim Jim waterfallsvary with trails suitable for short walks or extended hikes.
Local’s tip: There’s an entry fee into the Kakadu National Park, so be prepared. Park entry fees can be purchased in advance from Parks Australia.
Rev up for your road trip of a lifetime
With its unique landscapes and roads weaving between significant sites, the Territory is a spectacular destination for a road trip. If you’re feeling inspired, remember that adventure is only a click away, so get planning your road trip now.