Gunbalanya/Oenpelli

Gunbalanya/Oenpelli is an Aboriginal community on the eastern border of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park at the base of the Arnhem Land escarpment.

Being part of Arnhem Land, travellers wanting to visit Gunbalanya/Oenpelli require a permit before visiting. Access by 4WD vehicles are recommended and permits can be obtained from the Injalak Art and Craft Centre. An open day is held annually in August or September, when travellers can visit freely and enjoy cultural activities without a permit.

Gunbalanya is the Aboriginal name for the Oenpelli settlement (which was originally a mission). The area includes the flood plains of the East Alligator River that are covered by water from December to April and a rocky sandstone plateau rising up to 200m above the plains. Local artists’ work is displayed in the Injalak Art and Craft Centre. Walking tours are also available around Injalak Hill, a site rich in ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings.