Situated a few hundred kilometres from the Northern Territory capital city of Darwin are the areas of Kakadu and Arnhem.
In Kakadu, lush wetlands and rugged escarpments exist side by side with cascading waterfalls and plunging gorges. Kakadu is renowned all over the world for its most amazing natural as well as cultural wonders. It is, in fat, home to the highest concentration of Aboriginal rock art sites in the world.
The Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage listed national park, features the most scenic nature views at their best. Its escarpments, complemented by waterfalls and wetlands are always a great sight-seeing destination all throughout the year. Read more...
This national park does not only offer scenic nature, but also has natural universal and cultural values which are truly unique to the area.
At the centre of Kakadu lies the small mining village of Jabiru, which is the only Australian town that can be found within the national park. Furthermore, the unspoiled wet lands that can be found in the nearby Mary River National Park are filled with the nicest tropical birds, many crocodiles and are teeming with barramundi and other fishes just as interesting. For those who would like to learn more about Aboriginal culture, the Warradjan Cultural Centre and the Rainbow Serpent are some of the more informative sites to visit.
Going towards the east of Kakadu will lead to Arnhem Land. Located in the geographical centre of the northern coast of Australia, Arnhem Land is bound by the Gulf of Carpentaria, Arafura Sea, and the Kakadu National Park. The area boasts of its rivers plentiful of fish, deserted islands, wild coastlines, lush rainforests, savannah woodland and soaring escarpments. It is by far, still one of the last of the greatest unspoiled areas in the world.
The small population that predominated in Arnhem Land is primarily aboriginal - Yognu being the most populous, such that traditional Australian culture is preserved in the area in its purest form. While access to the area is largely limited, many visitors go on tours or self-drive (4WD only, due to road conditions, with permit from Northern Land Council).
Many specific areas in Arnhem Land, such as the Cobourg Peninsula, are very popular for fishing and four-wheel driving expeditions. The Nhulunbuy beaches, as well as the islands and areas that surround it, are very popular for their pristine white sand stretches, with sparkling blue waters, and abundant wildlife. Diving, walk trails, snorkelling, ecology tours, cultural tours, and art galleries are also good ways to enjoy the experience in Arnham Land. Of course, mingling with the locals and spending some time with them will surely penetrate one's spirit.
Some of the most visited spots in Arnhem include the Mikinj Valley with its scenic lands made of sandstone outcrops, floodplains and billabongs, rich forests and escarpments, and the unique Aboriginal lifestyle and art. What is great about Arnhem Land is its luxurious climate that ranges only between 28 to 33 degrees all throughout the year, with very mild humidity.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land are two of the very few unspoiled regions in the world today. Experiencing them and the rich traditional culture of the Aborigines, while at the same time enjoying nature in its purest form, is truly a one of a kind experience that no place else can ever match.