Monday, Jan 06, 2020 at 16:10
Hi Mark and Sandy
First of all you are going to be in for a fantastic trip, and it is one area that we will be returning to.
First of all, they need tourists into
Nhulunbuy, so you will not have an issue getting your permits.
Next, you will not get a permit coming in from Oenpelli, its just out of bounds......
well sort of.
One of our friends was working up there when we went, and she had great privilege to ask which way did we come in, knowing that tourists can only get in 1 way, and then she went on to say, "I never go that way, its too long and come in from Ramingining".
As she was a nurse and based in
Nhulunbuy she went to all the outreaches , that is how she did it......and she smiled when she told us...as she was known in all the Communities and went in that way, but she still had to have permits.
Firstly the Dhimurru mob and not in charge of the Central Arnhem Highway, its under the control of the Northern Lands Council, based in
Darwin and
Katherine. Yes they do say no caravans, yet there were caravans there when we were there, and basicly as long as you get your free permits, they were not worried.
I ended up collecting our permit from
Katherine (long Story) and took our time heading to
Nhulunbuy, doing it over 2 days. We booked into the Walkabout Lodge, where there were also 2 caravans in the back.
Once you get to
Nhulunbuy, that's when you need to get your other permits from the Dhimurru office, but note the opening hours.
The general permits gives you access to all the major spots in the area, but to get to those special
places, that's when you need to get your Special Permits.
With the Special Permits, they strictly limit numbers to those special areas. The largest number of people for any one day, is out to
Cape Arnhem, that are limited to only 12 vehicles per day, with most other
places limited to only 5 vehicles a day. Of the
places to see, do not miss
Cape Arnhem drive, we had the place to ourselves and was fantastic.
If doing that run, make sure you take some MaxTrax (we left our
home...lol) as there is lots of beach and sand driving. Make sure you watch the tides, our else you will have some real fun.
Rather than raving on, have a read of the 2
blogs that I did for the area.
The first one, if you open this link,
Central Arnhem Highway it will give you an idea of what to expect on the drive in and out.
The second blog, in this link
Nhulunbuy Area will give you an idea of what the area is like.
One word of warning, and not to be taken lightly, you are in Croc country, and be very careful around all water, including those crystal clear streams. We had 2 dogs with us and never let them anywhere near the water, so be on your guard, as you will see them.
It is a fantastic trip and enjoy.
Cheers
Stephen
AnswerID:
629375
Follow Up By: Member -Pinko (NSW) - Monday, Jan 06, 2020 at 16:54
Monday, Jan 06, 2020 at 16:54
Excellent
blogs Stephen and Fiona.
We went with a tagalong for the first and last time.
Stopping for the photos you have taken would have been just fantastic. No time to do that with a Tagalong. Rush, Rush rush
As I said never again.
Stan
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Monday, Jan 06, 2020 at 18:08
Monday, Jan 06, 2020 at 18:08
.
Hi Sandy,
There seems no way on earth that you will get a permit to travel via Oenpelli. Believe me, I tried hard but was refused at every turn. It then made me quite angry to find an Outback Spirit Tour bus was able to go on that road. It would seem that there is one rule for the general public and another for a commercial operation who was greasing palms. That aside, East Arnhem Land was a great place to visit.
Definitely do read both of Stephen's
blogs as they will be very helpful.
The areas requiring Special Permits are as follows:
Ganami (Wonga Creek)
Manangaymi (
Scout Camp)
Gapuru (
Memorial Park)
Guwatjurumurru (Giddy River)
Wanuwuy (
Cape Arnhem)
Apart from the township area, these are the only
places you can visit. Certainly not advised to go "poking around".
As Stephen said, the numbers are strictly limited so get in early for your permits. We were able to visit Wonga Creek and
Scout Camp but missed out on
Cape Arnhem due to
turtle hatching. Stephen says this was really good.
One place not to be missed is the Buku Larrnggy Mulka Centre at
Yirrkala. This is absolutely the best gallery of Aboriginal art that I have seen anywhere. It is like entering Alladin's
cave. We visited twice and spent some hours there and purchased several pieces to add to our collection.
Yes, caravans are not permitted but camper trailers are OK.
The Walkabout Lodge accommodates campers and has small but good amenities. Good tucker and beer also.
When we were there the motel were talking about accomodating camping but it does not seem to have eventuated.
Hope you have a good time.
FollowupID:
904231
Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Monday, Jan 06, 2020 at 19:28
Monday, Jan 06, 2020 at 19:28
Hi Allan and Roz
We were in the same situation with
Scout Camp.
A couple of dogs disappeared and then there was a rather large salty spotted.
For public safety, the area was closed until the monster caught.
There was however, a local that came up ever morning on
the beach behind the Walkabout Lodge. It was only around 3 metres long and the moment it felt your vibrations walking, it hit the water to disappear.
It makes you wonder how many more we’re in the water that we never spotted.
Cheers
Stephen
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Monday, Jan 06, 2020 at 19:31
Monday, Jan 06, 2020 at 19:31
Hi Stan and Christine.
And what a small world it was, to think we were saying at the same place at the same time.
That’s the problem going Tag A Long, you have to go at their pace, and not one that you would like to go.
Cheers
Stephen
FollowupID:
904234
Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Monday, Jan 06, 2020 at 19:43
Monday, Jan 06, 2020 at 19:43
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Hi Stephen,
Happy New Year to you and Fiona.
Whilst we were at
Scout Camp a crew brought in a croc trap for one that was lurking.
We kept an eye on it but saw nothing before time to leave.
Great place to visit eh?
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Sandy I - Wednesday, Jan 08, 2020 at 13:36
Wednesday, Jan 08, 2020 at 13:36
Thank you, Stephen and others for your comments - all very helpful.
Sandy n Mark
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jan 08, 2020 at 14:31
Wednesday, Jan 08, 2020 at 14:31
Enjoy your great trip
FollowupID:
904341