Yingana Arnhem Land Day Tour
Join us for a full day Arnhem Land experience. Yingana is Creation Mother to the local Bininj people of Arnhem Land a central figure in their Dreamtime. During the tour you will not only see awe inspiring Rock Art sites, but you will hear the story of Yingana, her role in the Dreamtime and learn about the incredible cultural significance of this art site.
Arnhem Land is a special place. It’s beauty and rich Indigenous culture means this is more than just an adventure, it is an opportunity to truly connect with Indigenous culture, Country and have a life-changing experience. As this area is Aboriginal Land access is granted via permit from the Traditional Owners the Bininj. The permit system in addition to regulating access, also provides guidance for visitors, ensuring their activities respect property, privacy, cultural beliefs and practices. We work closely with the community to create a respectful and mutually beneficial experience.
Location
Injalak Hill Rock Art Site, Western Arnhem Land
What to expect
Our comfortable air-conditioned four-wheel drive vehicle traverses Cahill’s crossing with ease - this is the entry point into Arnhem Land. Now the real adventure begins. Leaving the bitumen behind, travel on unsealed roads as the landscape opens out to a diverse and vast mix of wetlands and towering escarpment known to the local Bininj people as the “stone country”.
Meet your local Bininj guide. The tour is taken at a slow pace enabling a truly immersive experience. Traditional Owners lead you through the stories of generations. Hear the story of Yingana, the creation mother, and how Warramurruggunddji is connected to Indigenous peoples from across Australia.
The Rock Art site includes some of Australia’s most significant rock art, depicting multiple aspects of Indigenous history and culture in this truly spectacular and incredibly significant site. Sit in the very spot where Elders have shared Dreaming stories for thousands of years ensuring the continuation of the world’s oldest living culture.
Enjoy lunch under a rocky overhang, a setting that is nothing less than breathtaking. With a backdrop of endless wetlands and the peaceful silence broken only by bird sounds. This is a great opportunity to talk one on one with the Aboriginal guides; our tours are all small groups so you are never far from the front however a chat over lunch is welcome.
We spend some time at an arts centre, which is also a cultural meeting place central to Bininj culture and the Gunbalanya community. The centre's artists work across many mediums including painting, weaving and carving creating beautiful artworks. Meander through the centre, enjoy watching the artists work with varying techniques to create artworks in the unique Arnhem Land style. Sit under a tree with the women while they weave or just take time to explore and appreciate some of the world’s most highly regarded Indigenous art.
Our time is limited by tides as the water levels at Cahills crossing wait for no-one! Whether your tour finishes at Jabiru or you’re with us all the way back to Darwin we promise your experience will be unforgettable.
What is included
This full day tour operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from May to October each year
Pick up/Drop off is available from Darwin or Jabiru
This tour is taken at a leisurely pace so we can enjoy the art works, and the ascent to the top of the hill is carried out in stages with many breaks along the way.
This tour is suitable for active people between the ages of 5 and up with a good level of mobility and ability to climb multiple flights of stairs.
Cost includes:
- Arnhem Land entry permits and Aboriginal Guide
- Full day tour
- Hotel pick up and drop off from either Darwin city or Jabiru in Kakadu
- Visit to Arts and Craft Centre
- Guided walking tour of rock art site
- A picnic lunch*
- Afternoon tea with tea/coffee and snack
*Vegetarians and Coeliacs catered for with at least 24 hours notice.
Meeting point
Pick up and Drop off to your accomodation provider in Darwin.
What to bring
Sturdy walking shoes (runners or reef-type walking sandals) – flip flops/thongs are not suitable
At least 1 litre of bottled water (iced water is available in the vehicle)
Sunscreen and a hat is essentialLight, comfortable clothing
Camera
Medications and other personal requirements
Binoculars
Money or credit card if you wish to purchase any artwork or items at the Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre
A sense of adventure!
YOUR EXPERIENCE PROVIDER
Top End Day Tours
Top End Day Tours offers day trips to two locations in Arnhem Land, departing from either Darwin or Jabiru in Kakadu National Park. We are the only tour operator who departs from Darwin. We are also one of only a few touring companies offering this type of exclusive yet accessible Arnhem Land experience in Australia. Our focus is ensuring that you have a premium Arnhem Land experience and learn as much as possible about Indigenous Country, culture and art. Our experienced team of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous guides will provide you with an enjoyable and educational experience.
The Arnhem Land day tour has been running for over 17 years, originally operated by Lords Kakadu and Arnhemland Safaris. Top End Day Tours purchased the Arnhemland Day Tour in 2016 and have improved the tour experience. We continue to offer daily tours with departures from Darwin and Jabiru with experiences focused in and around the Arnhem Land settlement of Gunbalanya, where the famous Injalak Arts and Craft Centre is based.
The parts of Arnhem Land you will explore with us are Aboriginal Land with access controlled by the local communities. Top End Day Tours is one of only a few tour operators permitted access to this land and its art sites. During our tours, guests have the opportunity to experience incredible landscapes, the world’s oldest living culture, outstanding Aboriginal rock art and visit one of Arnhem Land’s most amazing Aboriginal art galleries. These lands are vital to the Aboriginal people, and we visit as honoured guests, making it a truly once in a lifetime experience.