It’s winter, so we are heading north …

The Wherry Seniors are on the move again … which means that later in this week you should see new post notifications appearing in your in-boxes. We are doing Outback Spirit’s Arnhem Land tour for 12 days, followed by 6 days in Darwin to soak up more warmth before returning home to the cold south.

However, we must warn you that the Arnhem Land tour will take us into remote regions of northern Australia and there will be very little internet access for most of that time. This means that there will probably be a couple of posts at the beginning, and then a flurry of catch-up ones when we arrive in Darwin. If we can post along the way, we will, but we believe it’s unlikely.

Arnhem Land is located in the north-eastern corner of the Northern Territory, and comprises around 97,000 km² (37,000 sq mi), and has a population of 16,230. Its name comes from the name of the ship used by Dutch East India Company captain William van Colster who entered the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1623. His ship was named for the city of Arnhem in the Netherlands.

Around 75% of the population are Yolngu, who are that country’s traditional owners. Non-residents need a permit to visit Arnhem Land. This, together with its ruggedness and remoteness, is why we are visiting the region via a tour.

Arnhem Land’s main town is Nhulunbuy, in the region’s north-east. Our trip will start here. We are looking forward to learning more about indigenous culture, from indigenous people, and to seeing more of Australia’s gorgeous landscape, not mention our often weird and wonderful flora and fauna (crocodiles notwithstanding!)

We have visited Arnhem Land before – twice – but just the western edge: on a half-day tour of the East Alligator River and a day tour, which encompassed Gunbalanya (or Oenpelli). This tour will, however, be something else again.

Our itinerary is available on our Itineraries Page.