Special Permits are issued for several recreation areas and are subject to additional requirements aimed at:

• minimising recreational impacts,
• maintaining access for Yolngu particularly in relation to cultural activities,
• and/or providing exclusive opportunities (ie those areas where only one group is allowed at a time).

Bookings for Special Permit areas are essential and you must hold a General Permit to obtain a Special Permit.

The number of vehicles or groups is limited for some recreation areas.

Bookings are required to access these Special Permit areas and an additional access fee applies. There are additional requirements specific to each of these identified recreation areas and these are included with the Special Permit.

Permit enquiries: permits@dhimurru.com.au

A Visitor's Guide: Recreation Areas - North East Arnhem Land published by Dhimurru is an excellent booklet that provides maps and cultural information including stories narrated by Yolngu elders explaining the significance of many locations. The Visitors Guide can be purchased from Dhimurru, local art centres, or the local Newsagent.

Wanuwuy - Cape Arnhem is an area of long sandy beaches and extensive dune fields and is part of a large sacred site complex. It is very important to read the requirements attached to this Special Permit so as to avoid damage to the sites and offences to site custodians. One area at Cape Arnhem for example:

Gayngada - Twin Eagles is one of approximately 58 sacred sites in the vicinity of Wanuwuy. Senior landowners have requested that visitors do not stop (swim, fish, picnic or camp) on the southern side of this site. Note: Penalties of up to $20,000 can be imposed for breaches of the Sacred Sites Act.

Ganami - Wonga Creek is a fresh water creek running through open eucalypt forest. There are three camping sites toward the end of a 30km track. The track traverses a number of creeks and swamps requiring seasonal closure. Permit numbers are limited to minimise maintenance requirements and to provide for exclusive use.

Gapuru - Memorial Park Located in the upper catchment of Ganami, Gapuru has a campsite adjacent to numerous freshwater rock pools. Similar to Ganami this area is restricted to one group at a time, the maximum group size again being five vehicles. Please observe the signage erected in the area. Note nearby Crystal Springs is a sacred site and is not included on the permit.

Mananggaymi - Scout Camp has several campsites alongside freshwater pools. This area is particularly popular with families. The area has one larger camping area that can be used by special arrangement for events such as scout camps. This area is limited to three groups at a time and the maximum group size is five cars.

Gäluru - East Woody is a general recreation area but a Special Permit is required if you wish to launch a boat. Boats can be launched into the creek (on the western side ie looking toward the refinery). The key to the gate is available for a maximum period of five days.

Cato River is a popular fishing spot approximately 90km from Nhulunbuy for which Dhimurru issues permits on application to the landowners.

Access to the Cato will only be approved for boat trips. Applications made at Dhimurru are forwarded to the landowner for a decision. This process may take a few days so applicants are advised to apply well in advance. The decision of the landowners ultimately determines access numbers.

Please ask if you wish to know how many other boats have been approved at a particular time.