What is a Visitor Access Permit?
The Visitor Access Permit enables people to have access to Dhimurru Recreation Areas on Aboriginal land, whilst ensuring that landowners' conditions and requirements are met. The Aboriginal Land Act NT 1978 requires all individuals to have a current permit.
These permits enable residents and visitors alike to access the recreation areas for day use as much as you like, to walk, visit beaches and inland waterways, fish, BBQ, and so on. They also enable you to purchase a Camping Permit if you are staying overnight in Dhimurru Recreation Areas.
These permits enable residents and visitors alike to access the recreation areas for day use as much as you like, to walk, visit beaches and inland waterways, fish, BBQ, and so on. They also enable you to purchase a Camping Permit if you are staying overnight in Dhimurru Recreation Areas.
What areas are covered by a Visitor Access Permit?
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Guwatjurumurru (Giddy River)
Wathawuy (Latram River & Goanna Lagoon) Daliwuy (Ḏaliwuy Bay) Garanhan (Macassan Beach) Ŋumuy (Turtle Beach) |
Baniŋura (Little Bondi Beach)
Baṉambarrŋa (Rainbow Cliffs) Gumuniya (Buffalo Creek) Gaḏalathami (Town Beach) Ganinyara (Granite Islands) |
Wirrwawuy
Middle Beach Gäluru (Easty Woody Beach) Ḻombuy (Crocodile Creek) Nhulun (Roy Marika Lookout) |
What areas are camping only?
Manaŋgaymi (Scout Camp)
Gaṉami (Wonga Creek)
Gapuru (Memorial Park)
Wanuwuy (Cape Arnhem)
To visit any of these four recreation areas you must purchase a camping permit in advance, valid for the day that you wish to visit, regardless of whether you intend to camp, Each person must be listed on your camping permit. These four locations are culturally and environmentally sensitive and have limited access for people and cars for each day.
Gaṉami (Wonga Creek)
Gapuru (Memorial Park)
Wanuwuy (Cape Arnhem)
To visit any of these four recreation areas you must purchase a camping permit in advance, valid for the day that you wish to visit, regardless of whether you intend to camp, Each person must be listed on your camping permit. These four locations are culturally and environmentally sensitive and have limited access for people and cars for each day.
What areas do you need to purchase a Camping Permit?
To visit Wanuwuy (Cape Arnhem), Ganami (Wonga Creek), Gapuru (Memorial Park) or Manangaymi (Scout Camp) you must have a valid camping permit for all people, even if it is only a day visit.
To stay in the Dhimurru Recreation Areas, you will need to book a Camping Permit online. Download a map of the Recreation Areas that identifies what areas have camping available. All sites require you to have a valid Visitor Access Permit before you can book.
To visit Wanuwuy (Cape Arnhem), Ganami (Wonga Creek), Gapuru (Memorial Park) or Manangaymi (Scout Camp) you must have a valid camping permit for all people, even if it is only a day visit.
To stay in the Dhimurru Recreation Areas, you will need to book a Camping Permit online. Download a map of the Recreation Areas that identifies what areas have camping available. All sites require you to have a valid Visitor Access Permit before you can book.
What time is check in and check out?
Check in time is 1pm on the day of your arrival and 11am is check out on the day of departure.
What are the permit prices?
Visitor Access Permits:
All prices include GST, booking fees and credit card charges
- Family Annual Permit (includes two adults and up to four children) - $186.50
- Individual Annual Permit - $96.50
- One Month Visitor Access Permit for individuals - $76.50
- 14 Day Visitor Permit for individuals - $49.40
- 3 Day Visitor Access Permit for individuals - $33.50
- Children - all permits up to one month - $15.50
Camping Permits
All prices include GST, booking fees and credit card charges.
- Adults - $15.00
- Child - $6.00
Where can I take a camper trailer, what other information do I need?
Where does the revenue raised from permits go?
Permit charges are levied as a payment for entry they are not a payment for services.
Every year Dhimurru publishes its Annual Report (link here) which highlights the major projects for the year and identifies what funds were spent on. Permit fees are incorporated into the operating for the organisation to support management of recreation areas including enhancing infrastructure so that visitors can enjoy their experience, supporting sustainable use and management of a sensitive environment.
For many years, landowners have not benefited financially from recreation area permit arrangements. In the early years of Dhimurru, landowners agreed to invest all revenue generated through permits back into Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation creating Yolŋu employment and facilitating access by residents to Yolŋu land.
In 2020 new arrangements for revenue were negotiated with Yolŋu landowners and members of Dhimurru. These new arrangements came into affect 1 July 2020. All revenue generated through Visitor Access Permit fees continues to be returned to Dhimurru for ongoing recreation area management and administration of the new agreement. The benefit to the Traditional Owners comes through a shared arrangement for Camping Permit fees and through commercial tours.
In addition, Dhimurru relies heavily on sponsors to fund projects and operations. Major long term sponsors include: National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Aboriginal Benefits Account, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, and Northern Territory Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture Ranger Grants program, Rio Tinto Gove Operations and Cotton On Foundation.
Every year Dhimurru publishes its Annual Report (link here) which highlights the major projects for the year and identifies what funds were spent on. Permit fees are incorporated into the operating for the organisation to support management of recreation areas including enhancing infrastructure so that visitors can enjoy their experience, supporting sustainable use and management of a sensitive environment.
For many years, landowners have not benefited financially from recreation area permit arrangements. In the early years of Dhimurru, landowners agreed to invest all revenue generated through permits back into Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation creating Yolŋu employment and facilitating access by residents to Yolŋu land.
In 2020 new arrangements for revenue were negotiated with Yolŋu landowners and members of Dhimurru. These new arrangements came into affect 1 July 2020. All revenue generated through Visitor Access Permit fees continues to be returned to Dhimurru for ongoing recreation area management and administration of the new agreement. The benefit to the Traditional Owners comes through a shared arrangement for Camping Permit fees and through commercial tours.
In addition, Dhimurru relies heavily on sponsors to fund projects and operations. Major long term sponsors include: National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Aboriginal Benefits Account, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, and Northern Territory Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture Ranger Grants program, Rio Tinto Gove Operations and Cotton On Foundation.
Why should I get a permit?
Dhimurru and landowners welcome you to their country and request that you respect it. You are guests on Yolŋu land and your permit is your invitation to a unique experience in a stunning part of Australia.
Recreation Areas are 100% Yolŋu owned areas of land under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act. When you visit a Recreation Area you are entering private property, and as with anywhere when you enter another person’s property, it is respectful to ask first. A permit is your invitation to enter.
Permits are necessary to help protect the land, provide appropriate facilities such as toilets, tracks and environmental conservation and to alert residents and visitors to times when there are important ceremonies or activities, they need to be mindful of. The legal power to issues permits has been granted by the Northern Land Council to Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation.
Recreation Areas are 100% Yolŋu owned areas of land under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act. When you visit a Recreation Area you are entering private property, and as with anywhere when you enter another person’s property, it is respectful to ask first. A permit is your invitation to enter.
Permits are necessary to help protect the land, provide appropriate facilities such as toilets, tracks and environmental conservation and to alert residents and visitors to times when there are important ceremonies or activities, they need to be mindful of. The legal power to issues permits has been granted by the Northern Land Council to Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation.
How do I apply for a permit?
It is now possible to purchase your Visitor Access and Camping Permits using our online system - just click here. Further visitor information can be gained from the Nhulunbuy Corporation Visitor Information Centre.
We are also available to help with any inquiries on permits@dhimurru.com.au
We are also available to help with any inquiries on permits@dhimurru.com.au
Do I need a permit to travel on the Central Arnhem Highway?
As you will still be travelling on Aboriginal Land you are required to obtain a permit from the Northern Land Council to transit the Central Arnhem Highway. Transit permits, as well as work/research permits, media permits and permits for access to areas outside of the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area are all handled through the Northern Land Council (NLC). Permits can be obtained by online application at www.nlc.org.au or in person at one of their regional offices including Nhulunbuy or their Darwin office. Phone enquiries should be directed to (08) 8986 8500.
