Aboriginal Australia Welcome Film - Lirrwi Tourism, Basket Weaving, Bawaka Homelands, NT

Arnhem Land, in the far northeast corner of the Northern Territory - it is a vast protected wilderness area covering almost 100,000 square kilometres - or almost 25 million acres. Arnhem Land is home to the Aboriginal Yolngu people. The area is renowned for its diverse scenery, from striking rocky outcrops and peaceful floodplains to rugged coastline and white-sanded beaches.

You need special permits to travel into the Yolngu’s Homeland territory in East Arnhem Land. A treasure trove of bark paintings, memorial poles, woodcarvings and yidaki (didgeridoos) awaits, but the jewels of the collection are two four-metre tall Yirrkala Church Panels (1962-3) that have been described as amongst the most important Australian art in existence.

The Garma Festival takes place every August in Arnhem Land featuring music, dance, theatre and workshops. It’s a wonderful event to get to know the Yolngu people and begin to appreciate Aboriginal culture.