Picture a landscape with striking features such as terracotta-hued escarpments, lush rainforests, savannah woodlands and sweeping floodplains.
A place where there is an abundance of wallabies, brolgas, crocodiles and rainbow bee-eaters. And weaving this rich tapestry together are the Yolngu people, the Traditional Owners who have been calling Arnhem Land home for more than 60,000 years and are officially the world’s oldest continuing culture.
It’s no surprise that this unspoilt paradise has been given World Heritage status.
‘Welcome to Country’ takes on a whole new meaning here, as this northeastern corner of Australia is only accessible by obtaining written permission by the Yolngu people.
For this reason, travelling to Arnhem Land requires a lot of research and pre-planning. Visitors are required to apply for numerous permits that allow public access, camping and fishing, and also have to contend with booking accommodation that can be sparse, while navigating remote roads with limited mobile reception.
Luckily, the team at Outback Spirit have already done all of this so you don’t have to.
Outback Spirit have been working closely with the Traditional Owners to develop a network of exclusive wilderness lodges, luxurious safari camps and all-inclusive touring options to capture the true essence of this spiritual heartland without compromising on style or comfort.
Being the only tour company with permission to traverse these ancient lands comes with great pride and responsibility.
The 13-day ‘Arnhem Land Wilderness Adventure’ offers an intimate experience with no more than 22 guests sharing the journey together. A state-of-the-art 4WD Mercedes Benz will effortlessly cover the roads less travelled while insightful commentary is provided by expert driver guides.
An early highlight on this tour is a tranquil cruise on the main lagoon of the Arafura Swamp, one of the largest wooded swamps in Australia supporting up to 300,000 waterbirds at any one time.
From there, guests will experience an exclusive wilderness tour doubling as a fishing adventure on the pristine Liverpool and Tomkinson Rivers, a haven for experienced fishermen and novices alike as the area is almost always teeming with Barramundi.
Three nights on the Cobourg Peninsula allows guests to truly immerse themselves in a mix of fascinating colonial history and untouched wilderness.
They’ll enjoy in depth tours around ruins at the Victoria Settlement aboard a specially designed marine sightseeing craft and a 4WD safari to appreciate the wonders of Garig Gunak Barlu National Park including the chance to spot banteng and buffalo.
Here, they’re also given another opportunity to try their luck at reeling in a catch under the helpful direction of Seven Spirit Bay’s expert fishing guides who have deep knowledge of the best spots within the marine park.
There’s no shortage of immersive cultural activities either. Described as a ‘life-changing’ experience by past guests, an authentic ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony at Wirrwawuy Beach offers the chance to learn about the Yolngu culture and kinship firsthand.
Elders here don’t just put on a presentation for visitors but rather invite them to participate in the festivities and become part of this community.
This inclusivity is evident throughout the time spent on these ancient lands, as local artists at Ramingining encourage guests to watch as they paint their stories and enthusiastically explain their meaningful place within the community.
After arriving at Mt Borradaile, local Aboriginal guides step up to give incredible insights to some of the most stunning and well-preserved rock art galleries in the country.
This front row view into a world from more than 40,000 years ago is sure to delight and inspire all those who are fortunate enough witness it.
While the roads to get here may be rugged, the accommodation is not.
Outback Spirit is proud to own and operate Murwangi Safari Camp (above) on the banks of the Arafura Swamp, the Barramundi Lodge near Maningrida and the stunning Seven Spirit Bay on the Cobourg Peninsula.
Offering fully licensed restaurants with in-house chefs and luxurious stand-alone ‘habitats’ and safari tents with air conditioning and large ensuite bathrooms, these spaces are exclusive to Outback Spirit guests and designed to be an oasis in the middle of untamed wilderness.
For those who want to elevate this adventure, why not pair it with an iconic rail journey on the 16-day ‘Arnhem Land & The Ghan Expedition’ tour?
Alternatively, for those short on time, guests can still get a taste of this extraordinary place with Outback Spirit’s eight-day ‘Arnhem Land & Kakadu Explorer’ tour.
For an area rich with breathtaking natural beauty and strong Indigenous roots on display, it’s estimated that only five per cent of Australians will ever visit Arnhem Land. Will you be among them?
Go beyond in 2026 to Arnhem Land with Outback Spirit’s all-inclusive 4WD adventures. Book by March 31 to receive pre-release savings of up to $6,200 per couple*.
*Terms and Conditions apply. Advertised prices are per person, twin share, based on the Pre-release Fare for Arnhem Land Wilderness Adventure departing September 2, 2026. Savings are per couple based on the price difference between the Everyday Fare and Pre-release Fare and are reflected in the tour fare quoted, subject to availability. Bookings must be made by March 31, unless allocation sold out prior. Offer is available for new bookings only.
For full terms and conditions, please visit outbackspirittours.com.au.
