Up close and personal, Arnhem Land, Australia

From September, you will be able to experience unique indigenous traditions that will provide an intimate encounter with the world’s oldest continuous living culture thanks to Lirrwi Tourism who have introduced two new tours of Yolngu homelands. Offering small groups a stay with Yolngu families in their ancestral lands, visitors will be able to learn first-hand about the customs, skills and ceremonies of the Yolngu people, while at the same time taking part in practices like fishing, food gathering and crafts.  The tours are operated and guided by Yolngu, providing direct income for communities and a path to future economic independence.

The new tours are the first major public initiatives launched by Lirrwi Tourism, an Aboriginal corporation which has until now operated a successful program of tours for corporate groups, schools, expedition cruise passengers and other private bookings.

Two itineraries are available, each catering for between eight and 14 people:

·        Homeland Adventure, Yolngu Dhukarr – A journey among three different Yolngu homelands, travelling by air-conditioned 4WD from Nhulunbuy through north-east Arnhem Land.  Guests will stay in simple lodge accommodation or camp under the stars, and will be able to learn first-hand about aspects of Yolngu life including language, story-telling, art, dance and bush foods.  Six nights/seven days. First departure: September 1, 2014.

·        Women's Tours, Gay’Wu – An opportunity to experience Arnhem Land from the perspective of Yolngu women, for whom the land is a mother who nurtures and heals.  Travelling in similar style to the Homeland Adventure, this tour provides a chance to spend time with Yolngu women and learn about aspects of their lives including philosophy, kinship, weaving, painting, astrology, mud baths, ceremonies, cooking and medicine. Six nights/seven days. First departure: September 29, 2014.

Both tours cost AUS$3000 per person including all meals, transport, activities, accommodation, equipment, guides and permits. Cost excludes airfares and any pre/post accommodation required in Nhulunbuy. Further departure dates will be announced soon.

Under the umbrella of the Lirrwi Yolngu Tourism Aboriginal Corporation, more than 20 different Yolngu communities have united behind a plan to create a thriving tourism industry that will foster economic independence, strengthen cultural traditions and help boost Australia’s tourism profile internationally.

Lirrwi Tourism Chairman Djawa ‘Timmy’ Burarrwanga unveiled a new corporate brand conceived by Yolngu artists and community leaders that is founded in traditional symbolism.

“We have a vision to develop as many as 50 new Indigenous-owned businesses that will employ up to 1000 Yolngu people in Arnhem Land by 2032,” Mr Burarrwanga said. “Our communities have come together around a plan that will create our own income and help share our culture and traditions with visitors from across Australia and around the world.”

“With the completion of the Masterplan and the launch of our new brand, we are now on a path to creating a whole new tourism destination for Australia.”

The Yolngu Tourism Masterplan was developed with the help of former Australian Tourist Commission (Tourism Australia) Managing Director John Morse, who said Arnhem Land had the potential to become Australia’s next great tourism icon.

“Arnhem Land is one of the most extraordinary places in Australia – a land with a deep spiritual significance where you can make a personal connection with the world’s oldest continuous culture,” Mr Morse said.

For more information visit the website or phone Lirrwi Tourism on 08 8987 2828.

Photo credits: Fishing at Bawaka in Arnhem Land, Australia’s Northern Territory; Bawaka in Arnhem, where visitors will be able to take part in traditions and ceremony as part of the Yolngu Dhukarr Homeland Adventure tour; Lirrwi Tourism’s Gay’Wu Women’s Tours will allow women travellers to experience Arnhem Land from the perspective of Yolngu women.

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