Duration:
Operated By:
Our one day Arnhem Land tour departs Monday to Saturday from May 1st through to October 30th.
– Departs Darwin at 5.15 am
– stop at Coroboree Park Tavern on route
– Aurora Kakadu, South Alligator at 7.50 am
– All Jabiru Accommodation at 8.30- 8.45 am
Today we visit Aboriginal Lands (Arnhem Land) access to this area is restricted to a select group of tour operators.
Visitors to Arnhem Land are able to experience a fascinating mixture of traditional and living culture. Arnhem Land is perhaps the one area in Australia where indigenous culture is still dominant, despite a long history of interaction with other cultures, for example the Macassens who visited the shores of Arnhem Land for more then five hundred years to harvest sea slug. They came by sailing boats from Indonesian Island of Sulawesi and left their legacy with the Aboriginal people.
Then the Europeans, their impact on Aboriginal people was more far reaching and profound. Arnhem Land today has weathered all the storms and it has managed to stay as a last frontier and homeland of around 18.000 people.
While we are in Arnhem Land a traditional Aboriginal guide will show you excellent examples of rock art on Injalak Hill (Long Tom Dreaming), this area has some of the best rock art examples in Western Arnhem Land and some say Australia. The view from the top of the hill is simply breathtaking, looking out across the floodplains and around the Arnhemland escarpment. When we farewell our Aboriginal guide back at the Injalak Art & Craft Centre there is an opportunity to browse or purchase goods from this non-profit Aboriginal organisation. At the award winning Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre (Gunbalanya) there is time to watch the traditional Aboriginal people painting and to see the women weaving pandanus baskets.
With its stunning scenery of billabongs, birds, escarpment this is truly a place where you can escape and experience this unique untouched haven of the Northern Territory.
(This tour requires a good amount of balance and agility as we do a hill walk and a reasonable leve of fitness)
Access to Arnhemland is by invitation by the local Aboriginal people
Inclusions:
– Arnhem Land entry permits & Aboriginal Guide
– Visit to Gunbalanya’s Injalak Arts and Craft Centre
– Guided walking tour of Injalak Hill
– A picnic lunch atop Injalak Hill
– Afternoon tea with tea/coffee and snack
What to bring on Safari…
– Good walking shoes or boots
– One Litre Water bottle (Iced water is available)
– Sunblock
– Insect repellent
– A hat
– Light, comfortable clothing
– Camera gear
– Medications and other personal requirements
– Binoculars
– A sense of adventure!
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To say the tour was incredible would be an understatement.
The entire tour was absolutely sensational. The stories, the knowledge, the views and the incredible rock art made this THE best tour we have ever done.
And to top it off, the boys suprised my wife with an 'impromptu' birthday cake made with lamingtons and a makeshirt grass candle.
Thank you so much Tim and Shaun for such an amazing day.
To say the tour was incredible would be an understatement.
The entire tour was absolutely sensational. The stories, the knowledge, the views and the incredible rock art made this THE best tour we have ever done.
And to top it off, the boys suprised my wife with an 'impromptu' birthday cake made with lamingtons and a makeshirt grass candle.
Thank you so much Tim and Shaun for such an amazing day.
However, the evening before departure we received a Whatsapp making it clear this is a several hour hill climbing tour in the heat, with no pathways at all - only several hours of rock climbing.
This is something not all of us were able to do; We had no other choice then to cancel, a pity as we were really looking forward to the tour. As the cancellation terms (48h in advance) had passed, we threw away hundreds of Dollars.
So- when considering booking, be aware, Yingani is not an excursion with some walking/climbing but it is a several hour hike away from the vehicle, up the mountain. You certainly need more then an average level of fitness, so website could be more
Specific on this.
Should all this have been clear to us at time of booking or at least more then 48 hours before departure, we would have cancelled & received a refund - and opted for another day trip. Now we faced a 1000 AUD loss.
It was very special, seeing the rock art up close and personal, and hearing the native stories and legends behind it. We also visited sacred burial grounds and could see how much the site means to our guide, Craig. The views from the top of Injalak hill were spectacular and we enjoyed a picnic lunch looking out over the whole landscape below.
This tour requires sure footing and there is lots of scrambling over rocks. Our driver Tim was very friendly and brought us to the border store as the art center was closed on the day we went, which was a surprise to him. We were picked up at the Croc Hotel shortly before nine and back after four so it is a full day trip! I would highly recommend
Thank you Tim and Craig for an unbelievable day. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour.
There was a lot of climbing over rocks and through tight spaces which we loved, but if you are not very fit or mobile, this tour probably isn’t for you.
Finally, we really enjoyed hearing how passionate Tim is about Aboriginal culture and bridging the gap between white Australians and Indigenous Australians. It’s such an important conversation to have!
Thanks for a great day,
Jess and Jarrod
It would be a crime to visit Kakadu and not do this tour. Our guide Sean was a local Indigenous man. Unlike the Kakadu sites there’s no fences and it’s allot more authentic. Also includes visit to art gallery where prices are better than at Jabiru.
Lunch was really nice and you have it in an a cave art gallery where people have met for many thousands of years.
Excellent communication when there was battery issue with the vehicle.
A great day with lots of learning!
From start to finish, the tour was uniquely well-planned, deeply informative, and, most importantly, a true and respectful representation of Aboriginal culture specific to the Arnhem Land region. As a solo traveller in my 30s, I felt completely welcomed and included throughout the entire journey—thanks to the incredible guides, Tim and Sean.
Tim was not only exceptionally knowledgeable about Aboriginal culture and history, but his passion for sharing this knowledge was absolutely contagious. You could tell he genuinely loves what he does. He created a safe, comfortable space where no question felt too small or too big—and that meant the world to me.
Sean, our Aboriginal guide, was nothing short of extraordinary. The warmth, pride, and depth with which he spoke about his culture and his sacred land was moving. He made each of us feel truly welcomed and grounded in the experience. His storytelling felt like it came from the soul, and his emotional connection to the land was palpable and powerful.
The scenery was absolutely breathtaking—raw, untouched, and sacred. The group dynamic was also lovely; we shared many laughs and meaningful conversations, guided by the respectful and relaxed leadership of both Tim and Sean.
What stood out most for me, though, was the beautiful friendship and mutual respect between the two guides. Their rapport—built on open communication, shared values, and genuine care—was inspiring. It brought an extra layer of authenticity and warmth to the entire experience.
Unlike many tours, this one never felt transactional. It wasn’t just about ticking off sights—it was about connection: to the land, to the culture, to the people, and to each other.
I walked away with a sense of deep privilege—privilege to have been invited into this space, to learn things I never knew, and to ask questions I’d never felt comfortable asking before. Tim and Sean created a safe, respectful, and enriching environment to do just that.
100/10 – I couldn’t recommend this tour more highly. The value for money is incredible considering the richness of what you get to see, do, feel, and learn.
If you’re looking for something real—something that will stay with you long after the tour ends—this is it.
I joined the Yingana Tour with Tim from Top End Day Service, and it was absolutely fantastic. On our way from Darwin, we spotted two dingoes, lots of birds, and even buffalo. Crossing Cahill Crossing was thrilling – we even saw a crocodile crossing the road!
The highlight of the day was Injalak Hill, where we had a long and insightful tour of the incredible Aboriginal rock art. What makes this tour truly special is that Tim always brings an Aboriginal guide along. We were lucky to have John with us – he spoke excellent English and shared so much knowledge about the culture, stories, and art. It added real depth to the experience.
Tim is a great guide with deep knowledge and respect for the culture. The views throughout the day were breathtaking, and I learned so much about the nature and history of Arnhem Land.
It’s a long drive from Darwin, but absolutely worth it. This tour offers so much: adventure, culture, nature, and knowledge. I recommend it to anyone wanting a meaningful and enriching experience in the Top End.
The guide also tells you about their beliefs and spirits which is really interesting. I would really recommend it. It gives you the chance to see a quite non-touristic part of Aboriginal land in Australia!
Friendly group and tour lead, beautiful landscape, access to special aboriginal sites and art.
Having an aboriginal person with the tour was great. He welcomed and answered our many questions.
The road is bumpy and corrugated (choose a seat in the front if you suffer back-pain or are prone to motion sickness).
It is hot also hot in NT (drink a loooot of water)
but it is all worth it.
Tim invited us on a journey that was such a privilege for us balanda.
The rock art galleries were of exceptional quality and condition. Generations of stories told on these remote rock walls were explained with great knowledge and respect by Seb who was our passionate and proud Bininj guide.
Injaluk Hill is a beautifully paced walk with a stunning outlook over Gunbalunya.
Lots of opportunity to stop and take photos and feel the essence of the country.
Lunch atop the hill in a rock cave was a really welcome experience with some further Q and A with Seb who spoke of modern vs traditional life in Arnhem Land.
A spiritually and culturally beautiful experience where you feel very connected to the land and its people.
A visit to Injaluk Arts Gallery and studio allows you to take some amazing local art back with you as a souvenir of your time in Arnhem Land. The local weavers have an exceptional reputation.
(Suggest you purchase the small booklet on Injaluk Hill Rock Art Sites at the gallery for future reflection.)
Morning tea and lunch are provided, as is refreshing iced water and cool flannels on your return walk.
Our memories of this day are etched in our minds forever.
Would highly recommend this tour to all travellers who value an authentic, culturally rich experience.
Tim has created a symbiotic relationship with the traditional owners that is both sensitive and respectful.
Bo Bo Arnhem Land.
Tim and Spotin were excellent hosts and guides for the day and it blew us away how beautiful the area was and how much was opened up to us that we thought would be impossible for a balanda to ever see.
The rock art was world class and was expertly explained. The rocky path was steep in places but the team ensured all levels were supported and we took our time as a group.
The bus was very comfortable and well air conditioned and we had an amazing morning tea and lunch provided. We were a small group and basically had the site to ourselves.
This area has very limited access but it is an exceptional must see site. I would recommend everyone to come on this trip. The art and cultural experience are second to none and you will cherish the experience forever.
Thanks to the team at top end day tours for what has been the highlight of our trip on numerous levels.
Tim manages the tour with great respect for the traditional owners and Sebastian is outstanding in explaining the rock art as well as cultural aspects. He took time answering our many questions and the rock art is just absolutely outstanding!
We can highly recommend this day tours and Inalak hill is one of the most outstanding places we have visited!
Thank you Tim, Sebastian and the team at Top End Day Tours
Well worth a trip.
Guides were caring. Transport comfortable.
The highlight was Injalak Hill. The rock art is breathtaking and there is so much. We climbed up and over rocks, through crevices, pass caves and under ledges and around every ‘corner’ was more spectacular rock art. Seb talked about the stories, his culture and his country which added so much meaning to our day.
It was an absolute privilege to experience this special place and we are really grateful for the opportunity.
Time had the best gift for us at the end of the day and had us back inJabiru safe and sound by 4pm.
Thanks so much Tim and Sebfor the best day and one we will look back on as a highlight of our trip to the top end.
I did the Yingana tour on a Monday.
Had an exceptionally good time, made better by our driver – Tim.
He was always accommodating and friendly, and facilitated everything effortlessly.
Our local Guide for Injalak on the day (Sebastian) was an absolute gem. He knew so much about the area, including the history and the rock artforms, and was very enthusiastic in imparting that knowledge.
It was a long day, but absolutely worth the effort!!
Well done guys on putting together a great experience that I shall never forget!!
(R.M. - Brisbane)
Something to bear in mind if we were contemplating this trip again, we would have a look at other trips that were "close by" where we could "headquarter" in Jabiru instead of travelling for hours to get to them from Darwin.
Lunch was provided. It was a buffet on the side of the road, organised by Tim. No complaints from me, as there was sufficient food for all.
A local Aboriginal guide, Craig, was also employed by the tour company. Craig was very knowledgeable. One tip - the more you ask Craig, the more information he will provide.
Definitely recommended.
1. Microphone on bus didn’t work
2. Local planned guide did not turn up. Fill in was found but a bit of time wasted waiting around.
3. There seemed to be a lot of hanging around.
Great things that we really enjoyed.
1. Once our local guide got over his shyness he was very informative.
2. Tim was a very easy tour guide to get on with.
3. Lunch was perfect, all that you needed on a hot day. Plenty of cold water and many reminders to keep hydrated.
Couple of the sites were too hard for us to manage, but we were told of this when booking. We just forgot how old we are.
Cahill Crossing was amazing on the return journey, and the rock paintings are a must see.
My wife and I are in our late 70's and with the aid of plenty of water managed the day very well but found one of the climbs was a bit too much, so we stayed with the bus and had a natter with some of the other passengers. There was no pressure put on us to do something we weren't comfortable with.
This is one of the most fabulous places we have ever been to. Thank you so much Tim for squeezing us in last Friday! We would not have missed it for the world. When we arrived in Arnhem Land we were met by Nick our guide. He was such a lovely young man and was very keen to answer all our questions. We learnt a lot about the aboriginal way of life and were blown away by richness of their culture and how in tune they are with the land. The scenery and rock art was amazing, it was worth climbing over all those rocks to see it. It wasn’t really that difficult. Tim was an excellent tour operator and made sure we all stayed safe and hydrated! He was also very knowledgeable about the Aboriginal way of life and rock art. A lovely big lunch was provided as well as morning tea. I highly recommend this wonderful informative tour, it taught us about aboriginal culture and how much we can from them. Really really loved this trip. Thanks so much Tim and Nick for a day we won’t forget for a long time!
Tim - the Proprietor, Operator/Guide and Driver at Top End Day Tours is a solid ambassador not only for his company, but importantly, for the Indigenous people, especially the guides who join the tours in Arnhem Land.
An excellent day all round. Thanks Tim!!
Being a smaller group we were able to spend time at each site to appreciate the culture & beauty of these magnificent sites.
Tim is very knowledgeable of the land & has a great relationship with the Njanjma Rangers.
Was wonderful to have aboriginal guides to explain their way of life & rock art.
Morning tea and a yummy lunch was included.
I felt very privileged to learn about such an unique part of our wonderful country. A very special day I will cherish forever. Thank you Tim.





































































