Duration:
Operated By:
In 2023 our one day Arnhem Land tour departs Monday to Saturday from May 15th through to September 29th.
– Departs Darwin 5.30am (pick ups start 5.00am)
– stop at Coroboree Park Tavern on route (breakfast and toilet break)
– Aurora Kakadu, South Alligator at 7.50 am
– All Jabiru Accommodation (pick ups between 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 Arnhem land 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.
Important information: (This tour requires an average level of fitness, good balance/agility as we walk on unformed pathways up hills with no handrails)
Access to Arnhem land is by invitation by the local Aboriginal people
Inclusions:
– Arnhem Land entry permits & Aboriginal Guide (some conditions apply)
– Visit to Gunbalanya’s Injalak Arts and Craft Centre (some COVID restrictions may apply)
– Guided walking tour of Injalak Hill
– A picnic lunch atop Injalak Hill
– Afternoon tea with tea/coffee and snack
What to bring…
– Good walking shoes or boots
– One Litre Water bottle (Iced water refills are available)
– Sunblock
– Insect repellent
– A hat
– Light, comfortable (loose fitting) clothing
– Camera gear
– Medications and other personal requirements
– Binoculars
– A sense of adventure!
SUITS
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Do yourself a favour, stop reading my review, book a tour and experience it for yourself.
At Cahills crossing we were lucky enough to
Spot some crocs on the riverbanks. There were plenty of stops On the way to
Get food drinks etc if we wanted.
Our stop at Injalak art centre was great we had time to look at some amazing Aboriginal artwork and on the way home was able to purchase some art directly from an artist.
Lunch of wraps with a variety of fillings available ( variety of meats, salad , falafel,condiments provided to make your own lunch to have after the walk at the top
Of Injalak mountain. Morning tea was also
Provided along with ice cold water.
Definitely recommend bringing big water bottles as you will drink a lot as it is quite warm on the walk up.
One thing I loved with this company was that a local Aboriginal guide, Shaun ,
Took us up the mountain and shared his knowledge of the land, told us about amazing artwork and the dreaming stories associated with these. Shaun was great as we just asked so many questions and he was happy to answer .
Photos were welcome of most areas and again would let us know what areas were and weren’t able to have photos for specific cultural reasons which was totally understandable.
When we finished our walk down from the top, we were greeted by Tim with cold water and small towels that were in ice they were the best thing ever after the walk.
I walked away from the tour today with a Smile on my face. Not only
Have I seen some beautiful country and artwork, I have met some fantastic people and gained much knowledge from being out on country and Shaun talking about his Ancestral knowledge and discussing the amazing artworks as we walked.
If there is a tour to go on when in the Northern Territory i absolutely recommend this as a must. If ever I am up this way again I will definitely rebook.
This day tour is something different and an absolute unique experience in the NT or even the whole of Australia. With this trip you are one of the very few that gets to experience the remotely located Arnhem land. Together with one of the local indigenous guides you will climb up the hill with so much beautiful rock art thousands of years old.
Craig was able to tell and explain a lot about their culture, their traditions and of course about the rock art. The perfect way too learn more about this community their beautiful culture.
It was an early start from Darwin, and I highly recommend picking up the phone and booking directly. Not only did none of the online booking agencies show availability from Darwin, meaning I would have missed out if I hadn't called, but it also helps support the operator. This is a small-group tour, and I had a great long chat with Tim and learned a lot along the way.
Unfortunately the art centre wasn't open during our visit, but we were fortunate to meet some traditional weavers nearby and see their beautiful work firsthand.
The walk is very manageable, but there is no formed path, so you need to be comfortable keeping up the pace and staying with the group.
Crag, a Djungkay for this Country, was incredibly generous in sharing his knowledge. I could easily have spent longer there, not because the visit felt rushed, but simply because I loved every minute of it. It was a privilege to visit such a special place and learn from those who care for it. I hope I am able to return one day.
Tim assisted my friend to have a unique tour as she had twisted her knee prior to the tour, wow. Cannot thank Tim and Craig enough.
We had an indigenous guide that Tim had organised and it was the absolute best day
We saw so much rock art with stories to go with them
We got to the top to have lunch and the view was awesome
Thankyou so much Craig and Tim it was unbelievable
This was a highlight of our trip and very good value
The view from the top is nothing short of spectacular.
Tim is a great tour host, friendly and happy to have a chat, a laugh, and impart his knowledge on the areas we went through on the journey down, and he made us a darn good lunch as well!
We absolutely loved this trip and everyone visiting up here should do it.
If I could give it a thousand stars I would!
What a great day. You must do this. Don’t hesitate.
I highly recommend this tour to everyone it's highly unique and life changing.
Thanks Tim .
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.
Yingani - be aware you need to be very, very fit as its full day rock climbing in the heat We booked the Yingana tour, and having read the info in the website & acknowledging the “being able to walk uneven surfaces” we interpreted this as we would have to occasionally walk or climb uneven surfaces - which is perfectly fine. 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.
An unique experience of non-touristic Aboriginal Land! Such a fascinating tour! All the guides are local Arnhemlanders, so this is your chance to be among the Aboriginal in a good way and see a bit of their lifestyle. One of the guides takes you for a walk up to Injallak Hill which offers you a beautiful view over the community and a part of Arnhemland. It also offers you a lot of interesting Rock Paintings (Rock Art). The guide loves it if you ask questions, so if you have questions don’t hasitate and ask :)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
Great tour to Arnhem Land Beautiful landscape with great cultural significance, hosting old art relevant to generational stories.Well worth a trip.
Guides were caring. Transport comfortable.






















































































