Although we generally travel by ourselves, we booked onto a tagalong tour with Great Divide Tours to see Arnhem Land. We've known Vic Widman (the owner) for years and have done many tours with him and his company over the years and his connections and hard work over a long period of time has meant that his Arnhem Land trip gives experiences and access to areas we know we wouldn't have seen by ourselves. Whilst it was an added expense and a change to our way of travelling (having to stick to someone else's routine and schedule and share our travels with 18 other people!) we thought it was worth it to fully experience what was on offer. As it turned out we were right! The whole trip couldn't have been more amazing, all of our travelling companions were great, and everyone got along so well.
We all met our travelling companions and guides at the caravan park on the Friday night for a briefing of what was to come and then we all had dinner together to get to know each other. Next morning we were all up early, packed and ready to go, eager to see what lay ahead.
Unfortunately most of the Cobourg Peninsula was closed for the year out of respect for the passing of a senior Traditional Owner of the area so the first few days of our trip needed to be amended, but this meant spending a little time in Litchfield National Park which we really enjoyed.
OUR ITINERARY
Wiligi Outstation Corroboree Park Litchfield NP Dundee Beach Katherine Mainoru Store Dhalinybuy Nhulunbuy Bawaka Baniyala Mainoru Store Mataranka
Our first stay was two nights at Wiligi Outstation, and what a way to start the trip. Wiligi is a remote outstation located on Mount Norris Bay. Whilst they do have eco tents and cabins available, we all camped.
What a top spot this was, water views from the camper, beautiful breeze off the water and so quiet and peaceful, it was a little piece of paradise. We spent time relaxing around camp, taking in the surroundings and getting to know our new friends.
We all took a boat over to explore the nearby, Copeland Island. We walked around and saw a dolphin, a turtle, sea eagles nest and some bats. Later in the day, some of the others took the boat out again for a spot of fishing.
With the temperatures so high, it’s pure torture being right on the beautiful blue water and not being able to swim. Whilst we didn’t see any crocodiles, I’m sure they probably saw us!
On the last night we had Reuben (the traditional owner of the land) come down to our camp and chat with us and tell us his life story and that of his ancestors, very interesting man. He told us that the main thing is that people come to enjoy his land and whilst we all may be sad when we leave, we must leave our happiness behind for him to share.
