Arnhem Land Yingana Injalak Hill Full Day Tour: 100% Indigenous Guided from Darwin

Embark on a full-day tour of Arnhem Land’s Yingana Injalak Hill, guided by 100% Indigenous Binninj people. Explore ancient rock art sites and immerse yourself in their traditional lifestyle.

Duration: 1 day
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

You will be met by our driver/guide at the accommodation pick up/set down area of your hotel.

With an early morning start it’s time to have a rest onboard until we arrive at our first stop on the Arnhem Highway where you can purchase refreshments such as breakfast and use the facilities.

As the sun rises over the vast Territory landscape we will be driving along the Arnhem Highway which offers you the opportunity to either rest or spot some unique and spectacular wild life (Wallabies, Dingoes Buffalo and lots of birds).

We arrive at Jabiru to meet up with additional guests at about 8:30am and transfer to the “Marebu bus” (our off road vehicle) for the journey to Arnhem Land. Crossing the East Alligator river at Cahill’s crossing. From here on we will be on dirt roads and engaging 4wd.

Arnhem Land is Aboriginal lands and permits are required to enter, from now on we are guests of the traditional owners. Arnhem land is where the indigenous culture is dominant and English is the locals second, third or even fourth language spoken.

Be guided over some of the most spectacular landscapes and see first hand vibrant ancient rock art that is interpreted by a local indigenous guide whose ancestors painted and have been telling stories in this traditional way for centuries.

We have lunch atop Injalak Hill and on the return journey we have afternoon tea at the arts center where you have the opportunity to purchase art works.

On our return Journey we once again cross the East Alligator river at Cahill’s crossing and return via Jabiru and return to your nominated drop off hotel in Darwin.

What's Included
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Lunch
Additional Information

We are privileged to offer experiences that are entirely guided by indigenous individuals (exceptions may occur due to cultural circumstances). We maintain a remarkable relationship with the traditional custodians.

Our Binninj guides predominantly lead a traditional lifestyle and English is not their native language.

We stand out as the only day tour operator, leaving from Darwin, possessing permits to visit some superior rock art locations in Arnhem Land.

  • Due to the out back nature of this tour we are un-able to cater for disabled travellers. We also have a minnumum allowable age permitted to travel.
  • The hill climb is taken at a very leisurley pace but a degree of fitness and agility is required.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(58 Ratings)
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Felicitym964
Sep 27, 2024
Art, language, culture - This will remain a cherished memory for a very long time. Magnificent landscape, incredible, ancient art, beautiful storytelling by a traditional owner and exceptionaland inspiringart at Injalak. It's a long day from Darwin but it's worth every minute. I'd do the tour over and over again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
181christianeh
Aug 30, 2024
The Experience of a Lifetime - Yes, it was an early start to the day but a day I will never ever forget! Starting with the beauty of the landscape via the meticulous organisation of the day to the most generous and patient information our indigenous guide Sean provided- I could not fault a single aspect of it. Thank you so much Tim and Sean … travellers beware: wear sturdy shoes, do take a one litre water bottle with you. Tim has loads of cold water on board and will want you to drink plenty of water throughout the day! Ladies, there will be plenty of bathroom stops, make use of them if bush toilets are not your thing. Watch your step, leaf litter and loose rocks can cause you to slip. Bring a hat and mozzie spray if you don’t like flies. The walks are not long but given the heat, general climatic conditions etc, I suggest this is not for you if you are on a walking frame, on crutches or if you have mobility issues including those that might bring on Asthma or breathing difficulties. Tim is a great guy but Arnhem land is Australian wilderness so a broken ankle will mean hours and hours of waiting- in pain no less - until medical help arrives!! Plan ahead and work in partnership with the tour operator. I repeat: you are in for an amazing and totally unforgettable day!!!
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U170lakathyh
Jun 13, 2024
Absolutely amazing! Everyone should be fortunate enough to experience this day. - Tim from Top End Tours was amazing - friendly and extremely knowledgeable and with a beautiful relationship with the local people. Roland, our native guide, was so lovely, friendly and thoughtful as he shared his beloved country with us for the day. I also bought a beautiful artwork directly from the artist at the Injalak Art Centre, that I will treasure. I’m 65 and in reasonable health and did the climb up and around and down Injalak Hill easily, while taking care on the tricky bits and with the rest stops provided. We earned our lunch at the top! What an experience. The best thing I did on my trip to Darwin.
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Peterlg421mw
May 24, 2024
Unforgettable experience - We thoroughly enjoyed the whole day and experience. Stunning scenery and the guided tour with our local guide Craig was a fantastic insight to the local life and culture. A very long day but the highlight of our holiday in Darwin. Thanks to the team.
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I8977rhphilliph
May 21, 2024
What a wonderful day - What a wonderful day. From Darwin it was an early start (around 5.00am) and a latish return (around 7.30pm) and it was well worth it. It was a privilege to spend over 3 hours with the local Aboriginal guide as we visited rock art paintings and hear the stories and dreamings associated with the paintings. Communication by Tim (the owner/operator) of the tour was amazing both before in preparation and during the tour. I certainly suggest that you book direct rather than through a third party.
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Jemani2017
May 20, 2024
A cultural immersion like no other Globally!!! - The most amazing trip we have ever done EVER!!! The cultural immersion we experienced was incredible. We were taken back 60,000 years to understand how humans inhabited our land. The scenery of Arnhem land is beyond stunning - actually hard to find the words and Top End Tours and Tim were so informative and helpful. Honestly highly recommend.
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Joannehk8902ra
Sep 29, 2023
Rock Art in Arnham Land - Awesome day. Excellent guide. Small group was perfect. An incredible experience - the rock art is so amazing.
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555margied
Sep 11, 2023
A fabulous day - I can't speak highly enough of this tour. We went into Arnhemland where non-Aboriginal people don't usually go. We saw rock painting after rock painting and these were enhanced by stories from our Aboriginal guide. The climb was challenging - not recommended for people without a reasonable level of fitness and agility.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caseysasha
Aug 15, 2023
A marvellous day that I will never forget. - A marvellous tour that I will never forget. Fantastic rock art in a stunning setting and a great opportunity to learn more of the first nation culture. Our driver/guide Tim was friendly, courteous, careful of our safety and wanted nothing more than for us to enjoy the land he clearly loves. Our local guide Sebastian was generous in sharing his knowledge and open to all of our questions. It was an honour and a privilege to visit such a special place.
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Andree_b
Jul 21, 2023
Value for money, authentic. - Fantastic access to rock art and the indigenous perspective from the locals. It is a long day from Darwin - several passengers joined us in Jabiru knocking 4 hours or so off their round trip.
Review provided by Viator