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Exploring Groote Eylandt – 2024 Travel Guide

Nestled in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Groote Eylandt lures travellers in with its untouched natural beauty and rich indigenous culture. This remote island located off the coast of Australia’s Northern Territory is beloved for its expansive beaches fringed with swaying palm trees and rugged cliffs.  But Groote Eylandt isn’t just about its stunning scenery; it’s also a cultural gem. Home to the Anindilyakwa people for thousands of years, the island is steeped in indigenous heritage.

Ready to explore Groote Eylandt? Read our travel guide on this fascinating destination in the Australian outback.

clear waters and blue skies on Groote Eylandt
Image by @Kategreen91 on IG

The History of Groote Eylandt

Groote Eylandt is deeply rooted in the culture and history of the Anindilyakwa people, who have lived here for over 8,000 years. These Indigenous Australians have a profound connection to the land, expressed through their rich oral traditions, art, and cultural practices.

Fun Facts About Groote Eylandt:

  • Groote Eylandt is the fourth largest island in Australia.
  • The island was named by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1644.
  • Groote Eylandt is rich in manganese, one of the world’s largest deposits.
  • The island is home to several species found nowhere else, including the Groote Eylandt Skink.

Groote Eyelandt Travel Guide

How to Get From Darwin to Groote Eylandt

Groote Eylandt is located northeast of Darwin, approximately 630 kilometers away. The most convenient way to reach the island is by taking a direct flight from Darwin. The flight takes around 1.5 hours, with one to two flights operating daily.

There are one to two flights between Darwin and Groote Eylandt on a daily basis, and a round trip is priced around $750 to $900 AUD. 

Check out flight availability to Groote Eyelandt here.

photo of a fish swimming in the waters of a Groote Eylandt beach
Photo by @monaddi

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blue skies and clear waters on Groote Eylandt
Photo by @lincoln_petith on IG

Top Things to Do on Groote Eylandt

Fishing: One of the most popular activities on Groote Eylandt is fishing, attracting anglers from around the world. The island’s pristine waters are home to a rich variety of fish species, including the sought-after barramundi, giant trevally, and queenfish. 

Visit Cultural Attractions: The Anindilyakwa Arts and Cultural Centre across from the Groote Eylandt Lodge is a great way to explore the local aboriginal culture.

Hiking and Nature Trails: Groote Eylandt offers several scenic trails through its rugged landscapes. Explore lush forests, rocky cliffs, and pristine beaches while encountering local wildlife.

Snorkeling and Diving: The island’s clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Discover vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles.

Cultural Tours: Join guided tours to learn about the rich history and traditions of the Anindilyakwa people. Visit ancient rock art sites and hear stories passed down through generations.

Where to Stay on Groote Eylandt

The most popular place to stay on Groote Eylandt is by far the Groote Eylandt Lodge. With views of the Gulf of Carpentaria, an outdoor pool, a sea-view bar and restaurant, the Groote Eylandt Lodge is located in Alyangula in the North-Western part of Groote Eylandt.

The lodge is located right by the water and offers many amenities like airport transportation, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. All the rooms are large and spacious, and the option for a water front room is also available. The lodge’s restaurant, the Seagrass Bar and Restaurant, has a gorgeous view of the gulf as well as meal options for everyone.

Guests can enjoy sitting on their balcony and taking in the sea air. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, kettle, ironing facilities, and an ensuite bathroom.

The resort is a 15-minute walk from the town centre of Alyangula with local amenities such as a pharmacy, newsagent, Australia Post and a gift shop.

Booking.com

Photo by @kobwa55 on IG

Travel Tips and FAQs

The Best Time to Visit

The dry season (May to October) offers the best weather on Groote Eylandt, with cooler temperatures and less humidity. However, the wet season (November to April) can bring heavy rains.

Packing Essentials

It’s important to pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy walking shoes for your trip to Groote Eylandt. If you want to test the waters, don’t forget your swimsuit and snorkeling gear!

Weather Conditions

You can generally expect warm temperatures year-round, with daily highs ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The wet season can bring the occasional cyclones.

FAQs:

Do I need a permit to visit Groote Eylandt? Yes, a recreation permit is required. Additional permits are needed for access to specific areas.

How do I get around? Car rentals are available, but booking in advance is recommended. Guided tours offer transportation as well.

We would love your feedback on this page – please comment below if you’ve been to Groote Eylandt.

Norther® would like to invite you to explore more about the beauty at Groote Eylandt here. And… as always you can get more inspiration for other Destinations & National Parks to visit by following @northerhq or get your Groote Eylandt daily fix @grooteeylandt.

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Norther

NORTHER ® provides encouragement for travellers to value, enjoy and explore the NT in a one-of-kind way so they can honour and respect culture through care and integrity.

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