Fact Sheets & Video - Northern Territory

Explore the top end Yolngu style in Elcho Island.

Elcho Island lies 550km east off the coast of Darwin in the Northern Territory (1.5 hour flight from Darwin). It is located at the southern end of the Wessel Island group in the East Arnhem region. The largest community settlement on the Island is Galiwin'ku which has a floating population of around 2,200 Yolngu people and is located at the southern and the thinnest part of the Island near Mission Beach.

Elcho Island is around 50 km long and only 6 km wide. During the wet season (December to March) the dirt and bush track roads can make some areas of the island inaccessible. The Island can be described as tropical with varying terrain. The eastern side is banked with mangroves where mud crab and barramundi can be found. Sandy beaches and reefs full of oysters, crayfish and fish line the western side of the island. There are areas on the Island that display tropical rainforests, tidal creeks and large brightly coloured ochre cliffs.

Settlement on Elcho Island dates back to 1942 with the arrival of missionary Harold Shepherdson. The community was largely established to move Aboriginal people away from the wartime Air Force base on Milingimbi. Elcho Island ceased to be a mission when self-government came in the 1970's making the largest Aboriginal community in Northeast Arnhem Land since the Aboriginal Land Right (NT) Act 1976. Prior to the arrival of Europeans the people of Elcho Island and Yolngu had regular contact with traders passing through the trading route between China and Europe.

The best time to visit Elcho Island is in the winter months from around April to October. Late in the year temperatures become very hot and humid and after Christmas the monsoons and thunderstorms arrive. It doesn't matter what time you visit you can be guaranteed magnificent sunsets all year round.

Elcho Island is a traditional Aboriginal community with restricted access to visitors. Permission to visit is required (by Law) and can be made through the Northern Land Council.

Further Information

Galiwin'ku Community Incorporated

Elcho Island Via Winnellie 0822, NT.

For further information contact 08 8987 9033 or visit www.galiwinku.nt.gov.au

The Galiwin'ku Guest House, Galiwin'ku, Elcho Island

All bookings through Galiwin'ku Council.

Please contact reception for a booking form. BYO Bed linen and Pillows.

For further information contact (08) 8987 9033

Elcho Island Art & Craft Centre

PMB 243, Galiwin'ku NT 0822.

To book a visit please contact (08) 8987 9252 or visit www.elchoartcraft.com

Galiwin'ku Ratjpa Dancers

PMB 243, Galiwin'ku NT 0822.

For further information contact (08) 8987 9252 or visit http://www.elchoartcraft.com/styles_music.html