Arnhem Land tours

The primary focus is the social and economic benefits that is being provided to Aboriginal communities and traditional owners of the land. Therefore, any tour operator who has access into these lands (as only very few operators do, particularly into Arnhem Land, Cobourg & certain areas of Kakadu) must work closely with the Traditional Owners and through visitation to these lands, the economic benefits directly flow into these communities through purchase of permits and the guiding provided in some parts of the tour. Visitation to these parks directly assists in providing education and employment opportunities.

This Arnhem Land tour also includes visits to some Aboriginal-owned and controlled Art Centre such as Injalak Arts & Craft Centre. Injala is a non-profit community enterprise. It has 200 members made up of artists and weavers from Gunbalanya and surrounding outstations. All artists are paid in full up front for their work. The art centre is professionally managed to ensure ethical support for the production marketing and distribution of authentic Aboriginal art. 100% of the returns go directly to Aboriginal families or organisations. Community art and craft centres play an important role in the artistic and cultural life of traditional Aboriginal artists living in remote communities. In the 1989 independent review into the operation of Aboriginal Community Arts and Crafts Centres by John Altmann it was determined that one of the most effective way to subsidise Aboriginal communities was to fund Arts and Craft centres, thus enabling Aboriginal people to generate independent income which remains in the community. These Art Centres and guiding opportunities are a vital part of remote community life as they provide much needed income and employment opportunities as well as being a focus for family connection, social and cultural activities and the means to celebrate Aboriginal identity. Of course, the other major tangible benefit is the promotion of art and culture peculiar to a region.

Brendan Bainbridge, owner/operator of the ground operator, was born locally and is an individual who takes pride in everything visitors see and experience during their Territory Visit. A lifetime of visiting and living in places such as Kakadu and Arnhem Land has allowed Brendan to form and maintain close relationships with many of the areas locals and traditional owners. As a Savannah Guide Operator we are required to maintain a high standard of guides, vehicles and equipment. Our experienced guides are not only entertaining bushmen and story tellers, but experts in their fields of rock art, Aboriginal culture, anthropology, history, botany, ornithology, wildlife. Our programs work closely with indigenous people and communities providing employment opportunities, training, business and economic development.