Australians camping and travelling across the country are lucky enough to witness some of the most pristine and untouched beaches in the entire world. And those exploring the Top End will likely have Arnhem Land high up on their to-do list thanks to its ancient culture, diverse wildlife, and world-class fishing.
However, those hoping to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking white sandy landscapes of Cape Arnhem (Wanuwuy), on the eastern tip of East Arnhem Land, will have to wait for an important natural event to end.
Camping permits on the peninsula have been suspended until the beginning of October to protect the area while a natural phenomenon occurs — turtle nesting season. The area closes annually for the best interests of the turtles, known by traditional land owners as Miyapanu.
The stunning region, which is accessible only by 4WD — and caravans are not allowed — is an important nesting area for green turtles and is a habitat for six out of seven of the world’s turtle species, which are all listed nationally as vulnerable or endangered.
The decision was implemented by the Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation at the request of the Yolŋu people, the traditional land owners. The rule also applies to Lurrpukurru, also known as Oyster Beach.
“Miyalk (Women) Rangers are currently conducting turtle surveys at Wanuwuy (Cape Arnhem) to better understand the decline in turtle hatchlings,” a spokesperson for the corporation told Yahoo News.
“The closure of this rec area reduces human impact and gives turtles the best chance to nest successfully.”
The sandy beaches of Cape Arnhem are off limits until October. Source: Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation/IG/@fewlapsaroundthesun
The closure not only protects turtles, but is also “part of our cultural responsibility to care for country and ensure these important places remain healthy for future generations”, the spokesperson said.
When it’s open, vehicles can drive along the beaches of Cape Arnhem, but the deep tracks are known threats to turtle hatchlings.
According to the corporation, an individual female green turtle nests around every three years and can lay up to six clutches with between 70 and 100 eggs. Just one in one thousand hatchlings survives to maturity.
Helping out with beach clean-ups is a way to still access the stunning region. Source: Arnhem Coast Clean Up
How to get to Cape Arnhem during closure
While generally speaking, visitors cannot access the cape to camp for recreational purposes, there is one way tourists can get around the closure, and that is by getting their hands dirty.
A major threat to the region is the rise in waste, including countless ghost nets and marine debris washing up on Yolŋu Sea Country, compromising the population’s vital connections to the land and water.
The traditional landowners and inhabitants of East Arnhem Land, practise one of the oldest cultures in the world, and have been living in this region for more than 60,000 years.
The spokesperson explained that clean-up events are “another way for travellers to visit Wanuwuy if they come during the closure,” the spokesperson said.
“Great way to give back by helping pick up some rubbish as well as enjoying the beautiful scenery. There will be a clean-up on the first Saturday of the closure months. All you need to join the clean-up is your Dhimurru Visitors Access Permit.”
Visitors can find out more information about getting involved here.
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