Media Visits to East Arnhem Land

The East Arnhem region offers unique stories, people and stunning landscapes. East Arnhem Land is arguably the most culturally intact regions of Australia. Lirrwi Tourism is well placed to advise on and coordinate media visits from Australian and international media outlets.

Djalu Gurruwiwi being interviewed by a television crew on location at Wallaby Beach in East Arnhem Land.

Essentials

Permits
All media visits require a permit from the Northern Land Council outlining the basic synopsis and proposed locations for filming or photography.

Seasonality
The dry season - June to October is better in terms of accessibility and when traditional people are more likely to be living on homelands.

Costs
Expect to pay people a reasonable fee for people's time and their intellectual property. Being filmed, photographed and interviewed is not new to Yolngu people. Many Yolngu families have arranged their tourism, performance or artistic activities into a structured business. 

Lirrwi Tourism will determine if a particular media visit is appropriate and will negotiate a price and conditions on behalf of the Yolngu organisation or proponent. Lirrwi has staff who are highly experienced in coordinating and negotiating travel media and documentary visits throughout the Northern Territory. 

Endorsements
Lirrwi Tourism prefers dealing with travel media that has been endorsed by Tourism NT, Tourism Australia or one of the film commissions.

Pilot projects are unlikely to be considered unless they have an appropriate location budget.
Reality TV shows will be considered provided the board is satisfied from the synopsis that Aboriginal culture will not be trivialised or incorrectly portrayed. Generally speaking, the audience for reality shows is not the same our target market. This means that full commercial location rates for services and talent will apply. The audience size is irrelevant if it does not include a significant proportion of educated, affluent, adventurous travellers.

Timmy (Djawa) Burarrwanga being filmed as part of a music documentary featuring renowned world music performer Gilbert Gil.

One Day Media Visit Out of Darwin

With the assistance of Lirrwi Tourism, it is possible to capture a varied and authentic representation of Yolngu life in the space of one day.

Example Itinerary
0630 Depart Darwin on QF1943
0745 Arrive Gove Airport and be met by Lirrwi Yolngu Tourism
0900 Film or photograph authentic Yolngu dance performance with Yidaki playing on the white sands of Wallaby Beach.
1100 Depart for Bawaka Homeland, 90 minutes drive or 20 minutes helicopter flight from Nhulunbuy
1300 Film or photograph traditional Aboriginal hunting and gathering and spear fishing in a pristine and spectacular location. Proponents include senior men and women, teens and kids.
Sighting of large crocodiles is also likely, but not guaranteed.
Capture spectacular tropical sunset to the strains of Yidaki and clapsticks.
1800 return direct to Gove Airport and check in for QF1944 to Darwin.
2020 QF1944 departs for Darwin
2130 Arrive at Darwin Airport

Maximum Numbers 4
Price - vehicle based $3000
Price - helicopter add on $4000

Includes:
Performance fees and talent release
Permits
Transport
Lunch and other refreshments