Visiting aboriginal land

Thousands of people every year visit Aboriginal land for a holiday, a fishing trip or to work.

For tourists, the attractions are the opportunity to see spectacular scenery, experience Indigenous culture such as designated rock art sites, enjoy the remote environment or take part in a particular activity, such as a safari hunt.

If you want to travel through Aboriginal land, it is important to plan your trip well in advance to avoid disappointment. Different permits and different conditions apply.

Moreover, Aboriginal people have a special connection with their land, including responsibilities to safeguard the physical health and the spiritual health of the land, such as the protection of sacred sites.

Like other landowners in Australia, Aboriginal people have the legal right to grant or refuse permission to people wishing to enter or travel through their land.

Sign in the Northern Territory
Aboriginal land is private land. It is not Crown land, nor public land.

If you want to visit, drive through or work on Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory, you are legally required to have a permit to do so.

The permit system is designed to help protect the privacy of Aboriginal communities, preserve Aboriginal culture, safeguard the natural environment and promote visitor safety.

Northern Territory Top End:
Every year, many thousands of people use the permit system to visit or travel through Aboriginal land in the Top End. The Northern Land Council administers the permit system on behalf of the traditional owners of much of this land. Permits are issued only if the traditional owners grant approval.

Northern Territory, the Red Centre:
Before any trip through the region, please check your route on a local map to determine whether you will be traversing Aboriginal land. The Central Land Council will be able to advise you of any restrictions or requirements. Remember that it is the right of Traditional Owners to refuse any entry permit.

Ngaanyatjarra Land Council
Central Reserves (Alice Springs - Western Australia or vice versa)
Phone: (08) 8950 1711, Fax: (08) 8953 1892
Email Enquiries

Anangu Pitjantjatjaraku Yankunytjatjara Land Council
For travel through Aboriginal lands within Northern South Australia 
(eg. via Mulga Park - Giles Road, Surveyor Generals Corner etc)
Phone: (08) 8954 8104, Fax: (08) 8954 8110

Maralinga Lands Council
For travel through Aboriginal lands within Central South Australia
(via Anne Beadell Highway)
Dr Archie Barton; (08) 8625 2946

Aboriginal Lands Trust WA
For travel through Aboriginal lands within Western Australia
Phone: (08) 9235 8000, Fax: (08) 9235 8093
Email Enquiries

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