The Yolngu Tourism Hub in Nhulunbuy has had a busy start with several new initiatives piloted.

A major project undertaken by the Hub was to coordinate the first trial of the ‘Across The Top’ Macassan Voyage.

This trip was a nine-day journey of discovery into Aboriginal history, culture, art, and nature on a modern sea voyage tracing Macassan and Aboriginal encounters across the Arnhem Land coast.

A small group enjoyed an amazing experience, stepping back in time and into another culture as they followed the local stories of contact between Indigenous people and Macassan traders who visited Australia’s north coast in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Auriga Bay II, a well appointed 17 metre steel hull vessel with 5 air-conditioned cabins ensured guests were very comfortable during their nine day expedition.

This was a unique event and involved coordinating experiences with eight Indigenous businesses between Darwin and Nhulunbuy. Feedback from both passengers and Indigenous operators was very positive and options are being reviewed for future tours.

The Hub also coordinated a very successful Yidaki (Didgeridoo) Master Class with Djalu Gurruwiwi at Gikal Homeland on the north coast of Arnhem Land during May.

This tour was a joint venture between Rripangi Yidaki and Top End Expeditions. Again, it gave those participating a truly immersive experience. During the day the group learnt all aspects of the yidaki and other Yolngu cultural activities, with each night aboard Auriga Bay II anchored just offshore.

Current activities include the popular Cross Cultural Awareness Programmes delivered by Bawaka Cultural Experiences, as well as work with Tourism NT on risk management training programs and tourism accreditation for the Hub and it’s client businesses.

The Yolngu Tourism Hub website is now live and provides information on a wide range of products and experiences offered by local Indigenous operators: www.yolngutourism.com