Visiting Community

Most communities within the Roper Gulf region fall within the scope of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth) and as such, access must be arranged through the applicable administrative body.

To visit an Aboriginal community in the Roper Gulf region, you are required to apply for a written permit through Northern Land Council (NLC).

The NLC permit system helps to protect the privacy of Aboriginal communities, preserve Aboriginal culture, safeguard the natural environment and promote visitor safety and amenity. 

You need to apply to the NLC for a permit if you wish to undertake any of the following activities on Aboriginal land in the NLC's area:

• Enter Aboriginal land or waters for any purpose
• Travel by private road on Aboriginal land
• Enter or visit an Aboriginal community

Please note that permit requirements apply to all persons visiting Aboriginal communities for work or other purposes on a short- or long-term basis. This includes:

• Travellers
• Tourists
• Contractors
• Journalists
• Hawkers
• Representatives of any group, company agency or government department not covered by statutory permit arrangement