Visitor Information

A permit is required from Anindilyakwa Land Council before coming to the community.

Anindilyakwa Land Council

Location

Anindilyakwa Land Council Offices, Bougainvillea Drive, Alyangula NT 0885

Postal Address

PO Box 172, Alyangula, Groote Eylandt NT 0885

Enquiries

(08) 8987 6710

Fax

(08) 8987 6745

WEATHER:

There are two seasons on Groote, the Wet and the Dry. The Wet is from November to April and the Dry from May to October. The Wet season is a time of high temperatures and humidity. There are often spectacular electrical storms and monsoonal rain, after all, this is the tropics! The Dry season is much more hospitable, the weather is fine and sunny with the day temperature on average, a very comfortable 28 and evening cooling off nicely.

HEALTH SERVICE:

There is a Health Centre at Angurugu open on weekdays with Health Workers and Nursing Sisters on duty every day. The doctor is on duty most days. The Angurugu clinic is open on weekends for emergency only. There is a Health Centre at Alyangula with a doctor always on duty.

VEHICLES:

To enjoy mobility and independence it is advisable to have a vehicle. There is a sealed road to Alyangula and Bartalumba Bay however most roads are dirt. If you wish to explore the island a four-wheel drive is best but we suggest you do not bring an expensive vehicle, as they will get damaged.

RECREATION:

Sports facilities are available at Alyangula and include, basketball, netball, cricket, golf, tennis, lawn bowls, soccer, rugby, touch football, squash, pistol club and a swimming pool. Some places on the island are safe to swim; some are not as we have salt-water crocodiles. It is not safe to swim in the ocean especially between November and May due to the presence of box jelly fish and crocodiles. There are beaut camping spots (permits required) and good fishing. Alyangula has a good range of community groups such as scouts and guides, Lions etc.

ALCOHOL:

Angurugu is a DRY area; NO ALCOHOL is permitted within the town's limits or in your home. Alyangula have several licensed clubs where you can go for a meal and drink.

CULTURAL:

When coming into cross-cultural situation, visitors have many adjustments to made and remember!!...WE ARE THE VISITORS. Often, owing to differences in cultural backgrounds, what we think is logical and acceptable is not necessarily so from the Aboriginal point of view. One of the major adjustments to make and perhaps one of the nicer is that the pace of life is slow on Groote.