It’s official, the sexiest man alive is Australia’s very own Chris Hemsworth, at least according to People Magazine.
The 31 year old race car driving, hammer bearing, huntsman was born in Melbourne, and although he spent a great deal of his childhood there, he recalls more memories of growing up in the Aboriginal community of Bulman in the Northern Territory. He and his family spent a great deal of time there as they moved between the Outback and Melbourne.
As wonderful as Melbourne is with its artistic flair, educational museums, gorgeous cathedrals, and sports venues, let’s today focus on Bulman, located in the far north-eastern corner of the Northern Territory about 500km from Darwin, and bordering Kakadu National Park, within Arnhem Land.
Spotlight on Australia’s Arnhem Land
Photo CC by Jon Connell.
Bulman is located on the Central Arnhem Road which cuts through the beautiful Arnhem Land. You can travel along this road which connects the Stuart Highway to the south with the town of Nhulunbuy on the northern coast, however you must first obtain a permit to travel from the Northern Land Council.
The road makes for a great outdoor adventure as it is 650km of gravel road with numerous river crossings, requiring a high clearance 4WD.
Although there are a few wilderness lodges along the route, camping is probably the more accessible option. Keep in mind that fuel is limited along the drive so be sure to have a backup supply. The other option to get to Nhulunbuy for the less adventurous is to fly Qantas from Darwin or Cairns and arrive at Gove Airport.
Once again, permits are required as the surrounding land is owned by the Yolngu, local Aboriginal landowners. Many organized tours with operators that have permission to enter the area is also a great way to experience this iconic stereotypical Outback of Australia.
The oldest living culture in the world originates from Arnhem Land, dating back 50,000+ years. It boasts incredible barramundi fishing, crystal clear coastal waters for amazing snorkeling and scuba diving, and of course the intimidating yet majestic saltwater crocodiles that will make you feel as though you were in Crocodile Dundee.
The wildlife is about as good as it gets in Arnhem Land, and visitors are also very close to Kakadu National Park which should also be seen if up in the area.
Everything from kangaroos, goannas, dingos, and a third of all Australian bird species can be witnessed here. We also can’t forget that the eerie sounds of the didgeridoo originated here. This is as true an Australian experience as you can get.
The majestic saltwater Crocodile. Photo CC by Jon Connell
So it seems Chris Hemsworth lives up to his masculine roles he plays on the big screen, coming from such a harsh and rugged yet beautiful land. And who know, if his fame and notoriety keeps up they may just have to rename the area Arnhemsworth Land!
And, is it just coincidence that the world’s oldest stone axe was discovered in the land that Chris Hemsworth, the Huntsman himself grew up? Maybe just maybe he really is a real life immortal superhero.
If You Liked This Post You May Also Like:
8 Comments
Thanks for the info. I’ll be in Australia for two months, starting a couple weeks from now. I’ll look into traveling to this remote corner of the country.
Love this area of the Northern Territory in Australia, and spent three weeks driving from Darwin to Broome a couple of years ago. Spent a number of days in Arnhem Land, a very special place, and the scenery is amazing. Having travelled or driven all around Australia, still regard this area as a must see for any visitor to Australia.
Thanks for sharing a different side of Australia. I find there are similar untold and under-told stories in Canada, as both of our countries often are given more attention for their main attractions than those communities that are a little bit off the beaten path. I also find that communities with Aboriginal heritage are often reduced to little more than stereotypes and that’s why I loved how you pointed out just how old these communities are and how we aren’t ‘new’ countries- our native people have been thriving for thousands of years and there is such a rich history and culture for visitors to explore
Certainly sounds like an outdoor adventure! The wildlife is definitely one of the many exciting things to check out in Australia! Thanks for sharing!
You had me at “Chris Hemsworth”
A very interesting and useful article. I admit I want to visit Australia, but it won’t happen this year, unfortunately (or, at least, not according to the plans I have right now). Maybe next year, though. Loved the photos!
My daughter lives in Nhulunbuy having moved there from Darwin. As yet I have not visited her there but that will soon change; more so since I read your post. I rather like the idea of taking the Central Arnhem Road in and Qantas out; it sounds like a great adventure.
Thank you for sharing this amazing experience & an insight to Arnhem Land & its ways of living – just amazing and thanks for this post ?