Groote Eylandt

Groote Eylandt is Australia's third largest island (if you exlude Tasmania) and was named by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. Meaning 'Great Island' in Dutch it certainly lives up to its name. 

The Groote Archipelago is located around 630 kilometres east of Darwin, approximately a 1.5 hour flight from Darwin or a 40 minute flight from Nhulunbuy.

The Groote Archipelago is comprised of two main island, Groote Eylandt and the Bickerton Islands, and includes the Anindilyakwa communities of Umbakumba, Milyakburra and Angurugu, which are home to approximately 1500 people. The total population of Groote Eylandt Archipelago is 2811.

The township of Alyangula is located on the north west coast of Groote Eylandt and has a population of approximately 900 people. The Alyangula township was established in the late 1960s by the Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO) as the residence of the mine’s workers. Alyangula is home to the Anindilyakwa Arts and Cultural Centre, as well as the beachside Alyangula Golf Club. The Groote Archipelago is known for its pristine waters and an abundance of fish and spectacular beaches, with access to the waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. 

A permit is required from the Anindilyakwa Land Council to visit Groote Eylandt.