Tourism

The Jawoyn people have been involved in the tourism industry for more than 20 years.

We see tourism as a long term and sustainable form of economic activity, with the potential to give widespread benefits in employment and wealth creation for the Jawoyn people as well as the whole region.

In 1993, the association established Nitmiluk Tours as the tourism arm of the Jawoyn at Nitmiluk National Park.

From a humble 25 per cent share in a joint venture of the commercial operations in the park, in 2006, Nitmiluk Tours became the sole operator of the boats, canoes, caravan park and visitor centre at the world-reknowned park.

Manyallaluk Tours, at the Jawoyn community of Manyallaluk (Eva Valley) is one of the Territory’s longest running tourist operations and has been in place since 1991.

The Barunga Festival held annually on the June long weekend, continues to showcase Jawoyn culture and sports at its very best. As one of Australia's longest-running Indigenous festivals, large crowds flock to Barunga community every year to try their hand at basketweaving and didgeridoo making, to listen to dreaming stories, to watch traditional dancers and up and coming sports heroes, and to listen to local bands.

New ventures are also on the horizon. The Jawoyn are also looking to expand their rock art program with a view to opening up some of the more spectacular galleries to the tourism market.

A further tourism opportunity exists with a proposed fishing and camping development beside the water dam at Mt Todd.

‘Land has always been part of our traditional economy. That doesn’t mean we see it as something to be exploited. It’s not just there to make money out of and then be left behind. We have responsibilities to our land, which are responsibilities to the old people, the present generation and our children and grandchildren. We have to use the land wisely.’
Bangardi Lee