groote eylandt

Groote Eylandt is approximately 650 kms east of Darwin in the Gulf of Carpentaria, about 50 kms off the eastern coast of Arnhem Land. The island measures 50 kms east to west and 60 kms north to south, with an area of 2,326 square kilometres. The third largest island in Australia, Groote Eylandt and its sprawling archipelago encompasses some 40 smaller islands.

Groote Eylandt, home to the Anindilyakwa People, features some of the most well preserved and vivid rock art in the world, with a population of approximately 2800.

The archipelago and its natural environment is quite unique, with pristine beaches, spring water swimming holes, open woodland, rainforest and sand dunes. The marine environment surrounding the island has complex reef systems and a rich fishery.

The airport is located in the north of the island near the community of Angurugu, about 20 minutes drive from Groote Eylandt Lodge. The Groote Eylandt Lodge is a 15-minute walk into the main township of Alyangula where there are shops and other amenities.

Groote Eylandt features some of the most exciting fishing grounds in the world. Surrounding the lodge is 300km2 of prime, virtually unfished water, catering for every angling experience.

Groote Eylandt is part of the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Reserve. GEMCO, a South32 / Anglo American plc joint venture, operates a large manganese mine near the community of Angurugu. In operation since the early 1960s, the mine produces more than 3.8 million tonnes annually – about a quarter of the world's total.