FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will I be able to meet Aboriginal people?
Yes, you will be able to meet the Jawoyn people who live in Barunga, their families, and other Aboriginal people from across the Northern Territory.

Will I be able to talk to Aboriginal people?
Yes, you will be able to talk with the Aboriginal people working at the festival, and may like to chat socially with the many Aboriginal people attending the festival, like you would be able to talk to anybody at any festival. Aboriginal people typically do not speak English as a first language. The first language of most people living in Barunga is Kriol. Other languages spoken in Barunga include Myilli, Delabon, Walpiri, Luritja and Arrente.

Can I camp in the community?
You are welcome to camp in the community of Barunga for the weekend of the festival only. Visitors are not welcome to camp at any other time of the year.

How do I get to the Barunga festival?
Barunga is about 4 hours from Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory. Airlines that fly to Darwin include Qantas, Virgin Blue, Jetstar and Tiger Air.

Dyson’s are doing return bus transfers for the Barunga Festival for $100. This can be booked through www.nitmiluktours.com.au Nitmiluk Tours also do return transfers from Katherine to the Barunga community, 80km from Katherine for $44 return.
Greyhound Buses run buses to Katherine from Darwin, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Mt Isa, Broome and Kunnanurra. To book a bus with Greyhound, go to www.greyhound.com.au

The Ghan train runs from Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin to Katherine. To see the timetable for the Ghan train see www.gsr.com.au

How do I book accommodation in Katherine?
To book accommodation in Katherine, go to the Katherine Tourist Information Centre, located on the Stuart Highway, opposite the BP service station, in Katherine town.

Accommodation in Katherine includes Aboriginal-owned cabins at Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). These cabins can be booked through www.nitmiluktours.com.au

There is backpackers’ accommodation, caravan parks (Riverbank, Red Gum), motels (Katherine All Seasons, Knotts Crossing).

Will I be able to park at the Festival?
You can drive to the festival, although it is recommended that you catch the bus with Nitmiluk Tours, to reduce traffic and parking pressure at the community

Is it offensive to women to play the didgeridoo?
Traditionally, the didgeridoo is an instrument played only by men. The didgeridoo is a musical instrument, played by men who have been instructed to do so by their elders. It was traditionally used in corroborrees and as a means to call together a group for a meeting. While nobody will stop a woman from playing a didgeridoo, we ask that you are aware of the traditional practices.

Is Barunga affected by the Northern Territory Emergency Response?
The Barunga community, like every other Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory, is affected by the Northern Territory Emergency Response, also known as ‘the Intervention’. The Intervention has brought about few small changes in Barunga community life. For more information on the Northern Territory Emergency Response, please refer to