Injalak Arts
Injalak Arts
5
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
We are an Aboriginal owned and governed non-profit art centre - an incorporated NT Association. We have been continuously operating from this building since 1989. Our members are 350 Kunwinjku language group men and women artists and craftspeople. Some of our members choose to work on-site at the art centre painting, weaving, printing on fabrics and you are welcome to observe and interact. Our artists are relaxed and friendly, proud of the quality of their work. Feel free to ask questions. Visiting Injalak is free. We really love to share our culture with you and appreciate your custom. Our beautiful shop stocks a wide range of our authentic hand-made arts and crafts - sold at wholesale prices direct to visitors. We specialise in paintings on bark and Arches paper, natural fibre products, carvings and hand-printed fabrics including linen, silks and cottons and fabric products such as scarves, bags and cushion covers.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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1TraveltheWorld
Alice Springs, Australia12,202 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
The drive across the East Alligator river (Cahills crossing) is fairly easy, but check the tide times before you go.
It is then a nice drive through the Sandstone escarpments and on to Oenpelli, (Gunbalanya is the local indigenous name).
The Injalak Arts and craft centre is locally owned and has a huge range of artworks at whole sale prices.
While you are here, I highly recommend you also go on the Rock art tour which not only showcases some extensive and outstanding ancient rock art galleries.
We were privileged to be shown an ancient burial of bones covered in ochre that were over 600 years old and also many ancient artefact's and tools, still within the local caves.
Later, we were all invited by the local for lunch and having baked barramundi, yams and Magpie geese in a kind of hangi (ground oven).
I think it's known as a Kup-murri or Aboriginal underground oven, but I could be wrong.
We have viewed several art galleries all throughout the country, but this tour, by far, has to rate as our favorite.
It is then a nice drive through the Sandstone escarpments and on to Oenpelli, (Gunbalanya is the local indigenous name).
The Injalak Arts and craft centre is locally owned and has a huge range of artworks at whole sale prices.
While you are here, I highly recommend you also go on the Rock art tour which not only showcases some extensive and outstanding ancient rock art galleries.
We were privileged to be shown an ancient burial of bones covered in ochre that were over 600 years old and also many ancient artefact's and tools, still within the local caves.
Later, we were all invited by the local for lunch and having baked barramundi, yams and Magpie geese in a kind of hangi (ground oven).
I think it's known as a Kup-murri or Aboriginal underground oven, but I could be wrong.
We have viewed several art galleries all throughout the country, but this tour, by far, has to rate as our favorite.
Written 14 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a lovely review! We also hope you'll be back in the not too distant future, thanks.
Written 15 September 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tanya K
Darwin, Australia23 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
I am a local from Darwin, who has had the opportunity to visit Injalak Arts & Crafts regularly - particularly from 2009-2012 whilst living in Jabiru. Now back in Darwin, I try to get out once or twice a year, especially taking visiting family and friends.
Mid May, with my visiting Tasmanian Aunt, we made the trip out to Kakadu and Gunbalanya. It is so easy to obtain required permits through the Northern Land Council, check the tides and over we go.
Even mid afternoon on a Saturday, there were still half a dozen Bininj (men) painting on-site, though the women had packed up for the day. Screen printing was just concluding as we arrived, but we were able to inspect the freshly printed fabrics and talk to the printers.
I love visiting, catching up with the management, the local artists and staff and seeing what new designs are there - albeit baskets, bags, carvings, jewellry, paintings or prints.
We purchased some screen-printed material and a shoulder bag on this trip.
Alternatively, the Injalak stall at the Mindil Beach Markets is a fantastic and easily accessible option to purchase local, quality arts and crafts, where you can be guaranteed the Arnhemland locals are getting value for money - not some white fellas making heaps of profit.
Mid May, with my visiting Tasmanian Aunt, we made the trip out to Kakadu and Gunbalanya. It is so easy to obtain required permits through the Northern Land Council, check the tides and over we go.
Even mid afternoon on a Saturday, there were still half a dozen Bininj (men) painting on-site, though the women had packed up for the day. Screen printing was just concluding as we arrived, but we were able to inspect the freshly printed fabrics and talk to the printers.
I love visiting, catching up with the management, the local artists and staff and seeing what new designs are there - albeit baskets, bags, carvings, jewellry, paintings or prints.
We purchased some screen-printed material and a shoulder bag on this trip.
Alternatively, the Injalak stall at the Mindil Beach Markets is a fantastic and easily accessible option to purchase local, quality arts and crafts, where you can be guaranteed the Arnhemland locals are getting value for money - not some white fellas making heaps of profit.
Written 31 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your wonderful support Tanya! You have been such a great advocate for our art centre and we are so happy that your guests, family and friends also enjoy visiting Injalak Arts :)
Written 2 June 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
trish15H
Melbourne, Australia21 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
In researching activities for our recent trip to Kakadu and Litchfield it became apparent that a trip to Injalak Arts and Crafts was a must. We were on a self-drive trip and it was necessary to organise our visitor's permit with the Northern Land Council in advance. We camped at the Merl campground (36 km north of Jabiru) near Ubirr which meant only a 25 minute drive across Cahill's Crossing to Gunbalanya. We booked into the Injalak Hill walk which my husband did on his own while I nursed a broken foot. He was lucky to have a one on one tour with his indigenous guide, Roland, and he found this to be a fabulous experience seeing exquisite rock art and learning about its significance to their culture. I stayed in the community and enjoyed seeing the artists, screen printers and pandanus weavers at work and was spoilt for choice as to which purchases I should make! This is a cultural experience not to be missed for anyone travelling to the top end.
Written 25 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the splendid review! Will pass your feedback on to Ezariah :)
Written 27 September 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cocktail Queen
Brisbane, Australia36 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
Fantastic to see the Indigenous Artists at work and to look or purchase artwork. Although a permit is needed from the Northern land council to enter Arnham Land it is well worth it. (See their website for details). The drive across the river and into Oenpelli is very special. Flights can also be organized through Gunbalanya Air Services. They can pick up from Jabiru. Great for scenic flights.
Written 11 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole H
25 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
What a phenomenal and unique privilege it was to do the Injalak Rock Art tour. Truly spectacular. Climbing up into the mountains (stone country) of Arnhem Land we were guided through 20,000 - 60,000 years of art that tells a myriad of stories about ceremonies, spirits and of course food.
The rock art is overwhelmingly abundant, most of it being around 20,000 years old (some much older, some newer). Although styles and images are similar to Ubirr and Nourlangie it's hard to describe how much MORE there is, and what it's like to be invited to see it and hear about it from an artist and Gunbalanya community member.
Our guide Roland was gentle and informative. He has just won a Telstra award for his depiction of his dreaming Rainbow Serpent! Alongside artistic techniques and stories of various paintings we also learned about his family and local Aboriginal history prior to invasion (and some post) with good nature and humour.
Some practicalities: don't be put off if it seems hard to organise to go on the tour independently. It. Is. Worth. It. Here's how:
1. You need a 4WD, but really almost all of Kakadu that aren't the 'main' areas are better with a 4WD so worth it to rent/beg/borrow/hitch hike/steal one.
2. check the tides for Cahills river crossing. This is easy to do online or you can ring the Northern Land Council with dates you are thinking of going and ask advice (remember to leave enough time to look through the art centre after tour).
3. Arnhem Land permits are easy to get for Injalak. You can just rock up to the northern Land council office in Jabiru before 4pm and pay $16.50/person then and there without any prior effort (they'll give you a paper copy of the tide crossings too but you'd best check that in advance), or you can apply online where you'llreceive an email telling you bank details for an online deposit, but just get one in jabiru.
4. That's it! Our crossings were super easy and the permit we got in jabiru easy peasy too. The drive is about 30 mins from the mossie-infested Merl camp zone (it's the closest though) and it's gorgeous.
FYI: we were a bit confused by the info on the website. We thought we'd be transporting our guide that we would have to ourselves. That's not the case. It seems they just book in various amounts of independent tourists for the 8:45am tour and then one of your cars transports the guide while the rest follow. Everyone then gets out of their cars and you all walk together straight up into stone country for the 2 hours or so.
There were 10 people on our tour (5 separate cars/groups). I don't think you'd want too many more than that, but I'm not sure how Injalak cap it. It felt like 10 was an ok number to me.
There was also an unwell baby/toddler in our group. Note to parents: if you read the website like we did, it's understandable you'd think you have the tour to yourself, so you'd be able to leave if necessary. But you can't just leave if you need because there's a group and you need the guide to navigate your way back down. So it's unlikely you'll have the tour all to yourself and therefore I'd think it would be best leave toddlers n littlies who aren't interested in rock art with a sitter. Remember it's a long time in the heat looking at paintings on rocks.
Screaming toddlers (and shouting kids racing all over the rocks I'd imagine) in this really special sacred environment definitely have an impact on the atmosphere and on everyone's enjoyment, including theirs i would guess.
Finally, make sure you have a half-decent brekky before you go, and take plenty of water as well as perhaps some muesli bars or an easy snack.
Roland was very cautious telling us how to climb through the rocks, watch our heads and knees ("watch everything") and considering I'm not very fit I didn't find it 'hard' (if you have serious knee problems I'd not recommend it I don't think).
You go slow and obviously you're stopping all the time because there is art literally around every corner (EVERY CORNER GUYS!), but you are on your feet clambering for several hours so take care of you.
Plus you want to be able to spend some time checking out the Art Centre afterwards (you will totally buy something. The range is huge and wonderful and there's something for everyone in every price bracket).
Overall I would recommend the Injalak Rock Art Tour 100%. Once in a lifetime experience, a generous invitation from the locals at Gunbalanya to share their stories, and a rare chance to truly get a feel for the early times of the oldest living culture in the world and see the most prolific ancient art in existence.
By the way: the views! Oh my... they aren't half-bad either.
The rock art is overwhelmingly abundant, most of it being around 20,000 years old (some much older, some newer). Although styles and images are similar to Ubirr and Nourlangie it's hard to describe how much MORE there is, and what it's like to be invited to see it and hear about it from an artist and Gunbalanya community member.
Our guide Roland was gentle and informative. He has just won a Telstra award for his depiction of his dreaming Rainbow Serpent! Alongside artistic techniques and stories of various paintings we also learned about his family and local Aboriginal history prior to invasion (and some post) with good nature and humour.
Some practicalities: don't be put off if it seems hard to organise to go on the tour independently. It. Is. Worth. It. Here's how:
1. You need a 4WD, but really almost all of Kakadu that aren't the 'main' areas are better with a 4WD so worth it to rent/beg/borrow/hitch hike/steal one.
2. check the tides for Cahills river crossing. This is easy to do online or you can ring the Northern Land Council with dates you are thinking of going and ask advice (remember to leave enough time to look through the art centre after tour).
3. Arnhem Land permits are easy to get for Injalak. You can just rock up to the northern Land council office in Jabiru before 4pm and pay $16.50/person then and there without any prior effort (they'll give you a paper copy of the tide crossings too but you'd best check that in advance), or you can apply online where you'llreceive an email telling you bank details for an online deposit, but just get one in jabiru.
4. That's it! Our crossings were super easy and the permit we got in jabiru easy peasy too. The drive is about 30 mins from the mossie-infested Merl camp zone (it's the closest though) and it's gorgeous.
FYI: we were a bit confused by the info on the website. We thought we'd be transporting our guide that we would have to ourselves. That's not the case. It seems they just book in various amounts of independent tourists for the 8:45am tour and then one of your cars transports the guide while the rest follow. Everyone then gets out of their cars and you all walk together straight up into stone country for the 2 hours or so.
There were 10 people on our tour (5 separate cars/groups). I don't think you'd want too many more than that, but I'm not sure how Injalak cap it. It felt like 10 was an ok number to me.
There was also an unwell baby/toddler in our group. Note to parents: if you read the website like we did, it's understandable you'd think you have the tour to yourself, so you'd be able to leave if necessary. But you can't just leave if you need because there's a group and you need the guide to navigate your way back down. So it's unlikely you'll have the tour all to yourself and therefore I'd think it would be best leave toddlers n littlies who aren't interested in rock art with a sitter. Remember it's a long time in the heat looking at paintings on rocks.
Screaming toddlers (and shouting kids racing all over the rocks I'd imagine) in this really special sacred environment definitely have an impact on the atmosphere and on everyone's enjoyment, including theirs i would guess.
Finally, make sure you have a half-decent brekky before you go, and take plenty of water as well as perhaps some muesli bars or an easy snack.
Roland was very cautious telling us how to climb through the rocks, watch our heads and knees ("watch everything") and considering I'm not very fit I didn't find it 'hard' (if you have serious knee problems I'd not recommend it I don't think).
You go slow and obviously you're stopping all the time because there is art literally around every corner (EVERY CORNER GUYS!), but you are on your feet clambering for several hours so take care of you.
Plus you want to be able to spend some time checking out the Art Centre afterwards (you will totally buy something. The range is huge and wonderful and there's something for everyone in every price bracket).
Overall I would recommend the Injalak Rock Art Tour 100%. Once in a lifetime experience, a generous invitation from the locals at Gunbalanya to share their stories, and a rare chance to truly get a feel for the early times of the oldest living culture in the world and see the most prolific ancient art in existence.
By the way: the views! Oh my... they aren't half-bad either.
Written 20 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to give people really good and clear information about a visit to Injalak Arts and the rock art hill tour. We will actually update some of the information on our website based on your feedback. Some things we hadn't thought to tell people. For everyone's information Injalak Hill Rock Art Tours booked through the art centre direct are capped at 10 people - this keeps the experience intimate and also makes sure the guides are not overwhelmed. Another bit of information is that we run a maximum of 5 tours a day (and it is rarely 5, more often between 1 and 4). Tours are also booked through tour operator partner (Top End Day Tours, Venture North, Brookes, Lords) and we provide the guides for those. So - much appreciated and hope to see you again!
Written 22 September 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chasingthesun2016
Adelaide, Australia16 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
From the moment Joey and Johnson took us into their country we were absolutely captivated. Joey you are an inspiration, funny man but most importantly you provided us with an awesome culture experience. Thank you from our family group.
Gabriel I will be in contact soon, my students are working on sending you and the community something from our community.
Gabriel I will be in contact soon, my students are working on sending you and the community something from our community.
Written 27 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We strive to create positive and life-enriching cultural experiences. So glad you had Joey and Johnson provide that for you. Look forward to hearing from you.
Written 1 August 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Libby H
Yarramalong24 contributions
Nov 2014 • Business
The Injalak Art Centre is in the centre of the Community of Gunbalanya. The artwork is truly genuine and full of soul and spirit. Visiting this amazing centre is not only the opportunity to see and buy the artwork of the local aboriginal people but is the rare opportunity of seeing the art being made. You can experience the isolation, awe-inspiring beauty and serenity of the local area. The escarpments, billabong and surroundings are exceptional and if buying artwork you know it has been inspired by the beauty surrounding the Art Centre. Inspirational visit for me. Liz was very helpful when my husband and I were purchasing a painting, beautiful fabric and bits and pieces. If you purchase, you also will receive a card with details of the artist and the history of the work. Loved it. Highly recommend. Staff are very enthusiastic. You will require a permit to visit the remote community where the Art Centre is.
Written 8 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovely review! Thanks so much, from the Injalak team
Written 5 December 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DeniseLGoodfellow
Darwin River, Australia14 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
I first visited Injalak Art and Cultural Centre many years ago. At the time I was staying with Aboriginal relatives who were painting and weaving there. Neither the shop or the staff stood out from other centres I'd visited. Furthermore some of my relatives were unhappy with the management. This came to a head on one visit when the manager kicked out half a dozen of their best artists because these men, my adopted sons and grandsons, disagreed with his negative assessment of me.
But now, what a difference! The staff are friendly, courteous, helpful, and they know their stuff. Furthermore none of my relatives have a bad word to say about the staff.
The service is excellent. A friend wanted paintings for the wedding of gay friends in Paris. Felicity and Dave, staff members, promptly sent photos with the result that my friend bought two. They were posted to her in Sydney.
Before this last visit just a couple of days ago, I arranged a gift for a friend, a t-shirt with a Yawk Yawk Dreaming (mermaid spirit) motif. Liz, another staff member, laid her hands on it immediately. The next day I went back and met Amber who also knew about the t-shirt. Both women were very approachable and helpful, and furthermore they knew their stuff, for example Liz knew that Yawk Yawk delivered babies in the night to their parents.
The range of products was phenomenal for a small operation. An accompanying friend about to open her house as a B & B was attracted to stunning silk prints with Kunwinjku motifs. I bought a silk clutch purse with a lotus print. There was something for everyone.
Our other friend who has an arts background was most impressed by the print room and the Kunwinjku printers working there.
Injalak has come a long way, but as it is, I find it comparable with the best I've seen in the US, Colombia and SE Asia. Highly recommended.
But now, what a difference! The staff are friendly, courteous, helpful, and they know their stuff. Furthermore none of my relatives have a bad word to say about the staff.
The service is excellent. A friend wanted paintings for the wedding of gay friends in Paris. Felicity and Dave, staff members, promptly sent photos with the result that my friend bought two. They were posted to her in Sydney.
Before this last visit just a couple of days ago, I arranged a gift for a friend, a t-shirt with a Yawk Yawk Dreaming (mermaid spirit) motif. Liz, another staff member, laid her hands on it immediately. The next day I went back and met Amber who also knew about the t-shirt. Both women were very approachable and helpful, and furthermore they knew their stuff, for example Liz knew that Yawk Yawk delivered babies in the night to their parents.
The range of products was phenomenal for a small operation. An accompanying friend about to open her house as a B & B was attracted to stunning silk prints with Kunwinjku motifs. I bought a silk clutch purse with a lotus print. There was something for everyone.
Our other friend who has an arts background was most impressed by the print room and the Kunwinjku printers working there.
Injalak has come a long way, but as it is, I find it comparable with the best I've seen in the US, Colombia and SE Asia. Highly recommended.
Written 5 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Was great to have you visit - especially given your long term connection with the Kunwinjku people. Thanks for such positive feedback, we are really happy you noticed the improvements to the Centre. It's a great place to be and to work and to be able to share that will family, friends and new visitors is very satisfying.
Written 3 December 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert R
Merrijig, Australia1 contribution
Aug 2014
Our visit to Gunbalanya and meeting the artists of Injalak Art Centre was simply stunning. We met the women who create the baskets and textiles along with artists Gabriel, Amos and Larry, also staff members including Liz and
Felicity.
Thank you all!
If you are interested in art created by the 1st Australians and want to see them in action make the effort to visit.
You will not be disappointed.
Felicity.
Thank you all!
If you are interested in art created by the 1st Australians and want to see them in action make the effort to visit.
You will not be disappointed.
Written 20 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so proud of being located on Aboriginal Land and being a place where visitors are welcome and can meet and mingle with first Australians and also learn and share art and craft making techniques and culture. So glad we could share it with you Robert.
Written 25 August 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kirsty I
Melbourne2 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
An amazing place to visit! Watch the artists at work and then see their work displayed - so authentic! The drive to Injalak is also stunning - amazing how the scenery changes once you cross the East Alligator river. Well worth a visit
Written 19 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you!!
Written 25 August 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Salve a tutti. Sto valutando le tappe del mio viaggio e sono indeciso su Nourlangie, Ubirr ed Injalak. Dato che coprirle tutte e tre richiede tempo viste le distante, vorrei sapere se ne vale la pena vedele tutte e tre oppure le bellezze di quei posti si assomigliano.
L'Australia è un paese meraviglioso ma è così vasto, e purtroppo bisogna scendere a compromessi.
Grazie per il vostro contributo.
Written 11 March 2017
Thank you for your question. Injalak hill is a very different experience to anywhere within Kakadu National Park. We have a hill with extraordinary examples of rock art and also a vibrant art centre with many artists on site painting, weaving and printing on fabric.
Note: Trip Advisor will not let you use links to our website or our Instagram. You can find both by searching Injalak Arts on google
During dry season it is only a short drive from East Alligator Ranger Station (Ubirr) - around 15 km.
Hope to have you visit.
Written 11 March 2017
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