Northern Territory, Australia
Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris Eco Lodge
A place of exclusive and privileged access to phenomenal rock art, this ancient site in Arnhem Land within the Northern Territory of Australia is where experiences, both cultural and natural, are immersive, sacred and remarkable. A place of exclusive and privileged access to phenomenal rock art, this ancient site in Arnhem Land within the Northern Territory of Australia is where experiences, both cultural and natural, are immersive, sacred and remarkable.
A place of exclusive and privileged access to phenomenal rock art, this ancient site in Arnhem Land within the Northern Territory of Australia is where experiences, both cultural and natural, are immersive, sacred and remarkable. A place of exclusive and privileged access to phenomenal rock art, this ancient site in Arnhem Land within the Northern Territory of Australia is where experiences, both cultural and natural, are immersive, sacred and remarkable.
Location
A sacred Aboriginal site of immeasurable cultural significance, the Mt Borradaile landscape has been entrusted by the traditional Yolŋu owners on the condition that it is only shared with small groups of visitors. The overhangs of the escarpment hide one of the largest rock art collections in the world, illustrating traditions from 50,000 years ago through to the arrival of European ships.
This 700 km² exclusive lease in northwest Arnhem Land, part of Australia’s Northern Territory, is less than an hour by plane from Darwin. It’s an ancient wilderness where the crocodiles and the barramundi in the billabongs remain as they were when depicted by hands of ancient custodians.
This 700 km² exclusive lease in northwest Arnhem Land, part of Australia’s Northern Territory, is less than an hour by plane from Darwin. It’s an ancient wilderness where the crocodiles and the barramundi in the billabongs remain as they were when depicted by hands of ancient custodians.
Accommodation
Thanks to the unique relationship that Max Davidson has built up over decades with the custodian people of this richly powerful location, a few lucky guests are able to have an immersive experience in Aboriginal culture in a true outback location.
There are twenty cabins at Davidson’s, though you’ll barely ever find them all occupied, such is the desire to keep visitor numbers low. Part of the charm of this place is that they don’t try to entice people here by needless luxury or fancy advertising: it’s functionally very comfortable but authentic and ruggedly Australian. Corrugated iron, that staple building material of the outback, is abundant!
There are twenty cabins at Davidson’s, though you’ll barely ever find them all occupied, such is the desire to keep visitor numbers low. Part of the charm of this place is that they don’t try to entice people here by needless luxury or fancy advertising: it’s functionally very comfortable but authentic and ruggedly Australian. Corrugated iron, that staple building material of the outback, is abundant!
The ensuite cabins come in two categories, with the deluxe option offering more space, but all benefiting from large mesh windows and private patios for connection with the bush setting. Accommodation is dispersed around a site centred on a lodge building. With a large outdoor deck overlooking a sandstone-paved swimming pool, the cool and shady lodge is a haven of refreshment and story-swapping at the end of any day.
Casual and relaxed in the best of Australian tradition, the lounge and dining areas (indoor and out) are complemented by a full bar; something that exists with the permission of the local community elders. This fact is a reminder that you are a guest in this special place.
Casual and relaxed in the best of Australian tradition, the lounge and dining areas (indoor and out) are complemented by a full bar; something that exists with the permission of the local community elders. This fact is a reminder that you are a guest in this special place.
Experiences
There are some places in the world where elements and forces, tangible and intangible, intersect to create something so magical that it can only be appreciated by experience. This is one of those.
- In the company of a local guide from the Yolŋu community, discover the scale and beauty of the rock art galleries, along with the traditional techniques used to paint them.
- Explore the thriving wetlands, billabongs and plains surrounding Davidson’s Lodge. Spot saltwater crocodiles, kingfishers, jacandas and wallabies.
- Spend time with local people to hear about customs, Dreamtime stories, and the spiritual significance of the landforms and species of the ecosystem. You’ll learn about bush tucker and traditional medicine too.
- Up on the escarpment, there’s a swimming hole that’s safe for a cooling dip. With crystal-clear water and a soft sandy bottom, this pool is a cooling paradise where birdwatching is also excellent.
- Try your hand at barramundi fishing in the shady billabongs and snaking waterways of Arnhem Land. Specialist guides help even a novice to enjoy the thrill.
- Hike into the rugged sandstone escarpment and the sacred labyrinth of geological and spiritual forces. Take in staggering views at sunset and connect with the ancient truths held in this landscape.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Elders past, present and emerging, on whose land Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris stands. In sharing elements of their history, heritage and culture we honour their deep connection to country.
Positive Impact
We prioritise working with properties that address location-specific needs from education to conservation and environmental sustainability. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that address location-specific needs from education to conservation and environmental sustainability. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.
Community
With full permission and partnership with the Yolŋu custodians of Arnhem Land, Davidson's ensures that indigenous culture and the land itself are respected. The lodge provides employment opportunities for the local community, fostering economic benefits within Arnhem Land.
Environment
Davidson's implements practices to reduce their environmental footprint, including water and energy conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing. The development has used eco-conscious design and the infrastructure blends harmoniously with the natural environment.
Conservation
Davidson’s lodge supports wildlife protection and promotes responsible tourism, helping ensure the cultural and natural beauty of Arnhem Land is preserved for generations to come.
Why Travel with Journeysmiths
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.