This year the Barunga Festival celebrates 23 years as the longest running Indigenous festival in Australia with a bigger and better program of culture and sports. Music is the highlight of the festival, with contemporary and traditional musicians and dancers from all over the Northern Territory performing. A special feature this year, ‘masters of didj’, will showcase the talents of some of Arnhem Land’s master players of this popular instrument here in its home territory.
As well as a full weekend of music, you’ll be able to experience cultural activities such as basket weaving, spear throwing and bush tucker tasting and can buy art direct from local artists!

Concerts on Friday and Saturday night will feature some of the NT’s favourite bands - Sunrize Band, Letterstick Band, Springwater, Blekbala Mujik and Waak Waak Jungi and some of the most exciting emerging musicians will be there too! The Road Safety Song Competition supported by the NT Government will showcase the newest emerging bands from across the whole Northern Territory.

This is a grog-free event and a relaxed, enjoyable way to spend the holiday weekend. Food and soft drinks will be available all weekend.

Barunga community is one of the most easily accessible Aboriginal communities in the Top End with sealed roads all the way. It is 80kms south east of Katherine on the Central Arnhem Highway. From Darwin, travel south to Katherine on the Stuart Highway, continue through Katherine and drive a further 50kms and turn left into theCentral Arnhem Highwayand continue to Barunga for another 30kms. All turn offs will be well signed.

Permits
Permits are not required for the festival.

Camping
Camping in the community is free. Bush toilets, public toilets and ablution blocks with showers are scattered all over the camp grounds. Un-powered camping.