We recently did a ' crossing country tour ', and then I followed on with a 'womens tour' which had been rebooked from 2022. Although both trips went to the same homeland (Bawaka) they were quite different experiences. The Lirrwi tours guides (Tyson and Howard) were excellent, really friendly, hard working and helpful. The transportation (a 4 WD small bus) was comfortable. Each homeland has specific cultural guides who have connection to that particular area. The local guides provide an added layer of local knowledge &stories. We felt really welcome, and it really was a 2 way exchange of ideas especially with Timmy, Dianne, Randy and Rita on the Crossing Country tour. The weaving with Diane and Rita was another highlight. On the womens tour Nola and Janice took us out for bush medicine as well as harvesting of pandanus and plants for dyes, so we explored more country. The timing of various excursions /activities is very fluid, so you just need to go with the flow. Accommodation was basic but comfortable, the simple bathroom facilities are in the process of being updated. The meals were tasty /plentiful. Freshly caught fish and mud crabs was a treat. Both tours left the homeland fairly early on Day 4 for transfer back to Nhulunbuy. and there were no activities organised for afternoon of Day 4 or Day 5. Also the destination homeland is subject to last minute changes change due to cultural activities, and availability of local guides.

Grandma and 2 grandsons had the experience of a lifetime. Timmy embraced the 2 boys in a life forming experience, crabbing, spear making and cultural life. I loved the time under the tamarind tree, learning all parts of weaving blended with culture and life experience. The new cabins at Bawaka are splendid, Tyson our hardworking leader, Diane and Rita our cultural guides made the days fly past. a rich and rewarding stay.

I've just got back from two weeks in the NT, a fabulous experience but the high point was definitely staying on a homeland in Arnhem Land through Lirrwi Tours. This was a trip postponed from 2021 (Covid cancellation) and at every step of the way Lirrwi's organisation and communication has been fantastic. But it is the experience - the beautiful Bawaka homeland, sitting in serenity on the beach, learning about Yolgnu life and culture from Dianne, Rita and Timmy, the traditional owners, surrounded by their family, a gentle and generous pace and space to unwind. There were two young boys on the trip with their grandmother and they had the time of their life - the men took them crabbing, fishing, spear making while we women learnt all the stages of weaving from stripping pandanas to finding natural dyes and weaving. The accommodation in new cabins was lovely and the food was fresh and balanced. We particularly enjoyed eating outside, watching each stage of the day unfold from morning to sunset. The Yolgnu culture and world is complex and ancient and it will take me a lot more study to even begin to appreciate its depth, but the friendship and kindness we experienced from Lirrwi and the community is immediate and heartfelt. Thank you.

This was such an incredible experience, Timmy & Rita are so generous and passionate about sharing Yolngu culture- we can't thank them enough for welcoming us into their home.

What an amazing experience we had on the Crossing Country Tour. The absolute trip of a lifetime being immersed in the culture of the local clan in Binyala. If you want to learn more and experience the traditional culture of the region you will be in for a great experience. Painting, fishing, didgeridoo making and sacred site visits were all on the agenda. The local people were so welcoming and made us feel part of their family. Barry our guide and his assistants were fantastic hosts cooking us lovely breakfast lunch and dinners. Thank you to Djambawa for allowing us to stay with your lovely community.

This was such an amazing experience. We visited the Bukudal Homeland and were hosted warmly by the wonderful family there. The days were spent learning about culture, kinship, language, art, and bush medicine with some fishing and oystering thrown in. The evenings were spent around the fire listening to stories about the family's ties to their homeland. The family were so generous in sharing their knowledge. Our Lirrwi guide, Rachael, was resourceful, tireless and just awesome, as were her coworkers Chris and Neil. Their resourcefulness was particularly handy when it came to removing a huge tree that had fallen across the road on our way back Nhulunbuy. The food was plentiful, wholesome and tasty. The Army tents were spacious and comfortable. The shower was a nice surprise, too.

Being in a Homeland community, being part of the Yolnja culture, learning about it. Being in a community that hasn't suffered such devastating colonisation like so many of Aust's indigenous cultures. Fantastic experience and humbling that these people are so welcoming.

Having undertaken the cultural immersion trip as a corporate group from The GPT Group to Bawaka, the trip provided such great insight into the rich culture and history that is our first nations people. Once on Timmy homeland with his family, the group and I were in constant awe of every piece of knowledge handed down to us. Their relaxed approach and welcoming nature for the group made for the best adventure to what has to be one of the most beautiful pockets in Australia. The Lirrwi facilitators Howard and Paulie were amazing from the collection at the airport to our farewell. The boys assisted the group in become comfortable at camp and allowing the immersion to kick straight off. Cant wait to take friends and family of another trip with Lirrwi.

This has to be one of the best tours I have ever been on and that's many because i travelled all over the world. I learnt so much about the Aboriginal culture and the people were only too willing to to share their lives with us. I intend to travel with them again and hope I'll be able to meet some of the friends i made on this trip and make some new ones as well. Thank you to everyone who made this trip so memorable. Rachel was an excellent tour and most capable tour leader

This was an amazing experience. We visited beautiful Nyinyikay Homeland and were warmly welcomed by the families who live there. We (the women) learned to find and use natural dyes and fibres, and spent many happy hours sitting with the Nyinyikay ladies, weaving and hearing stories. Meanwhile, the men went fishing and crabbing - and even selected a tree that, less than 24 hours later, became a didgeridoo. Howard, our tour leader, and Yolngu guides Noella and Kingsley were so knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend this tour.

Brilliant tour tho a bit basic, but that was part of the adventure. I loved it and certainly gave me a lot to ponder about the local indigenous culture. Rachel our guide was fantastic and tho sympathetic to cultural needs was also sympathetic to ours. I learnt a lot and had a lot of fun. I totally recommend this tour.

My two daughters & I and 9 female friends just returned from the Women's tour and had an amazing und unforgettable experience. The Lirriwi guides Rachel & Howard were amazing and we fell in love with Timmy, Rita, Djawundil and the children in Bawaka. We deeply thank them for inviting us to their homeland and to teach us about their culture, art and way of life! It was an experience unlike any other and we are very grateful for it!

The Baniyala community were heart warming in their hospitality, enthusiasm and inclusivity in all aspects of the experience. The depth of sharing from daily life to sacred sites was immense and an honour. The amount of laughter and discussions so lively and kind, that it was a deep inspiration of what humanity is at our essence. Such a rich experience cannot be distilled in words but this is a worthy trip of a lifetime.

My Mum and I went on the women's tour together in a group of 11 women. We both agree it was deeply special experience and highly recommend this trip if you're ready with a curious mind and open heart. Thank you to the family at Barwaka to opening their home and hearts to us all on the tour. It was a wonderful mix of learning, listening, reflecting, connecting and committing to nurturing the seed of reconciliation. Timmy, Wopurruwuy and their family showed us so many activities - basket weaving, net fishing for our dinner, foraging for mud crab and mud mussels, swimming, sand 4WDing, traditional dancing. We had bush class on the moiety system, spoken and sign language, and women's business. The tour concluded with a healing ceremony which was moving for everyone. Our tour guide Rachel was excellent! Hard working, experienced, attentive and knowledgeable. We always had abundance of food and snacks, Rachel was always one step ahead preparing things, she went above and beyond to ensure everyone was happy and comfortable. The accommodation is simple but this is perfect for the trip; to pare back and focus on the experience. Thanks again to all involved. Kate and Heather

Women’s Tour at Bawaka. An amazing country to unwind, relax & reflect. Being away from phone/email/internet and taking the day (& activities) as they come without feeling the need to rush is a good reason to go. We were very well looked after by our guide Rachael, the traditional owner of the land Timmy, our cultural guides Noella, Rowena, Brenda, Roberta & Latuya. And of course Howard, Jacki & Gary, cooks/bush mechanics/fishermen/pig hunters/musicians/.... As a guest, it is important to be flexible, to go open minded without specific expectations. You will be staying “in the bush” and unexpected things can happen that are just part of the experience. Try to immerse yourself and feel welcome in country and culture. Thanks Lirrwi team!