EXPERIENCE

About Wugularr (Beswick)

The Traditional Owners of this Country are the Jawoyn people (Bagala clan). Today Beswick is home to many language groups and clans from across Arnhem Land.

The community was originally named Wugularr, the name of this area. The name Beswick comes from the former Beswick Station, most likely named after an English settler. Both names are used today.

When a tin mine opened at Maranboy, 40 km west, people came from across the region for work. After the mine closed in 1945, the government bought Beswick Station in 1947 and set up a WWII Native Training Centre. In 1991, the Jawoyn people were granted Native Title to their lands, and the families living here stayed on, many of them with roots all across Arnhem Land.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Before Arriving

Visiting an Aboriginal community is a unique experience. These notes will help you prepare and make the most of your time with us.

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Permit

A permit is required to visit the community, these are free and can be applied for online from the Northern Land Council

www.nlc.org.au/permits

Sacred Sites

There are many sacred sites surrounding the the community of Beswick. Some have certain restrictions or are not open to visit by the general public, so it’s important to check with the staff from Djilpin about areas open for exploration before leaving the town centre.

Important Ceremonies

Important ceremonies or the death of a local person may impact on, and even shut down, the whole community.

Djilpin Arts is not responsible for changes to schedules caused by unforeseen community events, and we ask you to please be sensitive and understanding if such a situation arises.

Climate

Daytime temperatures are warm all year round, ranging form 25ºC to 35ºC. From April to September the nights and early mornings can be chilly so please bring appropriate clothing. Please be sure to bring a sun hat and we recommend dressing for comfort and the climate in light, loose-fitting, modest clothing that covers the shoulders and thighs. It is best to avoid tight, skimpy, short or revealing clothes.

Phone & Internet

Telstra is the only service provider with full mobile coverage at Beswick.

If you need access to your phone/internet we suggest you purchase a prepaid Telstra SIM card before arriving in town.

Photography

While many people are happy to be photographed, please be courteous and ask permission before photographing people or places within or surrounding the Beswick community.
Djilpin Arts is committed to child protection in the region, please do not post any photos featuring local children to your social media channels under any circumstances.

Petrol

It is prohibited to bring unleaded petrol into Beswick. The only acceptable fuels are diesel, premium, low aromatic fuel (Opal) and LPG. You can purchase fuel from the local store.

Alcohol

It is prohibited to bring alcohol into Beswick. The community social club and beer garden is situated behind the old store and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 4:30pm-7:30pm. Visitors are welcome and all patrons can purchase a limited number of mid-strength beers only.

The General Store

The community store is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4pm, and on Saturday from 8:30am-12:30pm. It is closed on Sunday. The store is well stocked with fresh produce and a variety of products, and it serves a limited selection of hot take away food.

Health Clinic

The Sunrise Health Clinic is located near the community store and the Shire offices.

It is open Monday to Friday from 8am–4pm. For after hours medical attention please phone 8975-4527.

Stay with us

Djakanimba Pavilions

Immerse yourself in the Wugularr community with a stay in Djilpin's architecture-award-winning Djakanimba Pavilions.

Our four stylish, elevated Pavilion rooms sit in the heart of Wugularr, right next to the Arts Centre and just 100 km from Katherine via a sealed road. The Pavilions suit work and leisure travellers alike. Stay for a night or longer, join one of our experiences and explore the community at your own pace.

Each room includes: