Stone Country Festival Culture and Connection August 30-31 2025
Gunbalanya Western Arnhem Land
Stone Country Festival Culture and Connection August 30-31 2025
Gunbalanya Western Arnhem Land
About Stone Country Festival 2025
Enjoy a 2-day unforgetabale experience
A celebration of culture and connection.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and landscape of Western Arnhem Land and the Stone Country. Send us an email to know more about it.
Immerse yourself
All are welcome to visit this extraordinary community and learn about their culture that continues to thrive in harmony with nature.
Step into a world rarely seen—Western Arnhem Land, a breathtaking landscape normally closed to the public to protect its ancient cultural heritage, pristine environment, and the people who are its custodians.
This is a rare invitation to experience one of the last strongholds of traditional Aboriginal culture. Spend two unforgettable days immersed in the rich traditions of the Kunwinjku people.
Wonderful and amazing activities awaits you
- Cultural activities and storytelling.
- Traditional arts display, art sales, and dance performances.
- Bands showcasing contemporary Indigenous music.
- Helicopter tours of the Stone Country and the surrounding floodplain.
- Bush tucker and cultural food experiences.
- Rock art tours, where you can experience one of the most prolific rock art galleries on the planet.
- Insights into the deep spiritual connection between the people and the land.
Our Performers
Dr. Shellie Morris
Multi-award-winning singer/songwriter Dr Shellie Morris AO creates music and sings in around 20 Australian Aboriginal languages, preserving and promoting culture.
A celebrated international touring vocalist, feature performer in Black Arm Band and part of the internationally award-winning musical documentary Prison Songs, she is a varied and captivating artist.
Desert Melody Makers
The brainchild of Lance ‘LT The Soundman’ Turner, Desert Melody Makers explores the sound and soul of bush reggae. They have performed and won prizes at multiple sports weekends and jump on any opportunity to perform and share their love of music, driving crowds into joyous frenzies all over the Central Desert.
Nabarlek
Nabarlek are an Indigenous Roots band from Manmoyi, a tiny community in Arnhem Land, 215 kilometres from the remote community of Gunbalanya. The band formed in 1985 as a group of singers and dancers with a couple of busted guitars and flour tins for drums. The members are Bininj (the indigenous people of West Arnhem Land) and they sing in the Kunwinjku language and in English, trying to reach across the cultures and to pass their knowledge from one generation to another. Their songs are traditional songs of the Kunwinjku people of western Arnhem Land with a rock/reggae arrangement. They call themselves the garage band that never had a garage.
Ripple Effect band
RIPPLE EFFECT BAND IS AN ALL-FEMALE GROUP HAILING FROM MANINGRIDA IN ARNHEM LAND, NORTHERN TERRITORY.
While they continue the tradition of saltwater rock from the Top End, they are breaking new ground as the first women from their community to play instruments and form their own band. They sing in the languages of their people: Ndjébbana, Burarra, Na-kara, and Kune, sharing stories about their land, languages, and culture.
Wildflower Band
Wildflower are an Aboriginal rock/reggae band from Mamadawerre, Northern Territory, a remote outstation in Arnhem Land. They sing mostly in the Kunwinjku language and tell traditional stories with lyrics written by mentor Jill Nganjmirra
Martin Tucker
Come join us and spend two unforgettable days immersed in the rich traditions of the Kunwinjku people.
Helicopter Booking
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Arnhem Land stone country escarpment from whole new perspective! At Kakadu Air, we offer unforgettable scenic helicopter tours departing from the festival site. Soar stunning escarpment, the Arnhem floodplain, and ancient landscapes. Our knowledgeable local pilots are passionate about sharing this iconic part of the world. Book your adventure on the festival grounds or online.
Festival Partners and Sponsors
Contact Us
Stone Country Festival
