Barunga Festival is a must for anyone seeking an authentic Aboriginal cultural experience.

Barunga is an iconic family friendly event on the national festival calendar. Barunga boasts a long and proud tradition of celebrating Indigenous music, sport, arts and dance. 

Highlights include traditional bunggul dances, a main stage of live music, Top End & Barunga/Arnhem Region art and fabric fair, fashion show, didgeridoo and spear throwing, youth activities and a Big Rivers AFL competition game. Over the weekend, 40 sporting teams including AFL, basketball, softball and Rugby 7’s will all be battling it out at Barunga. On offer will be ticketed cultural workshops including didgeridoo and spear making, weaving, bush tucker and bush medicine plus community tours. 

The festival attracts a 4000-strong audience of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, who celebrate together in a small community with a local population of approx 360 people. 

Located 80 km southeast of Katherine with sealed road access, we welcome visitors by the Traditional Owners to camp and take part in a program of activities over the 3-day long weekend.

The first Barunga Festival was held in 1985 at the instigation of the leader of the Bagala clan, Bangardi Lee. The community was then known as Bamyilli. The event is entirely not-for-profit and managed by the Bagala Aboriginal Corporation.

Barunga is one of the most authentic Aboriginal cultural events in Australia that is both cost effective and accessible. Barunga sets a positive example for all First Nations people, the wider international community and all round adventure traveller. Preserving culture, keeping language strong and traditions alive has an impact for generations to come.

Barunga is 9-12 June 2023 and it's the 35 Year anniversary of the Barunga Statement. 

If you are interested in finding out more about Aboriginal culture, on country, we welcome you to attend this years Festival and experience it for yourself.

FAQ and more information is available at www.barungafest.com.au