Eco-cultural Programs

Arnhem Land in Australia's Northern Territory is a terrific place to study the didgeridoo in the context of its source culture. It is here that the instrument is understood to have its mythological origins... And today, Arnhem Land is widely regarded as the homeland of the didgeridoo where its use by the Aboriginal people of the area continues as an unbroken tradition since time immemorial...

Arnhem Land is remarkable for another reason... it is one of the few regions in Australia where Indigenous culture is strong and where language, law, ceremony, and tradition are essentially intact.

And the majesty of the landscape is something to be seen and experienced!

The Rripangu Yirdaki Masterclass, 21-27 July 2008

What: A one week cultural immersion experience with Djalu Gurruwiwi and family.

This is a rare opportunity to learn from the Grandmaster of yidaki, Mr Didgeridoo himself, as well as to experience Yolngu life from the inside.

You will be living in Djalu's community as his and his family's guest.

There will be heaps of time for in situ study of the didgeridoo - in playing as well as crafting - from the best of the best: Djalu, Larry Winiwni, and other yidaki personalities including but not limited to Mirarra' Burarrwanga, Adam Marrilaga, and Vernon Marritjngu.

Each participant will have the chance to craft their own yidaki under the guidance of Djalu, and to keep this instrument as part of the Masterclass experience. For an extra cost, Yolngu artists will paint your yidaki.

Cultural activities are not limited to yidaki but will encompass hunting, gathering and spear fishing, basic conversation in Yolngu Matha, lessons in kinship and social structure, participating in bunggul (ceremonial dance)... the list goes on - see pics below. Ever tasted bush honey? Here's your chance! How good are you at throwing a spear? Find out when you're at the Masterclass!

Camping style accommodation in tents is provided for (and hotel accommodation is also available at roughly AUD$143 per couple per night, or AUD$165 twin share, for those who do not wish to camp). Participants may bring their own camping equipment if they wish. There will be a shared toilet and shower block for participants. 3 meals a day are included, comprising of international cuisine cooked up by our volunteers, plus there will also be Yolngu bushfoods to be had throughout the week. Please let us know if you are vegetarian, if you do not eat certain foods, or if you have any special dietary requirements.

Meet your fellow 'trad heads' from around the world as they gather together for the inaugural and Djalu's own Rripangu Yirdaki Masterclass! Men, women and couples are welcome to participate.

Where: Ga:luru outstation, Gove Peninsula, NE Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia.

Cost: AUD$2000 per person for 7 days.

Itinerary: Pick-up from Gove airport on the 21st of July. There is no set itinerary for the rest of the time... Why? Because in Arnhem Land, we operate in Yolngu time and not Ngapaki time!

Bookings: As places are limited, we encourage to you book with us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Limit of 20 people per Masterclass. We are taking bookings and accepting payment at the moment, and confirming places.

Dates: 21-27 July 2008. Other dates to be announced.

The inaugural iDIDJ-Rripangu didgeridoo Study Tour, June 2004

"One of the rare treasures that occur from time to time in life. Memories of the time will remain embellished in my mind for a long time to come. Hope to have the opportunity to visit with Djalu and family again... it will be hard not to shed a tear or two when playing and thinking of the time there..." - Chris Riley

"The iDIDJ tour was important and unique for two reasons. Firstly, the tour was personalised and our group was small. I feel this is important because I wanted to experience the real life of Yolngu people and to share in the daily life of Djalu and his family. I don't think this is possible in a big festival. Secondly, because there was no itinerary, it didn't feel like a tour and every day was a surprise. It also gave me a real chance to learn and participate, to be involved. I really liked morning tea time and afternoon tea time when everyone sat on the ground and talked about something. It was a very natural time and I enjoyed it very mach. Through this tour, I was able to see the real life of Yolngu people which is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for organising the Djalu tour! It was very good experiense for me. And it was very important that I could see their real life and culture!" - Haruhisa Deguchi

"Thanks for everything! Now we are enjoying talking about the tour with friends! My other friend wants to see you becouse he is studying about Aboriginal language!" - Yuji Maeda

"The iDIDJ experience with Djalu and his family at Ski Beach was more than I could have imagined. A complete immersion into the life and culture of a community for whom the yirdaki represents an integral part of being at all levels. I miss that, I miss all the chats, I miss all the learning that I do not yet have (music, dance, language, skin system), and I sincerely hope to be back soon." - Martin O'Loughlin

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