.png)
OUR STORY
Since he was a boy Christian held onto a dream of a girl with clear eyes and dark curly hair ... for 36 years (!) always too busy following his calling and moving from place to place, eventually he ended up in remote Arnhem Land.
Caroline, after a powerful experience with God, after being hit by a car while motorcycling to work in Nairobi, ended up in New York running a research lab. One weekend she said, "Ok God, whenever you think I'm ready, I ask that you send me a Christian." Two days later (!) a mutual friend knowing nothing of this prayer, insisted Caroline give her friend a call across the Pacific.
Christian, tricked into a phone call with this random suddenly felt a knowing kind of thrill before the call ... a call that went for days ... and the calls did not stop.
Caroline wanted to meet. Christian said it was impossible. He was in Numbulwar and even his flights were cancelled. Caroline flew NY-QLD-Darwin, caught a bus to Katherine, and then talked her way onto the only mail-plane for weeks to Numbulwar (look it up!) ... Just to stay that week!
As they met, a Jabiru walked right up to them, and was to be one of many signs encouraging them God was doing the impossible.
Arriving back in NY, Covid hit America. Caroline caught the second last plane to Australia, then Arnhem Land ... and she hasn't left.
RSVP's are now closed. Thank you.
getting here
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
We know that it's far and short notice. The reason for the rush:
Caroline hopes to start her PhD in Seattle, USA toward end of this year!
God has always made a way in the wilderness for Christian and Caroline, on their separate journeys and in bringing them together. They dearly love the wild place they call home, and would be delighted to get to welcome you here, especially before Caroline leaves.
But, we know it's hard to get to our peninsula jewel in the Territory! It wouldn't be wild if it was easy! If you are able to come, here are some ideas:
Driving into Gove - If you're planning on driving please email us and we will add you to our Central Arnhem Rd facebook page for tips and updates on the track.
HOT TIP: Flying into Darwin + Rent a car - Getting to Darwin might be cheaper and it's a great time of year for the driving track! You could rent a car from Darwin/Katherine to drive here (watch out for buffalo 🐃) and then camp $40/night by beach and pool with full amenities at Walkabout lodge. (Hot tip #1.1: get your rental car insurance from external provider - sooo much cheaper. Hot tip #1.2: let us know if driving and we will give you the best places to stop along the way/camp. Or connect you with others we know thinking the same so convoying is an option! :)
Flying into Gove - book early and book fast! If you're able, try to book on one ticket as the final leg regional provider (Air North) is known to change flight times. For this same reason we recommend flying in Thursday 22nd the latest. It can be helpful to use a travel agent. If you're looking for one who knows the Top End, call:
Georgie Lourey
Senior Consultant
Flight Centre Gateway Palmerston
+61 8 8901 2600
Moving around here in Gove
1) GRM are cheapest. Rent a sedan 5 seater $74/day. Book through website.
2) KANSAS rentals. Call 08 8987 2872
3) GOVE TAXI. Small and maxi taxis. Between $10-15 around town and $50 to airport. Call 08 8987 2872.
We think there is a rival taxi company, GOVE MAXI and BUSH TAXI +61 8 8987 8254
4) AIRPORT PICKUP/DROP OFF: Hopefully we/others will grab you. But there is a shuttle bus: $15 bucks if you pay cash. $17 card. Phone: (08) 8987 2872; Email: bookings@kansastransportation.com.au
5) I am renting a couple of 22 seater buses from an Aboriginal church for Friday and Saturday (Le Wedding) to move between the Ceremony in Yirrkala, and the Reception, in Gove. I have also rented a couple Troopy's to for guests to share.
MAP the map shows where the reception is but guests will be staying in the town Nhulunbuy (where we are).
Accomodation
Walkabout Lodge ($$$$)
Gove Peninsula Motel ($$$)
Dhimurru Short Stay Accomodation ($$)
Camping (see below) ($)
The weather in the dry is wonderfully breezy, gentle and warm.
Every one in the Top End goes camping in July because its the BEST WEATHER for it!
**BYO tent, or reach out if you want information on borrowing or hiring**
Walkabout Lodge Camping: (This is our pick as you have toilets, showers, and a small swimming pool and within walking distance to our reception, right next to the centre of town and a short walk to a beach)
Powered sites for single/double at $45 /night+ $5per extra person. Unpowered spots all $40/night.
Boat club/Yacht Club: $40per car per night. All powered sites. Very beautiful with resteraunt but 10mins from town.
We are keeping a look-out for any new Airbnb's or houses for sitting, but at this stage those are all booked too. Please contact us as these options may change or availability may come up.
activities
We are planning a week of events and a list of activities for our guests.
We want to show-off some of this great junglely wilderness!
Stay tuned and a schedule will be released closer to the date...
Some ideas though:
(1) A day at world-renowned Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre.
(2) A Sunset beach dinner with a bonfire at the majestic East Woody Beach.
(3) A trip to the famous Goanna and Latram waterholes (croc free!).
(4) We are organising half-day fishing charters (it's Tuna season! Bring your rods!).
Activities for the explorers (we will have a tourist pack for you on arrival):
(a) There is a 18 hole golf course (with everything to hire).
(b) A Gun Club where you can go for a bang!
(c) Gove speedway track!
(d) There are lots of hikes- such as the croc lagoon (rivals Kakadu!), stunning crocodile creek or borrow a hammer and screwdriver and chip off giant black oysters at the Granite islands.
Eating:
Yacht Club Restaurant; Latitude Restaurant; Walkabout Pub; Western Fried & Filipino/Tai Cafe's; Gove Pizza, Burgers and Breakfast; Refinery Cafe; Propellerz Cafe.
Swimming:
-An Olympic-sized swimming pool next to the pub (a small fee to get in).
-There is free swimming at a lovely pool at Latitude Tavern (it's "suggested" you buy a drink).
-Both the Peninsular Motel and the Walkabout Lodge have a pool.
-Waterholes off the track (maps TBA)
Camping and Daytrips:
Visit www.dhimurru.com for all sites or contact us for some spectacular places to visit!
Gifts
Our gift is you even considering coming! We know it's a big ask. If you do make it up here to our dream wedding, one thing we request as we are both people who love words, is that you might write us a letter that we can cherish into our next season of marriage and adventure together. Could you please write us a letter and bring it with you? And if you cannot come, we understand. Maybe you could take a moment to write us something anyway?
We've been often far from loved ones and may be again, so some words from your hearts to carry with us would mean the world.
Christian & Caroline
(soon to be the Wrights)
PO BOX 982
Nhulunbuy 0880
Northern Territory
Australia