THE COBOURG PENINSULA, NT

Cobourg’s muted red shoreline melds with tropical green marine. Pic: nt.gov.au

At 350 clicks northeast of Darwin, the Cobourg’s a touch out of range of an overnight operation for metro residents. As a Territorian, though, you’re no doubt adept at bending formidable distance to your will.

The Peninsula is ensconced within the magnificent Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, the only such protectorate within the Territory to entwine adjoining marine and terrestrial grounds.

The Cobourg is renowned as one of the finest angling destinations in the world and is bound by the sultry seas of the Arafura and Van Diemen Gulf.

The land is largely uninhabited, except for a handful of family-owned stations, although access can be tricky as permits need to be acquired prior to travel.

The park is accessible during the dry season between May and October. Permits are required for travel through Arnhem Land as well as for camping on the peninsula.

STUFF TO DO

4WDING: Road access to the park 4WD only via unsealed road. The road in is generally open during the dry season between May and September but will close after extended heavy downpours. Be prepared for intense corrugations and cloying dust in the absence of rain.

FISHING within the park is world class. All the primo tropical targets including barramundi, mangrove jack and queenfish are caught inshore, as well as larger pelagic species such as Spanish mackerel and longtail tuna offshore.

IMPORTANT INFO

LOCATION: The peninsula is located approximately 370km northeast of Darwin and is accessed via the Arnhem Highway.

CAMPING: is available at camping areas Number one and two. Showers, composting toilets, barbeques, picnic tables and bore water are provided.

Permits are required for any visitors staying overnight in the park and a fee of $232.10 per vehicle applies. This fee covers up to five adult passengers for up to seven nights. Children under 16 are free and extra adult passengers cost $11 each.

FUEL is available at Jabiru and Darwin. There is no fuel available after Jabiru.

MORE INFO is available at www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au

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