North Queensland
Beyond Darwin: Bynoe Harbour
Bynoe Harbour is located to the south of Darwin Harbour and the Northern Territory’s capital city of Darwin. These two major estuaries and natural harbours are separated by Cox Peninsula. Because the two harbours are located close to one another, and are similar in size and habitat, Bynoe is often referred to as a “sister harbour” to Darwin Harbour.
The main difference between the two harbours is that Bynoe has a number of islands and drying reefs inside and outside, which makes it considerably more interesting for boaters than Darwin Harbour. The habitat of Bynoe Harbour is still pristine and fishing is popular. Bynoe Harbour has so far escaped having industry on its shores and there are only some minor dwellings on the north shore and a small fishermen’s resort on the south shore.
Bynoe Harbour is relatively shallow at about 40m in the deepest areas, with much of its area much shallower and drying at low tide. Most of the harbour is lined with mangrove forest, providing a rich habitat for various stages of marine life. Tidal movement reaches a considerable 8 metres.
As a travel destination, Bynoe Harbour is a great wilderness escape. It’s a region of unspoiled beaches, and many low wooded islands surrounded by clear water, rocky headlands and sandy tidal flats that can turn on some wonderful fishing when the conditions are right. Jewfish and golden snapper are prolific and the barramundi fishing is not bad either. There are many estuarine species also which makes the area well worth the effort of a visit.
The fish caught in the harbour include barramundi, trevally, queenfish, schnapper, blue and threadfin salmon, barracuda, mangrove jack, black jewfish, shark, grunter, cod and others. As elsewhere, estuarine crocodiles are common. The harbour is also worked by commercial fishermen, yet despite their presence fishing remains very productive. Mangrove creeks and inlets have plenty of action and some of the best crabbing in the Top End is right here.
Crab Claw Island, on the way to Dundee Beach from Darwin, is surrounded by 2500km2 of pristine waterways which include Bynoe Harbour, salt water estuaries and fresh water creeks and rivers. A peninsula jutting out into Bynoe Harbour, it becomes an island at very high tides only.
Bynoe Harbour hosts some of the best fishing grounds in the Northern Territory. Five islands are nestled in the mouth of the Harbour and the harbour coastline is made up of mangroves, fringing and sub tidal reefs, sandy beaches, seagrass and mud flat/sand flat habitats. An artificial reef constructed from the former Crab Claw Resort Jetty that was damaged severely by a cyclone and subsequently demolished is now home to huge Jewfish, this is accessible by small boats. Other activities catered for by the island’s resort are mud crabbing, boating, bird watching, photography, bush walking and generally relaxing.
The resort at Crab Claw Island has 12 elevated beach-front cabins that overlook the resort’s pristine white sandy beach. These cabins share a balcony with the cabin next door and are fitted with a double and two single beds, a small refrigerator, air-conditioner, ceiling fan and en-suite bathroom.
How to get there by car: Crab Claw Island is situated on the south-western side of Bynoe Harbour, 130 km by road from Darwin. Take the Stuart Hwy from Darwin towards Alice Springs, turn right on to Cox Peninsula Rd, towards Wagait Beach (follow the signs as if going to the Territory Wildlife Park), after 36km turn left on to Fog Bay Rd towards Dundee, after 24kms you will see our fabulous sign showing you where to turn in to the Crab Claw Island access road, follow the road to the end. Crab Claw Island is 15mins by air, or two hours by quick boat from Darwin.
