Buffalo Creek, Darwin Northern Territory

Access: The ramp has good access and a turn around facility is provided. The ramp is situated at the mouth of Buffalo Creek. Access to the open sea is only available approximately 2 hours after the turn of the stated tide for Darwin. This is due to the extensive sand flats in Shoal Bay.

Facilities: A Grassed BBQ area has been recently completed and public toilets are provided. There is fresh water available. No wash down or fish cleaning facilities have been constructed yet. These may be completed by 2003.

Parking: Designated parking is available. During 2002/2003 is planned to provide secure parking at this site. Do not leave valuables in car!
Fees: No fees are payable. It is likely that a fee will be charged once secure, monitored parking is in place.

General: The ramp is well constructed and provides access to the water at all times except on the very low tides. Watch the drop-off and rocks at the bottom of the ramp on low tides. Large boats are advised to wait until the tide has commenced its run in. Buffalo Creek / Shoal Bay is best known for its mega Barra and Mudcrabs. Even though it is close to the Darwin suburbs it regularly produces a variety of species and crabs. There is a caravan park on Lee Point Road, about 1.5 kilometres from the ramp. All access is by bitumen road.

Nightcliff, Darwin Northern Territory

Access: The ramp has relatively good access although the approach to the ramp proper is a bit steep and it is difficult to see where to reverse at first. The ramp is situated in suburban Nightcliff some 10 kilometres from the CBD. Access to the open sea is available at most stages of the tide however there is considerable mud at the base of the ramp.

Parking: Designated parking is available at the ramp site. The ramp closes at approximately 11.00pm and the car park is chained off. The closure is carried out by a security firm. The area is popular with young drivers and the resulting noise has forced the Council to restrict access to the car park. You can leave the car and trailer there all night. Do not leave valuables in the car!

Facilities: There is a groin and jetty constructed at the ramp. The area surrounding the ramp has numerous tables and there are BBQ facilities nearby. There is water provided but there is no boat wash down facility nor is there a fish cleaning table. There are also toilets nearby. The area is a popular picnic area in the evenings due to the spectacular tropical sunsets.

Fees: No fees are payable.

General: The ramp is well constructed and provides access to the water at all times except on the very low tides. Watch the surge on the ramp when there is a swell in the area. Unfortunately the groin has not prevented the surge from occurring. Good access to nearby reefs is available from this ramp. Species to be found include mulloway, golden snapper, Spanish mackerel and other seasonal species. Access is by bitumen road. There are several service stations and supermarkets in the area.

East Arm Port, Darwin Northern Territory

Access: The access to the ramp is good and it is just about three cars wide. There are rocks at the bottom of the ramp on very low tides so care needs to be taken. The ramp can also be slippery at time on low tide. The ramp is affected by swell from the south east during the dry season so at these times a few extra pairs of hands are required.

Parking: Parking is available at the ramp site.
Facilities: There are no facilities at the ramp apart from a large rubbish container.

Fees: No fees are payable.

General: The ramp is well constructed and provides access to the water at all times except on the very low tides. Watch the surge on the ramp when there is a swell in the area. The ramp provides good access to the east arm of Darwin Harbour and the lower reaches of the Elizabeth River. There are numerous creeks and flats in the vicinity and the area holds barramundi, threadfin salmon and good stocks of crabs. Golden snapper and mulloway are also caught on the many wrecks within close distance of the ramp. A new port facility has been constructed nearby so be aware of shipping activity.

Dinah Beach Boat Ramp, Darwin Northern Territory

Access: The ramp has good access with a reasonable turn around area. Like most ramps in the NT it can be a long reverse on a low tide. The ramp is situated within 2 kilometres of the CBD. Access to Darwin Harbour available at most stages of the tide however there are considerable mud flats to negotiate on lower tides.

Parking: Parking is available a short distance from the ramp. Take your valuables with you.

Facilities: There are no facilities at this ramp.

Fees: No fees are payable..

General: The ramp is in good condition but can be slippery at times. The ramp provides good access to Darwin Harbour and is a preferred site when there is swell at other local ramps. There are numerous creeks within a short distance from the ramp. Barramundi and other mangrove species are caught in the area as are mud crabs. Access is by bitumen road. There is a

Elizabeth River - Palmerston, Darwin Northern Territory

Access: The ramp at Elizabeth River has good access to either the upper reaches of the river or downstream to the East Arm of Darwin Harbour. The ramp is approximately 5 kilometres from the Palmerston CBD and 20 kilometres from the Darwin CBD.. It has bitumen access. The ramp is constructed of concrete and is two lanes wide.

Parking: Parking is available at the ramp site.

Facilities: There are minimal facilities at the ramp at present. There has been mention of constructing a secure parking area by the NT Government as theft has been a problem at times.

Fees: No fees are payable.

General: The ramp is well constructed and provides access to the water at all stages of the tides.. There are many creeks and flats in the Elizabeth River. Barramundi, threadfin salmon, golden snapper, mangrove jacks and crabs can be found in the area.. Mulloway are also caught around the Elizabeth River Bridge pylons at times. The bridge is next to the ramp.

Ski Club (or Museum) Ramp, Darwin Northern Territory

Access: The ramp at Elizabeth River has good access to either the upper reaches of the river or downstream to the East Arm of Darwin Harbour. The ramp is approximately 5 kilometres from the Palmerston CBD and 20 kilometres from the Darwin CBD.. It has bitumen access. The ramp is constructed of concrete and is two lanes wide.

Parking: Parking is available at the ramp site.

Facilities: There are minimal facilities at the ramp at present. There has been mention of constructing a secure parking area by the NT Government as theft has been a problem at times.

Fees: No fees are payable.

General: The ramp is well constructed and provides access to the water at all stages of the tides.. There are many creeks and flats in the Elizabeth River. Barramundi, threadfin salmon, golden snapper, mangrove jacks and crabs can be found in the area.. Mulloway are also caught around the Elizabeth River Bridge pylons at times. The bridge is next to the ramp.

Shady Camp - Point Stuart, Darwin Northern Territory

Access: The ramp is situated on the salt water side of Shady Camp on the upper reach of Sampan Creek. Access to the open sea (approx 1 hour travel) for larger boats in particular is available from the top of the tide.. This is due to the fact that Sampan Creek is quite shallow and launching at the ramp on low tide is impossible during the dry season. There is access downstream during the wet season from February at most times of the tide for an undefined period. The amount of runoff from the floodplains controls this. There are a number of rock bar and mud bars in the upper section so care needs to be taken. The top of the tide is approximately 5 hours after the stated Darwin tide. There is also a basic dirt ramp on the fresh water side of Shady Camp that provides all round access.

Parking: Parking is available at Shady Camp.

Facilities: There is camping, a toilet and a fish cleaning facility at Shady Camp.

Fees: Parking is free but there is a minimal charge for camping.

General: The ramp provides access to the salt side of the Mary river system. Places such as Tommy Cut Creek, Swim Creek and Point Stuart can be reached during the Barra season. There are also a number of reefs just offshore from the mouth of Sampan Creek. Jewfish, salmon and snapper are usually in numbers after the wet season. The area is subject to seasonal closures (October 1 to January 31), bag limits for barra (2 per person) and the area within a 100 metres from the Shady Camp barrage may only use lures with a single hook (not a single treble). Rubber lures and flies are the popular choice. Shady Camp is approximately 200 kilometres from Darwin on the Arnhem Highway that leads to Kakadu.. Shady Camp is about 60 kilometres from the Arnhem Highway. The 1st 18 kilometres from the turn off is bitumen and then it is dirt. Take care. 4wd recommended. Crocodiles are in large numbers at Shady Camp. Check local regulations at http://www.nt.gov.au/pfes/police/units/mfeu/index.html

East Alligator River via Jabiru, Northern Territory

Access: The ramp has good access up until the wet season closes the road.. The ramp is situated downstream from Cahills Crossing at the limit of tidal influence. River access is only available on an incoming tide. High tide is approximately 6+ hours after the stated tide for Darwin. This is due to the distance from the mouth of the river and other influences. Kakadu Park headquarters or the Border Store will be able to provide advance information before heading out to the East Alligator.

Parking: Ample parking is available.

Facilities: A Grassed BBQ area with picnic tables is available and public toilets are provided. There is fresh water available. Fish cleaning facilities have been provided.

Fees: A Kakadu National Park access fee applies.

General: The ramp is in good condition. Watch the mud and rock bars in the river. Access is by bitumen road from Darwin or Jabiru. Refer to the NT Fish finder Magazine for fishing details. The web site for the magazine is at http://www.fishnetnt.com.au . This magazine is a must have for visitors to the Northern Territory.

South Alligator River , via Darwin, Northern Territory

Access:The ramp has good access . The ramp is situated on the downstream side of the South Alligator Bridge. The river is best on an incoming tide during the dry season. Launching and retrieval came be difficult on low tides. Plan your trip accordingly. During the wet season when there is fresh water influence from the floodplains there is generally good access most of the time. High tide is approximately 4+ hours after the stated tide for Darwin. This is due to the distance (approx 75 klm's) from the mouth of the river. The river is about 100 kilometres in length. The river has no major obstructions over its length so the tides may push all the way to the upper reaches on larger tides.

Parking:Ample parking is available.

Facilities:A Grassed area with picnic tables is available. Fish cleaning facilities have been provided. There is camping and motel accommodation available nearby.

Fees:A Kakadu National Park access fee applies.

General:The ramp is in good condition. Watch the mud bars in the river on low tides.. Access is by bitumen road from Darwin on the Arnhem Highway. It is approximately 220 klm's from Darwin. Refer to the NT Fish finder Magazine for fishing details http://www.fishnetnt.com.au .
Good barra fishing is available in the river after the wet season and for those keen enough to travel to the mouth there is both barra and reef fishing available. It is possible that there will be road closures during peak wet season times, particularly after extremely heavy rains. Check road conditions before leaving. Note: Observe the signs in Kakadu regarding noxious weeds and check your trailer / boat for any material that may have been caught up.

Yellow Waters , Cooinda, Kakadu National Park Northern Territory

Access:The ramp has good access . The ramp is situated close to Cooinda and just off the Kakadu Highway from Pine Creek to Jabiru. Access is also available off the Arnhem Highway just past the Bark Hut Inn.

Parking:Ample parking is available.

Facilities: A Grassed area with picnic tables is available. Fish cleaning facilities have been provided. There is camping and motel accommodation available nearby.

Fees: A Kakadu National Park access fee applies.
The ramp is in good condition. Be aware of crocodiles when handling fish. A bag limit of 2 Barra applies. Refer to the NT Fish finder Magazine for fishing details and bag limits etc. http://www.fishnetnt.com.au .
Good barra fishing is available after the wet season as the water recedes. There are also Saratoga, Tarpon and Sleepy Cod in Yellow Waters. It is possible that there will be road closures during peak wet season times, particularly after extremely heavy rains. Check road conditions before leaving. Note: Observe the signs in Kakadu regarding noxious weeds and check your trailer / boat for any material that may have been caught up.

Roper River ( on Nathan River Road) Northern Territory

Access: The ramp has reasonable access . The ramp is situated downstream from Roper Bar . Access is via Mataranka on the Roper Highway or on the Nathan River Road from Borroloola.

Parking: Parking is available.

Facilities: There are minimal facilities.

Fees: No fees are payable..

General: Camping is available nearby. Supplies can be found at the Roper Bar Store. Be aware of crocodiles. Refer to the NT Fish finder Magazine for a location map,fishing details and bag limits etc. http://www.fishnetnt.com.au .
Good barra fishing is available after the wet season as the water recedes. Cherabin (fresh water prawn) are readily available in the river. It is possible that there will be road closures during peak wet season times, particularly after heavy rains. Check road conditions before leaving.

Darwin Trailer Boat Club Ramp, Darwin Northern Territory

Access: The ramp has good access with a reasonable turn around area. Like most ramps in the NT it can be a long reverse on a low tide. The ramp is situated within 2 kilometres of the CBD. Access to Darwin Harbour available at most stages of the tide however there are sand banks on lower tides.

Parking: Parking is available at the Darwin Trailer Boat Club a short distance from the ramp.

Facilities: There are wash down facilities at this ramp.
Fees: No fees are payable.

General: The ramp is in good condition but can be slippery at times. The ramp has a number of launch levels depending on the tide. The ramp provides good access to the outer Darwin Harbour and offshore reefs.. Access is by bitumen road. There is a marine dealer close to the ramp and a supermarket and other facilities can be found nearby at Fanny Bay. The web site for the Darwin Trailer Boat Club is http://www.dtbc.com.au/ Check this site out for any local information.

Gove Yacht Club, Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory

Access: The ramp is accessed by turning off Melville Bay Road near the Wallaby Beach conveyor overpass. The ramp provides access to Gove Harbour and points beyond. Launching is available at most stages of the tide however there are sand / mud flats to negotiate on lower tides.

Parking: Parking is available at the ramp.

Facilities: There is a boat wash down facility at this ramp.

Fees: No fees are payable.

General: The ramp is in fair condition. The ramp provides good access to nearby harbour fishing grounds. All tropical species are within easy reach

Vestys' Beach Ramp, Darwin, Northern Territory

Access: The ramp has good access with a reasonable turn around area. The Ramp is situated between the Ski Club Ramp and the Darwin Trailer Boat Club. The ramp is approximately 3 kilometres from the CBD. It is not the best ramp in Darwin but may be used as an alternative if the Ski Club ramp is overcrowded. The area has a designated Jet Ski area so care needs to be taken. There is a boat speed limit in this area.

Parking: Parking is available a short distance from the ramp.

Facilities: There are toilet facilities nearby and some parkland with picnic tables. The ramp is close to the Yacht and Trailer Boat Clubs. There is a marine shop close by that is good value.

Fees: No fees are payable.

General: The ramp is in reasonable condition but it can be difficult on a low tide. You can drive on the sand but NOT on an incoming tide. Access is by bitumen road. All species can be targeted from this ramp.