Across East Arnhem Land there are numerous boat ramps that are for public recreational use, allowing visitors to access the waters of the region. Anglers are reminded to check tide times before heading out in their boat from the boat ramps in East Arnhem. You can view Gove Harbour tide times on Willy Weather.
Boaties are also reminded to be Crocwise around boat ramps and the water, particularly after dark. Do not get out of the boat if you get stuck and report dangerous crocodile behaviour around Nhulunbuy to the Nhulunbuy Corporation by calling (08) 8939 2200, for other crocodile sightings around the region contact Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information about reporting crocodiles that pose a risk to public safety visit Be Crocwise.
Visitors are reminded to ensure they have the appropriate permits for access. Not sure what permits you need? Relevant permits are listed under each boat ramp listing on this website and you can read more about permits in East Arnhem Land here.
Boat ramps included on this page:
Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club Boat Ramp
The Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club Boat Ramp is the main boat ramp for Nhulunbuy and is located next to the Seaswift depot on Melville Bay Road, a fifteen minute drive from Nhulunbuy. The sealed boat ramp has tidal access of above 0.25m and provides two access points to the water, a double ramp and a deeper single ramp. There is a large parking area here, and a wash down facility for Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club members only.
A Visitor Access Permit from Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation is required to visit this area.
WITIMURRU (YIRRKALA BOAT RAMP)
Yirrkala Boat Ramp is located in the Aboriginal community of Yirrkala, 20 kilometres from Nhulunbuy. This boat ramp is sand and is single lane.
A permit from the Northern Land Council is required to visit this area.
GOVE BOAT CLUB Boat Ramp
The Nhulunbuy Community Boat Ramp is located next to the Gove Boat Club, just twelve kilometres from Nhulunbuy. There is a large parking area available and a small jetty. The sealed boat ramp is single lane and has a tidal access of mid-tide upwards.
A Visitor Access Permit from Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation is required to visit this area.
Binydjarrŋa (Daliwuy Bay) Boat Ramp
Daliwuy Bay Boat Ramp is located at the Daliwuy Bay campgrounds, 40 kilometres from Nhulunbuy. This boat ramp is sand and is single lane.
A Visitor Access Permit from Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation is required to visit this area.
CATO RIVER Boat Ramp
The Cato boat ramp is located next to the Cato River Recreational Area which is near Dhalinybuy homeland, just over an hour from Nhulunbuy. This boat ramp is operated by Liya Wanhurr Aboriginal Corporation who also operate cultural tours at their homeland. The single lane boat ramp can get quite muddy and boggy and is only accessible at high tide.
A booking is required through Liya Wanhurr Aboriginal Corporation to access this boat ramp.