Groote Eylandt

Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria, 650km east of Darwin, is Australia’s third-biggest island and is known for its pristine natural and marine environment, spectacular scenery, Aboriginal art and culture, and some of the world’s best fishing.

Lodge accommodation is available and you can fly daily from Darwin to Groote Eylandt in 1 hour and 30 minutes, or take a 40-minute flight from Gove Airport.

On Groote Eylandt the main town, Alyangula, is surrounded by waters that are a fishing mecca and home to some of Australia’s most prolific Aboriginal rock art. When visiting Groote Eylandt a permit is required from the Anindilyakwa Land Council at anindilyakwa.com.au/land-and-sea/ permits

Connection to Country

Spend some time at the Anindilyakwa Arts and Cultural Centre. The local people communicate their traditions and stories through art, and the centre showcases these stories through art styles that are unique to the Groote Archipelago.

Natural Landscape

The landscape features pristine beaches, rugged sandstone plateaus, open woodland, monsoon vine forests, riparian woodlands, paperbark swamps and red sand hills. Surrounding the island in the aqua waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria is an equally special marine environment with complex reef systems that support a wealth of fish and other marine species.

Fishing

The Gulf of Carpentaria offers some of the best sportfishing in the world. It is ideal breeding habitat and the archipelago’s fringing coral reefs, rocky headlands and sand islands create plenty of sheltered areas for bait fish. This abundance of bait is what brings in the big sportfish anglers love to catch.