Top End Recreational Hunting

Recreational hunting is a popular and regulated activity in the Top End of the Northern Territory, with a strong local tradition and specific rules to ensure sustainability and safety. Here’s a detailed overview as @ May 2025:


Pig Hunting Gear

Pig Hunting Gear

What Can You Hunt?

  • Feral Pigs: Legal to hunt on nominated reserves with a pig hunting permit.

  • Waterfowl: Includes magpie geese, grey teal, pink-eared duck, hardhead (white-eye) duck, maned (wood) duck, wandering whistle duck, plumed whistle duck, and Pacific black duck. Hunting is only allowed during the declared season with a valid permit.

  • Buffalo: Central Arnhem Land is the premier destination, particularly areas around the Mann River and the Central Plateau. These regions are remote, scenic, and home to large populations of free-ranging water buffalo, as well as wild oxen (scrub bulls) and wild boar. Hunts are typically conducted on Aboriginal reserves or private leases, with access managed by professional outfitters.

Permits and Licensing

  • Permits Required: You must have a permit to hunt feral pigs or waterfowl, regardless of whether you hunt on public hunting reserves or private land (with landholder permission).

  • Permit Types & Costs:

    • 1-year waterfowl permit: $20

    • 5-year waterfowl permit: $80

  • Eligibility: Hunters must be 18 or over to apply. Children aged 12–17 can be nominated on an adult’s permit and hunt under supervision.

  • Firearms: You need a current NT shooters licence or equivalent interstate licence to use firearms. Bowhunters must provide valid photo ID.

Where Can You Hunt?

  • Public Hunting Reserves: Key reserves include Harrison Dam, Lambells Lagoon, Howard Springs, and Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve.

  • Private Land: Allowed with written permission from the landholder or occupier.

  • Crown Land & Aboriginal Land: Permitted with appropriate consent and compliance with regulations.

  • Back Country Hunting (BCH): NT residents can join BCH programs, requiring membership in an approved hunting organisation, BCH accreditation, and a firearms licence. BCH areas are allocated via permit and require a minimum hunting party of two for safety.

Seasons and Bag Limits

  • Waterfowl Season: The hunting season for magpie geese and waterfowl typically runs from late September to early January, but dates are set annually and must be checked each year.

  • Bag Limits: For the 2024-25 season, the daily bag limit is 7 magpie geese and 10 ducks per person.

  • Feral Pig Hunting: Permitted year-round on specified reserves with a valid permit.

Rules and Regulations

  • Hunting Methods: Only approved firearms or bows may be used. Lead shot is banned on all government hunting reserves-non-toxic shot is mandatory.

  • Safety: Minimum party of two for BCH; always check fire warnings and environmental conditions before heading out.

  • Children and Nominees: Juniors (12–17) and non-Australian residents can be listed as nominees on a permit and must be supervised.

  • Protected Species: Dingoes are protected and must not be shot. Hunters must be able to distinguish between protected and feral animals.

  • Reporting: Hunters may be required to submit returns on their hunting activity, especially for waterfowl.

Access and Overcrowding

  • Growing Popularity: Over 3,400 permits were issued last year, leading to overcrowding in some reserves.

  • Expansion Plans: There are proposals to expand existing reserves and open new hunting areas to ease pressure and improve hunter experience.

Technology and Resources

  • NT Hunting Mate App: Provides up-to-date rules, season dates, and hunting information for your phone.

Summary Table

What You Can Hunt

Where to Hunt

When to Hunt

Permit Needed

Bag Limits

Feral pigs, waterfowl

Public reserves, private land (with permission), BCH areas

Waterfowl: Sep–Jan; Pigs: year-round

Yes

Geese: 7/day, Ducks: 10/day

Recreational hunting in the Top End is well-regulated and remains a cherished part of the Territory lifestyle. Always check the latest rules, obtain the correct permits, and hunt safely and responsibly.

Barramundi Fishing

Barramundi fishing in the Top End of the Northern Territory is legendary, attracting anglers from across Australia and the world. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering the best locations, seasons, techniques, gear, and safety considerations.

Best Locations for Barramundi Fishing

The Top End offers a variety of prime barramundi habitats, including rivers, billabongs, estuaries, and coastal creeks. Top hotspots include:

  • Daly River: Famous for its big barra and top fishing competitions.
  • Arnhem Land: Pristine wilderness with abundant barramundi.
  • Kakadu National Park: Iconic scenery and productive fishing.
  • Roper River: Known for trophy-sized fish.
  • Manton Dam, Finniss River, and Mary River: Easily accessible and productive spots.
  • Tidal estuaries and inland catchments: Offer great opportunities, especially during key seasons.

Fishing Seasons

Barramundi can be caught year-round, but certain seasons are more productive:

  • Build-Up (Oct–Dec): Warming water temperatures make barra more active in rivers and billabongs.
  • Tropical Summer (Jan–mid-Mar): Monsoonal rains connect waterways, making barra fishing abundant along coasts and inland.
  • Run-Off (Mar–May): Peak season. Floodplains drain into rivers, concentrating bait and barramundi at creek mouths-this is when most trophy fish are caught and major competitions are held.
  • Dry Season (May–Sep): Fishing slows for barra but bluewater species peak; barra still possible in some systems.

Techniques & Tactics

  • Lure Fishing: The most popular method. Use hard-bodied lures, soft plastics, and vibes. Topwater lures are effective in the right conditions. Cast beyond likely fish-holding spots (snags, weedbeds, rockbars) and retrieve past them to avoid spooking fish and ensure your lure is working at the right depth.
  • Live Bait: Live mullet or cherabin (freshwater prawns) are highly effective, especially in murky water or during the run-off.
  • Trolling: Effective in deeper river channels and along drop-offs, especially with deep-diving lures.
  • Snag Fishing: Barramundi love structure-target sunken logs, overhanging trees, and rockbars.

Note: you cannot use live bait for fishing in Kakadu National Park. The park’s regulations are clear:

  • The only fishing equipment permitted is a rod or handline with a single hook or lure attached.
  • A live animal (including fish) cannot be used as bait.
  • Dead bait fish may be used only if caught within Kakadu.
  • Nets, traps, and pots are strictly prohibited for catching bait or fish (except for a small landing net, which can only be used to land fish, not to catch bait).

Fishing Gear

Fishing Gear

Gear & Equipment

  • Rod & Reel: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting outfits (6–8kg line class).
  • Line: Braided line (20–30lb) with a strong fluorocarbon leader (40–60lb) to handle sharp gill plates and snags.
  • Lures: Hard-bodies, soft plastics, vibes, and surface lures in natural or bright colours, depending on water clarity.
  • Terminal Tackle: Strong hooks and swivels; barra are powerful and can straighten weak gear.

Tips for Success

  • Timing: Fish early morning or late afternoon for best results.
  • Tides: In tidal rivers and estuaries, time your fishing around the change of tide.
  • Casting: Always cast beyond the target and retrieve past it to avoid spooking fish and to get your lure working at the right depth.
  • Persistence: Barramundi are known for being elusive-patience and repeated casts are often rewarded.

Safety & Regulations

  • Crocodile Awareness: Always be “Crocwise.” Never fish close to the water’s edge, and avoid cleaning fish or wading in known crocodile habitats.
  • Licensing: No recreational fishing licence is required in the NT, but some areas (e.g., Aboriginal land, Kakadu) may require permits.
  • Catch Limits: Observe bag and size limits as set by NT Fisheries to protect stocks.

Why the Top End?

  • World-Class Fishery: The Top End is renowned for its wild, remote, and productive barramundi fishing, with the chance to land a “metrey” (a barramundi over 1 metre).
  • Spectacular Scenery: Rivers and billabongs are set in stunning landscapes, often teeming with wildlife.
  • Accessible Adventure: Many locations are accessible by road or with guided tours and charters, suitable for all experience levels.

Barramundi fishing in the Top End is an iconic Australian adventure, offering thrilling angling, beautiful scenery, and the chance to catch one of the country’s most prized sportfish. Plan your trip around the run-off for the best chance at a trophy barra, use the right gear and techniques, and always put safety first.

Crocodiles Found in the Top End, Northern Territory

The Top End of the Northern Territory is renowned for its large and thriving crocodile population, home to two native species: the saltwater (estuarine) crocodile and the freshwater crocodile.

1. Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

  • Also known as “salties,” these are the largest living reptiles in the world, with some individuals growing up to 6 meters (20 feet) and weighing up to 1 tonne.

  • Saltwater crocodiles are found in both saltwater and freshwater environments, including rivers, billabongs, estuaries, and coastal waters throughout the Top End.

  • They are highly territorial, opportunistic predators, feeding on fish, birds, turtles, wild boar, buffalo, and occasionally livestock or anything else that enters their territory.

  • Saltwater crocodiles are considered extremely dangerous to humans due to their size, power, and ambush hunting style.

  • The Northern Territory is home to over 100,000 saltwater crocodiles, making it one of the densest populations in the world, particularly along the Mary River.

2. Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni)

  • Known locally as “freshies,” these crocodiles are generally smaller and less aggressive than saltwater crocodiles, rarely growing larger than 3 meters (10 feet).

  • They are mostly found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, creeks, and billabongs, and are less likely to be found in saline environments.

  • Freshwater crocodiles primarily eat fish and birds and are not considered dangerous to humans unless provoked, though they can bite if threatened.

  • They can be distinguished from saltwater crocodiles by their slimmer snout and generally flatter body scutes.

Cultural and Environmental Significance

  • Crocodiles are of great cultural importance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Northern Territory.

  • They also play a significant role in the local economy through tourism and regulated crocodile farming.

Safety and Management

  • The NT government operates active crocodile management and public education programs, including removal of problem crocodiles and clear signage about safe swimming areas.

  • Any body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles, so it is critical to always follow local warnings and “Be Crocwise”.

Summary Table

Species

Size

Habitat

Aggressiveness

Danger to Humans

Key Features

Saltwater Crocodile

Up to 6m+, 1 tonne

Fresh & saltwater, coast, rivers

Very high

Extreme

Broad snout, large size, territorial

Freshwater Crocodile

Up to 3m

Freshwater rivers, billabongs

Low

Low (if provoked)

Slim snout, smaller, less aggressive

The Top End is one of the best places in the world to observe crocodiles in the wild, but always exercise caution and respect for these ancient predators.

Water Safety in Top End Northern Territory Waters

Water safety in the Top End of the Northern Territory is a serious concern due to unique local hazards such as crocodiles, unpredictable water conditions, and marine stingers. The following guidelines and information are essential for anyone planning to swim, fish, or recreate in these waters.

Crocodile Safety: “Be Crocwise”

  • Saltwater Crocodiles: These apex predators inhabit both saltwater and freshwater environments throughout the Top End. They can be present in rivers, billabongs, estuaries, and even beaches. There is no guarantee that any waterway is free of crocodiles, even if they haven’t been seen there before.

  • Fatalities: Most fatal crocodile attacks occur when people enter waterways outside designated swimming areas. Always stick to areas marked as safe and patrolled by crocodile exclusion zone.

  • Signage: Read and obey all crocodile safety signage. The NT government runs a crocodile capture and management program, but personal vigilance is crucial.

  • General Rule: Never enter a waterway or the ocean unless it is clearly signed as safe for swimming.

Swimming and Waterhole Safety

  • Designated Areas Only: Only swim in areas marked open for swimming. Many natural waterholes and swimming spots are closed during the wet season (November–April) due to increased risk from crocodiles and flooding.

  • Supervision: Never swim alone. Always ensure someone is nearby, and supervise children at all times.

  • Hazards: Waterholes can have submerged rocks, logs, and sudden depth changes, especially after floods. Never dive or jump into water unless it is marked safe.

  • Floatation Devices: Pool noodles and other floatation devices are allowed, but watercraft are not permitted in swimming areas.

Beach and Marine Safety

  • Beaches and Estuaries: It is not advised to swim at any beach or estuary in the Top End due to the very real danger of saltwater crocodiles.

  • Stingers: Box jellyfish and other dangerous marine stingers inhabit coastal waters from October to May. Swimming in saltwater is safest at the Darwin Waterfront, which is managed for these risks.

General Water Safety Tips

  • Check Conditions: Always check if your chosen swimming spot is open and safe before entering the water. Follow all local signage and advice.

  • No Glass: Glass is not allowed within 10m of swimming areas to prevent injury.

  • Emergency Preparedness: Learn basic water rescue and resuscitation skills. The NT Government offers water safety awareness programs, especially for families with young children.

  • Education: Water safety education is a priority in the NT, with programs aimed at reducing drowning rates, especially among children under five.

Key Messages

  • Always “Be Crocwise”-assume crocodiles may be present in any natural waterway.

  • Only swim in clearly designated, open areas and never in the ocean or estuaries.

  • Supervise children and non-swimmers at all times.

  • Respect all warning signs and local advice.

  • Be aware of additional risks like submerged hazards and marine stingers.

By following these guidelines and respecting local warnings, you can safely enjoy the unique waterways of the Top End.

Stay Connected

 

To stay connected to the internet while camping in remote areas, especially in Australia’s Top End, you have several options depending on how remote you are and your connectivity needs:

1. Mobile Phone Hotspot
If you are within range of a mobile network, using your phone as a hotspot is the simplest and most cost-effective solution.

Telstra has the best coverage in remote Australia, followed by Boost and other Telstra resellers.

Choose a plan with generous data allowances if you plan to use the internet extensively.

2. Dedicated Mobile Hotspot Device
A portable Wi-Fi hotspot (also called a MiFi device) uses a SIM card and creates a Wi-Fi network for multiple devices.

These are ideal if you need to connect several devices or want to avoid draining your phone battery.

This is a good solution for people working remotely or needing a steady connection for streaming or video calls.


Satellite Phones

Satellite Phones

4. Satellite Internet
If you are camping in areas with no mobile coverage, satellite internet is the only reliable option.

Devices like Starlink Roam are specifically designed for travellers and provide high-speed, low-latency internet almost anywhere, as long as you have a clear view of the sky.

Satellite internet is more expensive (both hardware and monthly fees), but it offers coverage in places where no mobile network reaches.

5. Wi-Fi Signal Boosters
If you are near a campground or caravan park with weak Wi-Fi, a signal booster can extend the range and improve connectivity.

Note: This only works if there is an existing Wi-Fi signal to boost.

Summary Table

SolutionCoverageCostBest For
Mobile phone hotspotMobile networkLowOccasional/basic use
Mobile hotspot deviceMobile networkModerateMultiple devices, regular use
4G internet routerMobile networkModerate-highWork, streaming, better signal
Satellite internetAnywhere (clear sky)HighFull remote access, heavy use
Wi-Fi boosterNear Wi-Fi sourceLowCampgrounds with weak Wi-Fi

Tips:

Always check coverage maps of your provider before heading out.

Carry backup power (power banks, solar chargers) to keep devices running.

Consider your data needs and the reliability required for your activities (work, navigation, emergencies).

For truly remote camping, satellite internet (like Starlink Roam) is currently the most reliable way to stay connected anywhere in Australia. For less remote areas, Telstra-based mobile solutions are usually sufficient.

Hunters Retreat

Hunters Retreat NT
Hunters Retreat Finniss River Bynoe NT

Named after a member of our family, Hunters Retreat is located about an hours drive from Darwin, Northern Territory. Situated high and dry above the Bynoe Harbour storm surge, Finniss River floodplain and billabongs. All weather, all season perfection.

Privately owned acreage currently undergoing revegetation and development.  A secluded, tranquil, private piece of the Northern Territory. Located within an hours drive of Darwin. No crowds, no hustle and bustle, just the sounds of nature. An easy and convenient location to explore a one-of-a-kind unspoilt natural environment and enjoy a piece of  the NT’s paradise!

Help us work towards providing an experience you too can enjoy by taking our survey.

Eco-Friendly Resorts/Retreats

A lot of accommodation offered in the Bynoe, Finniss River and Dundee areas are offered by people who have lived for a while in the immediate area. They know the seasons and how the environment changes during the year. They know the risks and adjust accordingly. With great incite they offer affordable and considerate locations to enjoy.

However, there are some, who see a quick buck and develop under the auspice of “Eco Friendly” without any due consideration for the surrounding flora/fauna, environ, guests or neighbours. Like so many places today, they haven’t lived in the surrounds and have no idea. Business comes before anything else. Don’t be fooled by their glossy pictures or marketing strategies, it’s all gimmicks & hype with little if any basis to their claims! Do your homework before deciding to part with your hard earned dollars. Think twice about lining the pockets of those that don’t care about anything but the money unless you make the conscious informed decision to do so. According to our survey, the majority of respondents want a quiet, safe, self-catering family vacation/accommodation, not hoon-ville, rowdy partying or large expensive resorts.

Some Resorts/Retreats may cite function/education facilities with bars/restaurants etc. but that means noise, excess lighting and traffic! Ok if you are in party mood, but if not are you prepared to pay a high price for high end or luxury accommodation only to find some arrogant group booking taking over the whole place day and night with no regard to yourselves? How would you feel if you booked a week’s holiday with the focus of relaxation only to find 20-40 school kids running a muck on a school camp! Eco-Friendly being just token words as our wonderful fauna that we want to see and appreciate is not necessarily going to stay around organised (or disorganised) chaos. They are just pushed further and further away into smaller and smaller locals! Accommodation star ratings mean nothing to our fauna.

Have you seen sites announcing themselves as eco-friendly but displaying pictures of people tracking wildlife with guns at the ready and implying shooting/hunting safaris, especially as they rip up the ground on quad bikes? That’s really reducing, minimising, or excluding harm upon flora/fauna and ecosystems or the environment isn’t it? NOT!  I visited one website that stated there were kangaroos to see at their place within an hour’s drive from Darwin. Sorry to spoil the illusion, but there are no kangaroos just wallabies in the top end! They really know their stuff! Ever seen the environmental impact reviews of these places? No? You’re not likely to either!

These “out of towners” won’t let on about and support you with the sand flies,

Annoying March Flies.

mosquitos, march flies, wasps, spiders, snakes and other undesirables either which are more prevalent at certain times of the year. Yes we may know about the dangers of crocodiles but your holiday vacation will be very uncomfortable if you and yours are covered in itchy welts for the whole time. Just imagine your wedding party bathed in a swarm of blood hungry suckers or your honeymoon ruined by constant itching. It’s also an hour or more to medical assistance! Want to listen to pig hunters shooting day and night?

Besides the usual, here are a few things you should consider when booking accommodation in the Bynoe, Finniss River and Dundee locations:

  • Who manages the accommodation? Is it managed by paid staff or local owners?
  • Are staff/owners easily available for immediate assistance? On site, local area, back in Darwin?
  • What insurance and in particular liability insurance does the accommodation have?
  • How many camping/caravan/room/cabin sites are available? The more there are the more potential for noise, lighting and disruption if quiet and tranquil is your goal.
  • Is there private or shared bathroom facilities? Internal or external?
  • Is the accommodation nestled within trees and bushland? Overhanging branches? Great for shade but branches drop and so does the wildlife. Ever woken up in a green tree ants nest!

    Green Tree Ants Nest
  • If a bush fire was to approach, would you be safe?
  • What shade structures are there for everyone or privately?
  • Is the accommodation roofing and under floor areas accessible to wildlife like snakes/spiders to crawl in/on or under?
  • Are there great looking low set tropical/native bushes around camp sites or guest accommodations? Great places for snakes to hide!

    Northern Brown Snake: Highly venomous snake. Known to inhabit the Finniss River area.
  • Is the site well cleared with easy line of sight for nature’s intruders i.e. snakes? Or might you suddenly have an encounter at close range?
  • Are there private cooking and BBQ facilities including kitchen or are you forced to eat at the sites restaurant or travel some distance? What precautions have been taken for opportunistic ants?
  • What parking areas are available close to accommodation sites? Room for car and boat or caravan? What is the security like?
  • How far is it to launch a boat? Are there boat ramps accessible dry and wet seasons?
  • How far are you away from a water source? The closer you are the more potential for problems. Fresh or salt water. Will the water source rise in the wet season? If so be prepared for everything to move up to join you too!

    King Brown Snake : One of the longest venomous snakes in the world. Recently spotted on Hardcastle road.
  • Rising flood waters, rivers and billabongs can smell. Accommodation close to or over water sources can smell and develop mold. They may look inviting in a picture but your nose won’t know till it gets there!
  • Are water sources on the property or close by protected by fencing or other deterrents so croc accidents are minimised and children can’t easily access either? Crocs do move around some distances.
  • Where is the septic tank? Are the wet season rains and rising water tables going to over whelm it? There is no town sewer system in these areas. That fish you just caught and are cooking– what’s it been swimming in?
  • Is the site hilly? Will there be lots of walking up and down slopes/stairs? Does the accommodation cater for the disabled?
  • If the site is on a significant slope are the grounds terraced or has the site been cleared retaining the original landscape. Wet season rains can contribute to significant erosion of cleared lands if not managed well.
  • How good are walking paths or bike tracks? Again erosion issues and potential for loosing ones footing? Turning an ankle can be painful!
  • Can you control the outside lighting? Is there excess lighting that will attract flying insects? Insects bring cane toads and other frogs and in turn this brings snakes.
  • Does the accommodation have bar facilities? Be prepared for drunken idiots stumbling around! If BYO, then this can be just as bad if you’re not looking for a booze up!
  • Does the accommodation offer a swimming pool? Are you prepared for noise!
  • Does the Retreat/Resort offer guest motor bike or quad bike rides? More noise, dust etc.?
  • Does the Retreat/Resort offer night walks? Potentially more light, noise and carry-on.
  • Do you have to buy insect repellent or sprays or does the accommodation offer free of charge? There isn’t much opportunity to buy locally.
  • Is the accommodation positioned close to a road or set well back? On a corner? Nothing worse than traffic noise and dirt road dust.
  • Does the accommodation have fly screen protection? Is there al fresco dinning/bar without necessary protection from insects etc. The last thing you want to swallow is the natives!

    Golden Orb Spider
  • Does the accommodation have air-conditioning or fans or both? A nice enclosed breeze way? It can get hot and steamy in the top end!
  • How is waste managed? Accumulating food scraps and other wastes attract mice, rats and again snakes.
  • What is the water source for the accommodation use? The best is rain water. The worst is river/billabong/dam water.
  • Where is waste/grey water going? What’s that puddle you just stepped in?
  • Is the electricity provided by generators? These can be noisy. Does it have solar power?
  • Is mud racing/motorbike riding circuits available in wet areas? Have you heard of Melioidosis?
  • Are you in an area renown for pig or goose shooting/ hunting i.e. Finniss River and associated flood plains? Gun shots can be unnerving for the unprepared.
  • Do you want a place that excludes pets? Can you take your beloved canine, and if so what protective measures are in place? It’s no fun for “Fido” if he has to be chained up all the time! The prey instinct is often high in many breeds and they are likely to chase wallaby well out of your sight.  Even trained hunting dogs are lost, never to be seen again. Good fencing etc is a must. Keep them away from water. Many a dog has been lost to a croc attack!

Don’t be taken in by the use of marketing terms such as “ECO”. We humans impact wherever and whenever we go.

Whatever you want to do, wherever you go and stay in this unique place in the world, please choose wisely and be safety and environmentally conscious!

Wildlife of the Finniss River NT

Finniss River & Bynoe HarbourAustralia’s Northern Territory is teeming with exotic birdlife, mammals, reptiles and marine life. The Finniss River and Bynoe Harbour included. The Finniss River coastal floodplain, about 70 km south-west of Darwin is dominated by seasonally inundated grassland and sedgeland with areas of paperbark open-forest. The Finniss River floodplain is also of international significance. This site is listed as a wetland of national significance in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia.
Magpie GeeseThe area supports very large numbers of waterbirds, including more than 1% of the world’s populations of Magpie Geese and Pied Herons, and high densities of many other waterbird species. It supports important breeding activity by Saltwater Crocodiles, Magpie Geese and other waterbirds, and three Pied Heronlarge waterbird breeding colonies are known to be located in paperbark swamps on the floodplain. Approximately five threatened birds and one threatened plant species also call this area home.

Of national importance are the vulnerable and threatened species of:

PlantsMonochoria hastate

Vertebrates – Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis, Australian BustardMasked Owl Tyto
novaehollandiae kimberli, Partridge Pigeon Geophaps smithii, Red Goshawk
Erythrotriorchis radiatus, and Yellow-spotted Monitor Varanus panoptes.
Yellow-spotted Monitor
Cycas canalis subsp. canalis on the other hand  grows prolifically only in the in the Darwin Coastal bioregion. WallabyWallaby are also very abundant.
Less than 1000 ha of mostly dry rainforest occur in this site, especially in coastal areas near Stingray Head. Most of the rainforest occurs
as small patches (<10 ha) but one significant patch is >100 ha.
Northern Trritory CrocodileFloating grass mats of the billabongs of the Finniss and Reynolds Rivers not destroyed by buffalo, provide an important habitat refuge and source of food for a range of fauna in the dry season, especially crocodiles. There are more crocodiles in the Northern Territory than anywhere else in the world.
Although the Finniss Sub-Region is an establishing rural living area and an important recreational area for Darwin residents and visitors, careful growth and development is required to preserve the very reason it is so popular!
Important wildlife breeding sites and concentrations of rare, threatened or endangered flora and fauna species are worth protecting.
Water Monitor

Bynoe Harbour Waypoints

Bynoe Harbour GPS Waypoints of interest:

Bynoe Harbour

Want to know where to go fishing? You’ll find fish here!

Artificial reef – Jewfish: 12 41 841S 130 37 315E and 12 41 847S 130 37 320E

Wreck – Golden Snapper: 12 41 633S 130 38 571E

Reef: 12 37 771S 130 31 555E

Indian Island – Snapper, Jew reefs, ledges: 12 33 350S  130 31 483E; 12 34 065S 130 27 239E; 12 33 501S 130 31 603E; 12 33 983S 130 31 566E

Fog Bay – mackerel, queenfish, trevally: 12 39 182S 130 20 099E. Reef(dries): 12 40 926S 130 19 741E. Queenfish, Salmon reef(dries): 12 43 688S 130 20 683E

Don’t forget to take all your hooks, line and tackle! You won’t be disappointed!

Bynoe Mobile Coverage

Bynoe, Northern Territory to get better mobile coverage

Update: April 2018. The mobile tower on Hardcastle Road is complete and working!

Mobile phone coverage in the Bynoe Harbour and Finniss River area has been a significant issue for people living, working, holidaying and travelling in this part of the country for considerable time. In some locations reception is only possible using additional equipment such as a car kit, external antenna or repeater kits for rural & regional areas as handheld reception has been non existent. All an added expensive addition.  Communication, especially in times of emergencies has and will have an impact on outcome.

The Australian Government has committed more than $200M to the Mobile Black Spot Program to improve mobile coverage along major regional transport routes and in small rural communities.

On 1 December 2016, the Australian Government announced that round 2 of the program will deliver 266 new or upgraded mobile base stations across the country with construction of base stations under round 2 of the program expected to commence in 2017/18.

The good news is Bynoe in the Northern Territory has been funded to receive a Telstra macrocell. Better life, better travel, better holidays, better all round!

The map below indicates this tower is to be built at the corner of Fog Bay Road and Hardcastle Road.