Gove Peninsula - Australia
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| are located in desert regions the Gove Peninsula
is a contrast of fantastic countryside, pristine beaches, excellent
fishing and volumes and volumes of Aboriginal culture to take in. First set eyes on by the Dutch sailor, van Colster, in the early 1600's not much exploration took place here until the mid 1930's when the Aboriginal Land Reserve was proclaimed. During World War II the peninsula played a vital role in Australia's defences from attacks from the north. The Gove Peninsula was named after a British airman called Gove who was killed there. In the early 1970's bauxite mining commenced in the area by a company called Nabalco. This displeased the local Aboriginal people greatly and their displeasure eventually led to the Northern Territory Land Rights Act in the mid 1970's, which effectively handed the region back to its traditional owners. The trip is about 760 km, the longest stretch without fuel supplies is about 450 km and can't be traveled in the wet season due to the heavy rains and flooded rivers. April to September are the best months. The later you leave during this period means the shallower the river crossings will be. The route is up the Central Arnhem Road through magnificent, remote countryside, several river crossings and excellent fishing. You will require a permit to travel the Central Arnhem Road, see the contact details at the end, that will require you to complete the trip in 24 hours, not take a caravan, camper trailer or motorbike. The permit will also prohibit the carrying firearms and alcohol in your vehicle as well as prohibiting hunting and fishing in the area. Whilst this web page covers the trip from Katherine to the Gove Peninsula other, additional, permits may be required if you plan to deviate of the main route. The best setting off point for this trip is a little south of Katherine where the Central Arnhem Road branches off the Sturt Highway and heads east. Just a few kilometers along this road and you are in Arnhem Land, heading along the bitumen and heading for Wugullar, which more recently has become known as Beswick a little over 60 km from the Sturt Highway turnoff. From Beswick the road is unsealed from here on as you head for Conway and a little later Mainoru Store where you can camp, get provisions and your last chance for fuel before Nhulunbuy, although some have said that you can get emergency top ups at Bulman about 70km further on. Before reaching Mainoru Store you will see what appears to be a major branch in the road to the left, with what looks as though you should continue straight. It's the other way around. Straight takes you to the Mainoru Station Homestead, about 16 kilometers away, where you can get accommodation and take part in the stations activities. The Mainoru River runs through both of these places and fishing is a common pastime. In fact you will cross the Mainoru River having just left to continue your journey. Early on in the dry season this river crossing, and others rivers that you will cross later, can be interesting as the rivers still have water in them and, particularly after a good wet season can be reasonably high. Next you will pass through Bullman, where shortly after passing through, you will come across the Wilton River that flows down to Roper Bar. Stop and observe the water before you cross and assess its depth and flow as it has been known to be a difficult crossing at times. Once over the Wilton River your next target is Emu Springs, which is just off the road and does have some good camping facilities, but nothing else. About 30km past Emu Springs is the Goyder River crossing. If you think the two previous main river crossings were hard or treacherous then take extra special care on this one. Have a look around and access the best crossing point, which may not be the obvious one following the road. If you can, talk to someone who has recently been through it for first hand knowledge. About 130 or so kilometers from Emu Springs, where you leave the Mitchell Range and start entering the Frederick Hills, you will come to the road turning south, and heading through the Bath Range, to Jalma Bay, Blue Mud Bay and, ultimately Numbulwar, which is situated on the western side of The Gulf Of Carpentaria. 10 kilometers on and you will again strike the bitumen, the local airport and the turn off to Yirrkala. On a little way and you are in Nhulunbuy, a clean and very friendly town that services the bauxite mine in the area. You are at the northern end of the Gove Peninsula and surrounded by the pristine Arafura Sea. Once on the Gove Peninsula, and having obtained a permit from the Dhimrru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation, you will find many areas for recreational activity as well as tours at the Nabalco Bauxite mine in the area. If you haven't had enough 4wdriving yet head back out of town, about 20km past the airport, to the turnoff to Cape Arnhem. From here you drive through the bush towards, and onto, the beach. About 10km further on you will come to the end of the drive at a gate. The last few metres to Cape Arnhem are on foot, but it is worth it. If you plan to stay around here for a day or so there are some excellent camping areas. Before you head out to Cape Arnhem get some local knowledge as to the current condition of the tracks and beach. You will cross areas that can be very soft and that require caution and, sometimes, skilled driving. There are several permits required for this trip, some of which can take up to a couple of weeks to be processed.
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