FAQ

Crab Claw Island is truly unique – an island accessible by road except on extreme high tides so getting there is easy…

By car – take the Stuart Hwy from Darwin towards Alice Springs, turn right on to Cox Peninsula Rd, towards Wagait Beach (follow the signs as if going to the Territory Wildlife Park), after 36km turn left on to Fog Bay Rd towards Dundee, after 24kms you will see our fabulous sign showing you where to turn in to the Crab Claw Island access road, follow the road to the end. There is 15km of dirt road accessible by all cars.

By aeroplane or helicopter – Crab Claw Island maintains its own dirt airstrip. It is 900m long with co-ordinates 120 42 58 S, 130037 29 E. Most local Darwin helicopter and aeroplane charter companies will fly to Crab Claw Island – it is a very scenic 15-20mins.

By boat – just a couple of hours by quick boat or a nice leisurely sail from Darwin Harbour Crab Claw Island can be found at 12o 42.3’S, 130o 37.4’E – Chart AUS 29.

Crab Claw Island offers exciting experiences year round. Many visitors stay for the first time during the most popular time of May-October, the “Dry Season”, to fish Bynoe Harbour, relax by the swimming pools or walk the track, but often return to experience the vibrancy and excitement of the “Tropical Summer” from December to March when there are magnificent thunder storms. Apart from February Crab Claw Island Resort is open all year round with something unique to offer to everyone as the seasons change.

Tourism activity in the NT is highly seasonal. Traditionally the highest activity is in the months of May to October but apart from February we are open all year, including through the spectacular Tropical Summer. Crab Claw Island Resort is a very popular destination so it is advisable to make advance bookings, especially for long weekends and during school holiday periods.

The weather is always warm with a year round average maximum temperature of 32C.

Click here to view temperatures.

The Australian saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the world’s largest and most aggressive crocodile species, and more are found in the NT than anywhere else in Australia. Always be aware of your surrounds and do not swim in any area of Bynoe Harbour – including the beaches around Crab claw Island. If you want to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures we recommend a visit to Crocodylus Park or an organised tour with a professional guide.

Currently, a free, automatic fishing permit system applies for all amateur anglers through the NT. From 1st July 2009 Bynoe Harbour is closed to commercial fishing so the abundant variety of fish frequently caught in Bynoe Harbour will continue well in to the future.

The Territory lifestyle is casual, and that’s reflected in what you need to wear when you visit Crab Claw Island. Sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat are essential for outdoor activities and we would suggest long sleeves and pants as protection from mosquitoes and midges at dawn and dusk. Casual clothing and footwear are acceptable in the restaurant and bar. Tops must be worn at all times.