VAN DIEMEN GULF NORTHERN TERRITORY AUSTRALIA

VAN DIEMEN GULF

NORTHERN TERRITORY

AUSTRALIA

Van Diemen Gulf is located at the very top of the Northern Territory, just north of Darwin. It is surrounded by Melville Island and Cobourg Peninsula. Sailing past Cape Don to enter Arafura Sea can be slow or quick. That depends on tides and the current. The Gulf is full of overflows and strong currents, the depths differ greatly. Sailing difficulty is compensated by fabulous coastal vistas.

Port Essington was a try for the brave settlers. It still is a remote place inhabited by snakes, crocodiles and wild animals. No wonder early settlers gave up the effort.

Crocodiles, closely related to dinosaurs but not extinct, were being culled for the sake of safety for people till the 1960s. Finally people realized that they should join crowded, noisy and polluted city dwellers and let animals live in peace in their natural environment. So now crocodiles are plentiful.

Cobourg Peninsula is teaming with fish, being remote it does not attract many fishermen. It is home to few indigenous people who enjoy the natural way of life. Also an occasional yacht stops on its passage to enjoy fabulous scenery and quiet of the anchorages. Just a shame it is not advisable to have a swim, crocodiles and sharks are here. Sea and sky colors are amazing though.

Sailing into the sunset , leaving the colors of land and sky behind one can only wonder what other surprises are waiting in this remote area.