Channel Point Coastal Reserve

overview | how to get there | when to visit | what to see & do | visitor facilities | arrive well equipped  | fact sheet | Recreational Activities | Scenic and Cultural Features | Plants & Animals

Overview

Channel Point Coastal Reserve

Channel Point Coastal Reserve is a small intact sample of the Territory’s isolated coastline. It protects 250 ha of coastal habitats opposite the Peron Islands, between the Daly River mouth and Channel Point where there just happens to be some very good fishing spots.

Wadjigan and Kiuk people are Aboriginal custodians and spokespeople for this area.

Permits and fees

You need a Permit and access key to visit the Reserve whether you arrive by car or boat. Permits are issued via a booking system managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service.

Fishing Permits are required to enter Aboriginal land, including waters overlying Aboriginal land. For up-to-date, detailed information contact the Northern Land Council 1800 645 299 or visit the website.

Permit Applications

Visit Channel Point Permits information, check the reserve availability and download the online Permit Application or contact:
Permit Office,
Parks and Wildlife Service NT,
PO Box 496, Ground Floor, Goyder Centre
PALMERSTON,  NT  0831
Telephone: (08) 8999 4795
Facsimile: (08) 8999 4524
email: pwpermits.nreta@nt.gov.au

Access

Access to the Reserve is restricted by an agreement between the Northern Territory Government and Aboriginal custodians of the area. A maximum of 10 vehicles or 50 people (which ever comes first) can visit the Reserve at any one time. Check Reserve availability.

How to Get There

Road access

The Reserve is about 240 km south west of Darwin. Travel to Litchfield National Park either via the sealed roads from Batchelor, or (only in the dry season) via the Cox Peninsula Road and the unsealed part of the Litchfield National Park Road.

Once in Litchfield, turn west off the sealed Park Road just north of Wangi Falls, and travel 67 km along the unsealed road to the Reserve. See map in Fact Sheet.

Expect corrugations and dust. High clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended. Check road conditions by phoning 1800 246 199, or visit the road report web site.

Back to Top

When to Visit

The Reserve is usually open from May to October or for a longer period if road conditions allow.

What to See and Do

Visitors who will enjoy the Reserve most are self sufficient anglers with a well equipped 4x4 vehicle and boat, who are experienced with Top End coastal winds and waters, shallow seas and large tidal ranges. From the Reserve anglers can access the waters of Anson Bay, including the Peron Islands and Daly River mouth.

Visitors without boats who like isolated coastal views, beach walks, mangroves, monsoon forests and woodlands will also enjoy the Reserve

• Recreational Activities
• Scenic and Cultural Features
• Plants & Animals

Visitor Facilties

 

You will need a tide of 3.5m to launch your boat

Boating - there is a hard surface boat ramp measuring 65 metres long and 5 metres wide with depth markers. Depending on the size of your boat you will need a tide of greater than 3.5 metres to launch and retrieve safely. Local tides are 20-30 minutes earlier than Darwin tides. The Top End has an 8 metre tidal range, so check tide charts and weather forecasts before you leave home to ensure your safety.

Boat ramp at low tide

Camping - The designated camping area is 500 metres away from the boat ramp on top of the beach cliffs. The ten sites are unpowered and designed for cars pulling boat trailers. Bring a mossie proof tent to retreat into for evenings.

Information signage at the boat ramp carpark orientates you to the Reserve and Anson Bay including depths at lowest tides.

Unisex Composting Toilets and Showers are located in walking distance from the campground.

Bore Water is available at the boat ramp and the camping area, please use sparingly and turn off the tap properly after use.

Communal Fireplaces are located in the picnic areas near the campgrounds. Only light fires in the fireplaces provided. Use your own gas stove for cooking at your campsite.

Generators are permitted, but silent packs are preferred. All generators must be turned off between 10 pm and 6 am.

Arrive Well Equipped

Bring what you need to this isolated Reserve: water, food, gas cooking stove, camping gear, tool kit, first aid supplies, footwear and clothing, insect repellent and sunscreen. Make sure your boat and marine equipment meet legal safety requirements outlined online at Marine Safety Branch of Department of Planning and Infrastructure. Fit your boat canopy for shade. Bring books, cards, board games for evening activities and binoculars and a camera to catch the beauty of the coast.

Back to Top

Fact Sheet

• Download Fact Sheet

Recreational Activities

Boating, fishing, bird watching, in beach walks. No Swimming though. The Top End seas are crocodile habitat, so it is not safe to swim. Come prepared for the presence of mossies and sandflies, especially when there is no breeze.

Scenic and Cultural Features

 

View from the lookout near the camping area

This isolated Reserve is fringed by warm shallow seas, mangrove forests with their hind beaches. You can see the Peron Island from the lookout at the camping area.

The Wadjigan and Kuik people, spokespeople for this area, are involved with the management decisions for this park.

It is very important to them that you adhere to your permit conditions.

 

Plants and Animals

 

Channel Point - Monsoon Forest Trees in Camping Area

You might notice that the woodlands and monsoon forests are thicker and higher compared to those around Darwin.

Perhaps the isolation of the Reserve has protected them from the impacts of fire, feral animals, weeds and human activity.

The monsoon forest trees around the camping areas are large and shady, and attract a lot of birds when they are flowering and fruiting.

 

back to top