Tiwi Islands Recreational Camping Sites 

The Tiwi Islands of the Northern Territory are Aboriginal owned and administered by the Tiwi Land Council (TLC).   

During regular meetings between Fisheries and the Tiwi Land Council, problems associated with people illegally landing on Melville and Bathurst Islands were often raised.

Following discussions, an agreement was reached between the Tiwi Land Council and Fisheries whereby four beaches on Bathurst and Melville Islands have been made available for boat operators to camp for up to seven days by way of a permit. This agreement provides a mutually beneficial resolution to the frustrating trespass problems the Tiwi people have experienced, while also providing Territory anglers with new access opportunities.

Visitors are asked to avoid sacred sites and sites of great importance to the Tiwi people and to report any undesirable conduct, as the future of this wonderful access opportunity should not be jeopardised by any irresponsible behaviour. A set of conditions has been applied to the permits.

The Amateur Fishermen's Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT) has been appointed to administer the permits. The permits cost $55.00 per boat with up to 4 people on board. Additional permits cost $27.50.How to Obtain a Recreational Camping Permit

As a result of the Federal Court Blue Mud Bay decision, a temporary fishing licence to  fish and access waters within rivers, creeks and the intertidal zone of Aboriginal owned land is required.  Enquiries can be directed to the Northern Land Council (NLC) on 1800 645 299 or by visiting the NLC website on www.nlc.org.au.

Recreational Camp Site Descriptions

Click here to view a map of the Tiwi Islands

Dudwell Creek   Robertson Creek   Camp Point Beach   Jessie River

Dudwell Creek (Bathurst Island)  Position supplied by the TLC: 11 22.617' S 130 14.444' E

Vessels should approach the camp site slowly on a northerly heading along the beach while noting the vast area of sandbars which surround Dudwell creek mouth area north and west of the camp site. Care should be taken when selecting vessel mooring sites as waves often break on nearby sandbars. Boundaries of camping sites have been marked with pink painted star pickets. Visitors must remain within the marked camping area. Camp sites extend approximately 100 metres along the beach and up to 100 metres inland (depending on the nature of the terrain). Each site provides some shade. Care should be taken by boat skippers when vessels are approaching the camp sites as rocks and/or reef lie seaward of most camping sites. Notes and photographs were taken between September and October 1998. The TLC, with the aid of a Federal grant have constructed a camping shelter at the site. Please report any infringements of the permit conditions or other undesirable behaviour to AFANT on telephone (08) 8945 6455 or Fisheries on (08) 8999 2372. [top]

Robertson Creek (Melville Island)  Position supplied by the TLC: 11 51.003' S 131 04.353' E

Although the area is relatively free of rocks, vessels should approach the camp site slowly at 90 degrees to the beach. Moor vessels offshore to avoid beaching during low tides. Boundaries of camping sites have been marked with pink painted star pickets. Visitors must remain within the marked camping area. Camp sites extend approximately 100 metres along the beach and up to 100 metres inland (depending on the nature of the terrain). Each site provides some shade. Care should be taken by boat skippers when vessels are approaching the camp sites as rocks and/or reef lie seaward of most camping sites.  Notes and photographs were taken between September and October 1998. The TLC, with the aid of a Federal grant have constructed a camping shelter at the site. Please report any infringements of the permit conditions or other undesirable behaviour to AFANT on telephone (08) 8945 6455 or Fisheries on (08) 8999 2372. [top]

Camp Point Beach (Melville Island)  Position supplied by the TLC: 11 36.527' S 131 25.308' E

Camp site is amongst a stand of casuarina trees on a beach, which lies north of a small reef/rock island in the bay immediately east of Camp Point. A reef lies roughly parallel with the beach and this may negate access to the beach during lower tides. Moor vessels seaward of the reef to avoid beaching during low tides. Boundaries of camping sites have been marked with pink painted star pickets. Visitors must remain within the marked camping area. Camp sites extend approximately 100 metres along the beach and up to 100 metres inland (depending on the nature of the terrain). Each site provides some shade. Care should be taken by boat skippers when vessels are approaching the camp sites as rocks and/or reef lie seaward of most camping sites.  Notes and photographs were taken between September and October 1998. The TLC, with the aid of a Federal grant have constructed a camping shelter at the site. Please report any infringements of the permit conditions or other undesirable behaviour to AFANT on telephone (08) 8945 6455 or Fisheries on (08) 8999 2372. [top]

Jessie River (Melville Island)
Camp site is situated on the eastern bank at the mouth of the Jessie River.  The TLC, with the aid of a Federal grant have constructed a camping shelter at the site.

Useful Information

• How to Obtain a Recreational Camping Permit 
• Important Contacts on the Tiwi Islands