Go exploring: NT via boat

If taking your boat out feels like a distant memory, you’re overdue for a boating adventure. We know this year’s been a bit of a doozy (and there’s quite a ways to go yet), but don’t let that stop you from squeezing a little bit of enjoyment out of it! Pack the essentials, hitch up your boat and make your way to one of these solid boating spots in the Top End today.

For those green with envy at boat owners having the freedom to get out on the water whenever they choose, owning your own boat isn’t a pipe dream. Find out how low your monthly repayments could be by getting a finance quote online - it may surprise you how affordable it is to buy yourself a beautiful new boat!

Day trips ahoy

Daly River

The Daly River, which will take about 2.5 hours to drive to from Darwin, is a must for anglers keen to hook a good-sized barramundi. When there’s not a lot of other boat traffic around, it’s a really tranquil spot great for either a day-s getaway or even overnight. Keep your eye out for wildlife within the Daly River Nature Park, because there’s a lot of it; wild pigs, water buffalo, saltwater crocs and lots more.

Dundee Beach

Just 59 k’s from Darwin, Dundee Beach is perfectly placed as a day destination to take the boat out on the water. Some great fishing just offshore and a beach laden with palm trees aplenty where you’ll experience sunsets that’ll take your breath away. Launch at the Dundee Beach Holiday Park boat ramp - it’s a public boat ramp so you won’t ruffle anyone’s feathers.

Wonderful weekends

Garig Gunak Barlu National Park

Sure, you can take the inland route through Arnhem Land, but where’s the fun in that? Launch from the Saltwater Arm boat ramp in Koolpinyah and make your way north a few clicks, then northeast for a while and you’ll reach Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. Go for a putt around its coast and find some great landscape photo ops, nice fishing and wildlife spotting (crocs, dugong, dolphins, and more). Also don’t miss the Victoria Settlement ruins.

Run aground and camp (with a permit) or head back to shore at Koolpinyah and stay the night at the Leaders Creek Fishing Base close to the boat ramp.

Mary River

At 225km long, the Mary River is home to a wealth of wildlife including 250 or so bird species including the brolga and jabiru plus an abundance of fish sitting beneath the surface waiting for you to catch including massive barra. There are a couple of boat ramps along the Mary River; the Mary River Bridge Ramp may be the easiest though as it’s right off the Arnhem Highway.

After a full day on the water, you’ll want to get a good sleep. And there’s no better place to do so than the Mary River Wilderness Retreat and Caravan Park.

Week-away holidays

Gove Peninsula

You definitely won’t be disappointed when you decide to spend a week at Gove Peninsula. Around 600 k’s east of Darwin, you’ll be surrounded by some seriously sensational beaches that offer awesome surf breaks. Launch your boat at one of the ramps available and head offshore for some excellent fishing or diving amidst the beautiful coral reefs, or make your way to one of the nearby islands and do a bit of exploring.

There are a few campgrounds in the area, but if camping isn’t really your thing you can stay at either the Gove Peninsula Motel or Walkabout Lodge and Tavern in Nhulunbuy.

Tiwi Islands

Take your pick of the boat ramps that surround Darwin and travel 80 kilometres north to reach the Tiwi Islands, also affectionately known as The Islands of Smiles, an archipelago of 11 islands in total for you to explore (be sure to get a permit before travelling). The islands boast some pretty incredible fishing, tranquil, secluded beaches, and accommodation to suit anyone’s tastes and budget (camping included).

Stratton Finance is here to find you the best boat finance deal

If you’re in the market for a new boat - whether it’s your first or you’re upgrading - having finance pre-approval can be a great card to hold when you get to the negotiation phase of your purchase. Put yourself in the best position and speak with Stratton Finance today - our wide-reaching network of lenders means we have access to a huge amount of finance options so whatever your circumstances we’ll help you secure the perfect finance deal available.

Get the ball rolling on your new boat by calling us on 1300 787 288 or using our online enquiry form to send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.