Arnhem Land

Ron O

The fishing is great. Best time just after the wet. Brother in law just caught some barra including one 1.25 mtr at Roper Bar.

The following info is from www.bushtel.nt.gov.au. I hope it helps.

Ngukurr

Location: Upstream from the mouth of the Roper River, near the coast in the southwest Gulf of Carpentaria.

History: The Roper River Mission was established in 1908, and welcomed as protection from massacres taking place in the area. It was relocated in 1940, following flooding, to the present site of Ngukurr.

Population: Approximately 892 people.

Languages spoken: Kriol is the main language spoken, but members of many language groups reside at Ngukurr including the Mara, Ngandi, Alawa, Nunggubuyu, Rittarrngu, Wandarang and Ngalakan.

Traditional ownership: The main traditional owners are members of the Ponto clan, with Manbilila clan members also having a role.

Homeland centres: There are around 7 homeland centres (outstations) which are serviced by the Yugul Mangi Community Council.

Governance: Governance is the responsibility of:
(i) Yugul Mangi Community Council, for municipal service matters (under the NT’s Local Government Act); and
(ii) The Northern Land Council, for land-related matters (under the Commonwealth’s Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976)

Land tenure/Permits: Ngukurr is on Aboriginal land and, under the NT’s Aboriginal Land Act, a written permit is required to visit. Permit applications may be lodged with the Northern Land Council’s office in either Darwin or Katherine.

Intoxicating substances: Ngukurr is a restricted area for the purpose of the NT’s Liquor Act. Severe penalties apply to residents and visitors who breach this law. It is possible (in theory) to apply through the council/police for a permit to possess and consume alcohol inside the restricted area.

Essential infrastructure: Reasonable, with power, water, sewerage etc supplied. The bore water can be poor quality at times – many residents prefer to collect rainwater when possible, for drinking.

Other facilities: These include a general store (including fuel sales), library, police station, office of the Northern Land Council, church, preschool, primary and secondary school, women’s centre, mechanical workshop, health clinic (with full-time nurses and Aboriginal Health Workers), swimming pool and oval.

Access: By road or sea or air. Road access is often not possible during the Wet Season when the Roper River rises. The airstrip is all-weather bitumen. There are no regular commercial flights to Ngukurr, but the community owns a small airline. There is a barge service from Roper Bar to Ngukurr operated by the Ngukurr store.

Tjilpi

Ron

Ron

Haven't been there for 3 years so assuming it's still the same.

About 5km's towards Roper Bar on the other side of the river there is a free camp. No facilities except a concrete boat ramp. Gets a few people there for 2-3 months with others overnighting or short stays.

Apparently you can go to the shop by boat without a permit. Park the boat and walk 3-400 metres up the hill.

Barra everywhere when we were there.

It was to be an overnighter for us but we ended up staying for a week.

Banjo (WA)

Hi Ron,
The wife and I stayed there for week 3 yr ago (oct).We are going back this year.We camped at Roper Bar campground which has showers and toilet block.It costs about 5 bucks a night i think.You pay at the shop 2km drive away.There is no power so you need a generator if you req elec.
Its true that the best fishing is straight after the wet on lures.They were not taking lures when we were there.We managed some substantial Barra caught on cherabin prawn.You catch these with yabby pots with dry dog food and potato/zucchini.
We fished from our tinny straight under the boat with a paternoster rig around the snags and deep banks.You need serious gear to get the fish out.
Hope this helps.
Mark.