The Cobourg Peninsula is home to some of the best reef and tropical sports fishing locations in the world. Situated on the western tip of Arnhem Land, Garig Gunak Barlu National Park encompasses most of this remote peninsula, which features sandy beaches, coastal grasslands, mangroves, rainforest patches, swamps, lagoons, coral reefs and seas grass meadows. To reach the Cobourg Peninsula by sea it takes approximately two sailing days (150 nautical miles) from Darwin. If travelling by road allow two or three days in a four-wheel drive (road access is only possible from May to October and is via Kakadu National Park). A permit from the Northern Land Council is essential for all travellers. Tours can be organised where the operator organises a permit and transport.
There are many areas of historic significance including the ruins of an early European colony at Victoria Settlement in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the secluded Coburg Peninsula. However many who come to Cobourg Peninsula have just one thing on their minds – fishing. The quality of fishing is world-class, and Cobourg Peninsula has plenty of mangrove-lined creeks and billabongs jumping with barramundi, mangrove jack and other sportfish. The ocean teems with barracuda, queen fish, trevally, coral trout and jewfish. Protected sea life including turtles, crocodiles, dugongs and dolphins can also be seen in the area.