Fishing and boating
Fishing regulations | Boating | Fishing park note (PDF 1.3MB)
Fishing Regulations
Cast nets, traps, spear guns and crab pots are not permitted but can be left at the Bowali Visitor Centre during your stay.
Bag limits apply to barramundi and other species.
Contact the Bowali Visitor Centre, telephone (08) 8938 1120 for up-to-date information.
Types of fishing allowed are:
waters west of the Kakadu Highway except in the West Alligator River System. - the camping areas of Muirella Park (Djarradjin Billabong),
- Sandy Billabong
- Jim Jim Billabong.
Types of fishing NOT allowed are:
waters east of the Kakadu Highway except for the areas described above - waters in the West Alligator Rivers System
Boating
Boating on Kakadu's waterways can be dangerous due to strong currents, sand bars, submerged logs and crocodiles. Please let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back. In tidal areas always carry life jackets, water, oars, flares, torch, tool kit and extra fuel. Refer to the Northern Territory Marine Act signs for more detailed safety information.
Recreational boating activities such as parasailing and the use of jet skis, airboats and hovercrafts is not permitted. Due to safety hazards, non-motorised recreational boating is by permit only.
Areas where motorised boats for recreational use are allowed:
- South Alligator River and associated billabongs, including Red Lily, Alligator and Leichhardt Billabongs on the South Alligator River;
- Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water);
- Four Mile Hole;
- Two Mile Hole;
- the East Alligator River (except near the egret rookery near the mouth of the East Alligator River);
- Jim Jim, Mardugal and Home Billabongs on the Jim Jim Creek system;
- Djarradjin and Sandy Billabongs on the Nourlangie Creek system;
- the West Alligator River; and
- the Wildman River.
- Boating on the West Alligator River requires a Permit.
Contact the Permits Officer on (08) 8938 1140 for more information.
See also the notes above on where you are permitted to fish within the park. If you have any doubts about where you can use your boat for fishing or other recreational activities, contact the Bowali Visitor Centre, telephone (08) 8938 1120.
Boat ramps
Concrete boat ramps are located at the South Alligator River near the Arnhem Highway, the East Alligator River, Yellow Water, Mardugal and Jim Jim Billabong. An unsealed boat ramp is located at Muirella Park.
Beware of Salvinia
Salvinia is a free floating aquatic fern native to South America. It was originally imported as an aquarium plant. It reproduces by growing from small fragments.
Please help prevent the spread of this weed from choking Kakadu's wetland areas:
- check and remove any salvinia from your boat, trailer and car before moving on.