About Bynoe HarbourBynoe Harbour is located immediately to the south-west of Darwin Harbour and the Northern Territory's capital city of Darwin. These two major estuaries are separated by Cox Peninsula. Because the two harbours are close to one another, and similar in size and habitat, Bynoe is often referred to as a "sister harbour" to Darwin Harbour. The main difference between the two harbours is that Bynoe has several islands and drying reefs inside and outside, which makes it considerably more interesting for boaters than Darwin Harbour. Bynoe Harbour is still pristine and fishing is popular. It has so far escaped having heavy industry on its shores, with only minor dwellings on the north shore and the small Crab Claw Island fishermen's resort on the south shore. Bynoe is relatively shallow, at about 40m in the deepest areas, with much of its area shallow and even drying at low tide. Most of the harbour is lined with healthy mangrove forest, providing a rich habitat for marine life. Tidal movement reaches a considerable 8m when the water becomes turbid. The clearest water is experienced during the smaller neap tides. Bynoe Harbour is a popular recreational fishing area. It has been closed to gill netting, which has allowed marine life to thrive. The main species targeted by fishermen around the mangroves and flats are barramundi, followed by threadfin salmon and queenfish. Golden snapper, goldspot cod, mangrove jacks, various trevally species and black jewfish are also abundant. There is a firm natural boat launch site on the north shore at Keswick Point, and three boat ramps on the south shore, including one at Crab Claw Island resort and two within creeks. The harbour has an artificial reef in the form of the remains of a jetty that was demolished and dumped in deep water off Crab Claw Island. Bynoe Harbour usually has good stocks of mud crabs. The harbour can be fished in a small boat as much of it is sheltered, however it sits in a storm alley during the Build-up and wet season. Fishermen and boaters should also beware stonefish, marine stingers and crocodiles. To the north of the harbour lies Turnbull Bay, a good barramundi fishing spot. Bynoe Harbour was subject to the successful Kenbi land claim, which covers the harbour and its islands, Cox Peninsula and parts of Darwin Harbour, as well as drying reef in northern Fog Bay. Access to most areas is still permitted, including camping on Indian Island. However there are are some small areas with no-go zones. Nearby fishing spots include the freshwater section of the Finniss River and Dundee Beach on the Fog Bay coast. Local and visiting fishermen use the Sand Palms Roadhouse to get supplies. The Crab Claw Island resort has cabins on the beach. For more detailed information, try this online Northern Territory fishing forum ... www.fishingterritory.com If you want to fish Bynoe Harbour grab a copy of the highly detailed |
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