Tues, 6th Aug, 2024 Manyimi Campground, Gove Boat Club, Nhulunbuy, NT (fishing & exploring)

Steve stayed back to give him arm a bit more rest and to get his script filled at the chemist. I went out fishing with Mike and Anne.

We went to the tug wharf and Mike tried jigging for live bait. Only got one but Ron and Jenny found a school of bait further out and got some. We went out to join them and while Mike was jigging I cast my lure and got a hit. After a long battle we got it up and it was a 1.2m bronze whaler shark which was very disappointing but I enjoyed the fun of fighting him.

The wind has come up earlier today so it is quite choppy as we head across to the granites again. Nothing wanted our live baits so we trolled around the island. Spotted some Cobia in close to the first island over the rocks but they weren’t interested in our lures. As we headed around the rocky point Mike caught a small coral trout. One fish a day and only small ones isn’t a great start but hopefully things will improve as we get to know the area.

There is an Osprey nest in the tree on the first island.

They were keeping an eye on us and when we went around to the other side they flew over to see where we were.

The wind is making it unpleasant now so we trolled across to the mainland which a few houses are. A dolphin appeared but didn’t come back up.  

We went along the edge out of the wind then headed back home by 11am.

Had lunch sitting outside enjoying the water view. A beautiful blue kingfisher flew down and sat on the post. I didn’t get up for the camera as I figured he would just fly off but he stayed there for ages.

We headed off to do some exploring. Back under the conveyor belt then down a track to the left for views over the Arafura Sea. There are lots of concrete slabs about so not sure if it was part of a community or Rio Tinto sheds.

Continued down the main road to the turn off to Crocodile Creek and Wallaby Beach. View back to the mine area, around then up the creek. Can’t see any crocodiles.

There is a track heading along the creek so Steve headed up it. I did comment that it wasn’t the best time - hot sand, to be going up sandy tracks then we stopped. There was a corner with two tracks and it was all churned up and that’s where we stopped. The main recovery tracks are on the camper but we have the back up ones in the truck boxes so got them out with the shovel and set to work getting ourselves out. After a few goes, I said, ‘don’t you think it is time to let more air out of the tyres!’ He agreed, he had lower pressures already but after he dropped some more out and we tried a different direction, we got up onto harder ground where he was able to get turned around and out we went. Well he has had his ‘getting bogged’ adventure now! He will listen to ‘wifey’ next time - walking is good exercise rather than digging in hot sand to try and find the recovery tracks when they get buried!

Back to the main road and into town to top up with diesel. Only one place here ($2.31/L) and it had air compressors too which was very handy as we needed to get the air back in the tyres again.

Drove around through the houses then around the golf course - very green. They have a very good BMX track too. Down the road to the golf club house then left to check out East Woody Point and Beach. Sadly even though the signs say about respecting country etc the locals don’t seem to - a pile of shells from a feast complete with nappies and chocolate wrappers.

There is a creek further over through the mangroves - they might get their crabs from here.

Read the story of the island.

Walked down onto the beach - nice area.

At the end we came to the creek which winds around beside the island. Maybe on a very low tide you could get across to the island. Might be a good place to go fishing here.

Steve heard some seagulls up the creek then saw one in the water struggling. He thought a croc had it but it turned out to be two chaps in the mangroves. The seagull must have taken their bait. They got it in and got the hook out and the bird flew off again.

Walked back to the truck and spotted a pretty flower on a dead looking tree.

Headed back to the intersection then went straight ahead to Middle Beach for a cuppa.

Looking across to Bremer Island. There is a resort there and you can go for day trips.

Back in the truck and continued along the edge of the beach to Warrwawuy Beach and Cape Wirrawoi which is at the other end from the island.

There is a big sand ridge in the middle of the beach. Lovely clear water all the way along so no problem spotting crocs. We probably won’t get to see one after all the signs we see around the place. Now I have stood in the Arafura Sea water.

We walked along to the end. Interesting rock formations. Very prickly rocks.

Steve saw some bait jumping so went back for the fishing rods in case there was something good chasing them. I continued around the point. View back then around the point to big sandy area and a nice pool for a dip!

Nothing wanted our lures so we headed back to the truck.

Back into town and around to the Town Lagoon. There is a walking track from here.

We checked out the lagoon first. Complete with toy car! We can hear the waves crashing on the beach further over.

Info about the birds and animals around here. We can hear the flying foxes. Spotted a dead one under the tree.

The walking track from here is closed so we headed back to the truck.

Spotted another info board as we drove out.

Drove up Mt Nhulun to the Roy (Malpi) Marika Lookout. Great viewing platform.

Lots of information too.

Climbed up the tower. Fabulous view from here. Looking over the Town Lagoon area then across town.

More information about the Sugarbag Man - seems to be the only story around here. We paid a fee to Dhimurru to be able to go to different places around here.

View through the trees to the mud ponds over near where we are camped.

Back to camp for drinks. Chatted with our neighbours from Victoria as they drove back to Giddy River and said it was nice but there is a big croc cage there and it is like a gorge so not so good for fishing.

Using up our excess data watching movies with our chrome cast thing.