Blue Mud Bay Registration
How recreational fishers can access Aboriginal tidal waters
From 1 March 2021, the NLC has automatically granted access to recreational fishers to the tidal waters marked in yellow on the map via a registration process. Once you have registered, we will issue you a Blue Mud Bay Registration document, which will be valid through to 31 December 2022.
Tidal Waters Access Map. For more detailed maps see below.
Maps of the Blue Mud Bay Access Area
Detailed A3 maps
Who can register?
- Recreational fishers wanting to go into the intertidal zone and tidal rivers over Aboriginal land that are marked in yellow on the map.
- Commercial fishers and some tour operators have alternative access arrangements.
- Fishing Tour Operators will need their client’s personal information to register them.
Do I need any other permissions or permits?
If you are travelling to an Access Area by land you will need to request permission prior to your trip:
- If you are travelling to the access area through Aboriginal land, you’ll need a Transit Permit from the NLC.
- For areas outside the NLC's region you'll need permission from other land council areas, such as Tiwi Land Council and Anindilyakwa Land Council.
- For pastoral properties and parks, you'll need permission from the pastoral lease holder, NT Parks or Parks Australia.
- See Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation for recreational permits for areas around Nhulunbuy.
What are the key roads for each access area?
| Access area | Key roads |
|---|---|
| Mini Mini Access Area | Cahills Crossing and Murganella Road |
| West Arnhem Access Area | Cahills Crossing and Top Track |
| East Arnhem Access Area | Central Arnhem Road |
| Limmen-Roper Access Area | Access to Roper Bar is via public road. If accessing Arnhem Land apply for Numbulwar Road |
| Finniss Coast Access Area | Public roads available |
| Port Keats Access Area | Port Keats Road |
The tidal zone is the area between the high-tide mark and the low-tide mark.
Application process for permits
Your application for a Transit Permit must specify dates, places and access routes. The NLC will consider your application and seek approval from relevant traditional Aboriginal owners. Please allow up to 10 days for processing for these applications and contact us about restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Permit contact centre
If you have any questions about the registration process, please use our contact centre to record your query and a NLC staff member will get in touch as soon as possible. You can use the contact centre without being logged-in. Otherwise email us at permits@nlc.org.au, call 1800 645 299 or contact a NLC Regional Office.