Blue Mud Bay Registration

From 1 March 2021, the NLC will automatically grant 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.

How to register 

Simply register and agree to the Terms and Conditions and we will send your documents by email automatically.

Who can register?

• Recreational fishers wanting to go onto the tidal zone and tidal rivers over Aboriginal land that are marked in yellow on the map. 
• Commercial fishers and tour operators have alternative access arrangements. 

Maps of the Blue Mud Bay Access Area

• Overview map
• Overview map showing context of the areas below

1. Port Keats area
2. Darwin-Daly area
3. Mini Mini area
4. West Arnhem area
5. East Arnhem area
6. Roper-Limmen area
7. Borroloola area

Detailed A3 maps

1. Finniss Coast Area
2. East Alligator
3. Roper River

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?

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.