Diving in the Northern Territory offers both tropical and wreck diving in the surrounding waters. Although visibility in the Territory's waters ranges from 3 to 30 metres, the areas still offers an array of tropical fish, a rich and prolific range of invertebrate life as well as dives in freshwater. Major destinations include Darwin Harbour and the offshore reefs and islands.
Tropical temperatures mean that diving in the Northern Territory is great all year round. However the best time for diving is during the 'Dry Season' from May to October when Box Jellyfish are not present off the coast. Lycra suits are strongly recommended during these months. Saltwater crocodiles are present in the Northern Territory waters, and local advice should be sought.
Tides in the Darwin area can reach up to 8 metres (26 feet) and bring with them strong currents. Diving is generally restricted to neap tides with minimum movement.
Darwin harbour has several wrecks such as the 'Meigs', a 15,000 tonne freighter, and the 'Peary', an old destroyer dating back to World War II. There are also many coral reefs, some with outstanding soft coral gardens. All of these sites are easily accessible by boat.
The Coburg Peninsula is located at the North Western corner of Arnhem Land. The Coburg Marine National Park is a haven for coral fringed reefs, mangroves, turtles and crocodiles, and is located 680 km (423 miles) north east of Darwin.
It is possible to dive in the freshwater springs at Rum Jungle, Edith Falls and Berry Springs in the Northern Territory. Visibility ranges from 3 to 10 metres and diving and swimming in these pools is only in the dry season.
The Vernon Islands in Clarence Strait, 64 km (40 miles) from Darwin, are covered with mangroves and cannot be landed on. Reefs extend from the islands for 500 metres, and on Knights Reef there are numerous lagoons that do not dry out at low tide. The sides of the lagoons are made up of interesting corals and reef and table fish. Visibility is up to 15 metres on good days.
The area around Nhulumbuy on the Gove Peninsula has hundreds of islands, cays and reefs teeming with marine life. There are many maritime wrecks in the area, many of which remain undiscovered. Visibility is usually excellent. There are daily flights to Nhulumbuy from Cairns and Darwin as well as charter flights available from these ports. Road access to Nhulumbuy, located 1,114 km (692 miles) west of Darwin, is through Arnhem Land which is controlled by its Aboriginal owners. Permits must be obtained from the Northern Land Council to use these roads. Permits are not required if arriving by air. Road conditions should always be checked with police before embarking on this drive as some areas can become inaccessible.
Groote Eylandt, the largest island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, is in the vicinity of eight smaller islands. A permit is required to visit the area as it is Aboriginal land. The reefs are relatively unexplored and the caves and ledges are home to numerous species of fish and coral, including soft corals in the more shallow waters.
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