King Ash Bay: A Guide To Visiting & Fishing

Everything you need to know about the King Ash Bay experience.

Vast and diverse, the Northern Territory is world-famous for its fishing adventures and visiting anglers often set their sights on King Ash Bay .

Each dry season (May to October), the King Ash Bay Fishing Club and community swell with the arrival of members and visitors who come to enjoy the great ‘winter’ weather (it’s warm all year round), the fishing, and the lifestyle. Many others drop in for a few days or weeks as part of a more extensive visit to Northern Australia. After receiving a warm welcome at King Ash Bay, you’ll want to return again and again.

Whether you’re looking to just get away, relax and explore the relatively unknown wilderness or you’re a keen angler looking for your next big catch, here’s everything you need to know about King Ash Bay.

an aerial view of Victoria Highway from Kununurra to King Ash Bay — The remote drive from Kununurra to King Ash Bay. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Fishing at King Ash Bay

Come for the fishing , stay for the lifestyle, sums up King Ash Bay perfectly. With a two-lane boat ramp, hundreds of kilometres of sheltered, mangrove-lined rivers and creeks, and easy access to the Sir Edward Pellew Islands and surrounding waters, the range of fishing opportunities here is enormous.

a freshwater crocodile lurking around King Ash Bay — Freshwater crocodiles are spotted lurking around the area.

Barramundi fishing is what draws most visitors, and while they can be caught all year round, most anglers prefer fishing for barra during the cooler dry season months. Aside from barra, there’s a wide range of fish available in the area. In the estuaries, popular target species include mangrove jack, golden snapper (fingermark), black jew, threadfin and blue salmon, javelin fish (grunter), and queenfish. Around the islands and reefs, these same species can be caught in addition to Coral Trout, Nannygai, Mackerel, Emperor (various types), and many more. The famous mud crab is also available in large numbers, so bring your pots with you.

an aerial view of King Ash Bay — King Ash Bay is a go-to fishing spot in the Northern Territory.

Fishing from the banks can provide some limited success, however, for the best results, it’s recommended to access a boat to experience the full potential of the area. Fishing charters are available through King Ash Bay River and Fishing Charters or NT Coastal Fishing Charters.

a freshwater crocodile in King Ash Bay — Swimming in the river is not advisable since there are crocs in the area.

King Ash Bay accommodation

At 1000 kilometres away from the nearest shopping centre and 700 kilometres from the nearest traffic lights, describing King Ash Bay as remote is putting it lightly, but in many respects, the area is a self-sufficient tiny town. Many visitors are amazed to discover that the bay generates its own power, supplies good quality water, and provides many other services you’d expect to find in a small community.

As well as accommodation, you’ll also find a service station, a well-stocked mini-mart, a nine-hole golf course, and Groper’s Bar & Grill with reasonably priced drinks and meals, entertainment, and communal activities.

King Ash Bay Caravan Park

Set in a natural bush environment, the best way to describe these remote camp areas is informal and friendly. There are no allocated sites and campers are free to choose their own camp area from those available when they arrive. There’s always room though in both the powered and unpowered areas and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Visitors to King Ash Bay often choose to stay in their own caravans, camper trailers, or motor homes in the powered area . Being situated on high ground, this site is available all year. Toilets and hot showers are provided (as well as a dump pot for emptying caravan toilets) and coin-operated washing machines. Good quality bore water is also provided and it’s generally possible to connect your camper van or trailer to a tap. Small campfires are permitted but they must be attended to at all times and extinguished when not in use. Powered sites cost $40 per night.

King Ash Bay camping

For those who are camping in tents and swags, the very popular unpowered area (known locally as Genny Flats) is a lovely spot on the river bank, though it’s only available during the dry season due to the potential for flooding. Toilets and hot showers are provided. Unpowered sites cost $30 per night.

King Ash Bay cabins

For a touch of luxury, King Ash Bay has a variety of cabins available all year round with stunning views overlooking the McArthur River. They’re fully serviced with air-con and a variety of bedding configurations. All cabins have their own BBQ and outdoor settings, and they’re conveniently situated within walking distance of the King Ash Bay Fishing Club and boat ramp.

King Ash Bay houseboats

To up your game out on the water, why not stay on a houseboat ? Located on the McArthur River at the fishing club, there are four fully equipped boats to choose from. The entertainment decks are great for relaxing with a drink and a BBQ and you can even fish straight off the boat. Prices are from $100pp per night plus fuel. It’s an excellent way to access some of the most remote fishing hotspots in Australia

King Ash Bay Lodge, Northern Territory

A little further away is King Ash Bay Lodge , nestled in beautiful gardens at the quiet end of town. Available all year round for groups of up to 12 people, you’ll find high standards of cleanliness here as well as plenty of extras to ensure your stay is as enjoyable as possible. On one side of the lodge, there’s a private, double self-contained unit, and on the other side, there are five twin-share rooms.

Things to know before you go to King Ash Bay

Located around 50 kilometres past Borroloola (along the Savannah Way) in the Gulf of Carpentaria, the bay is a full day’s drive from Darwin and approximately 650 kilometres from Katherine. There are many ways to get there but it really depends on how much time you have, your budget, and the time of year.

If you’re driving, you can take bitumen roads the entire way except for the last 21 kilometres. Make sure to carry enough fuel though because there are some stretches of road that are several hundred kilometres between fuel stations. However, the quickest way to get there (and probably the most expensive) is to fly via Darwin and then to the McArthur River Mine, where you can get picked up (approx one-hour drive from King Ash Bay).

Keep in mind that during the wet season, the road goes almost completely underwater and is very muddy. When the road is like that, you can only use a very capable 4WD to get through when absolutely necessary. However, during the dry season, the road is usable by all vehicles including 2WD sedans.

an aerial view of road to Borroloola — Venture across the long stretch of road to Borroloola. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

With so much to see and do at the Top End of Australia, discover more about exploring the Northern Territory ahead of planning your next adventure.

The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.

Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.

Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.

Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.

1. Alice Springs

echidna at Alice Springs Desert Park — See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary , there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.

Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park . Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.

Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary . You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.

Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co , tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27 .

2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

woman standing at Ormiston Gorge — Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)

Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.

Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.

Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta

three women looking at Kata Tjuta at sunset — Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.

Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.

For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.

4. Tennant Creek

pson looking at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) northern territory — See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.

For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre , which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.

Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.

5. Mataranka

aerial of people swimming in bitter springs northern territory — Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs , within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.

Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.

6. Nitmiluk National Park

Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise — Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)

Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.

One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.

Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise , discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.

Continue your cultural journey at local art centres like Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre or Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft .

7. Litchfield National Park

cathedral termite mounds in Litchfield national park — Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.

Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.

8. Darwin

darwin street art — Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)

This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival , one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.

Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct , an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.

Learn more and start planning your Explorer’s Way road trip at northernterritory.com/drive.

A guide to King Ash Bay; the ultimate fishing holiday destination