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.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

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