Groote Eylandt

Groote Eylandt is the Gulf of Carpentaria’s largest island. The Dutch were the first Europeans to ‘discover’ the island and named it meaning ‘big island’. As part of Arnhem Land it is owned by the Anindilyakwa Aborigines and a permit through their Land Council is required to visit. Groote is situated 650 km s-e of Darwin and its main settlement, Alyangula, is home to about 700 residents – mainly non Aboriginal miners. The island is famed for its excellent fishing mainly organized by way of charters as visitor facilities are limited.