Find a boat ramp
Boat ramp access
Read below for the changes to East Arm, Daly River and Big Horse Creek boat ramp access.
There are numerous boat ramps available for public recreational use across Northern Territory (NT).
Before you use a boat ramp, you should check its status for any safety messages or warnings.
Changes to boat ramp access
East Arm
Seasonal changes
The outer section of the pontoon between piers 4 and 5 will be taken out from December 14, 2023, until around April/May 2024, depending on weather conditions and suitable tides.
The shortened pontoon will remain available for use for pontoon-assisted boat launches at the ramp on tides over 3.6 metres during the wet season period.
The pontoon is shortened seasonally to protect it from extreme weather events in the Top End during this time of year.
Daly River
Works have been completed at the boat ramp.
The ramp has reopened for public use.
Big Horse Creek
Works have been completed at the boat ramp.
The ramp has reopened for public use.
Hazards
Using a boat ramp can be hazardous.
To protect yourself, take the following precautions:
- take care when launching and retrieving your boat
- use caution on boat ramps as they may be slippery
- look for build-up of green mould on the ramps and avoid them
- Be Crocwise - crocodiles live in most NT waters and can attack suddenly:
- for more information on crocodile safety, go to the Be Crocwise website
- look for marine stingers as they may also be found at boat ramps.
If you notice a hazard, you must report it by:
- emailing marinesafety@nt.gov.au
- contacting the owner of the ramp.
Locations of boat ramps
The tidal access information below are estimates only. It can change due to environmental conditions.
For all ramps owned by the NT Government, call 08 8924 7100.
Map view
Below is an interactive map to help you find a boat ramp.
View the public boat ramps in the NT as a larger map.
List view
Below is a list of all boat ramps and their statuses.
Darwin
| Ramp | Location | Tidal access | Status / Warning | Owner / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinah Beach ramp | Approximately 3km from central Darwin on Frances Bay Drive | 2.5m | - | NT Government |
| East Arm ramp | Casey Street East Arm | Above 2.5m | Shortened pontoon but still in use. | NT Government |
| Doyles ramp (Darwin Ski Club) | End of Conacher Street adjacent to the Ski Club on the foreshores of Fannie Bay approximately 4km from central Darwin | Above 2.5m | - |
Darwin City Council 08 8930 0300 |
| Nightcliff ramp | Corner of Banksia Street and Casuarina Drive, Nightcliff, approximately 2km from Nightcliff Shopping Centre | Above 2.5m | - |
Darwin City Council 08 8930 0300 |
| Palmerston ramp | Adjacent to Elizabeth River Bridge on the Palmerston side, approximately 9km from Stuart Highway via University Avenue | Most tides | - | NT Government |
| Channel Island ramp | Approximately 25km west of Palmerston, across Elizabeth River Bridge | Most tides | - | NT Government |
| Middle Arm ramp | End of Middle Arm Road approximately 15km from Cox Peninsula Road | Most tides but may be difficult at low water | - | NT Government |
| Buffalo Creek ramp | Approximately 2km from signpost on Lee Point Road - Buffalo Creek provides access to Shoal Bay. | All tides at ramp | No access through Buffalo Creek mouth below 4m. |
Darwin City Council 08 8930 0300 |
| Leaders Creek ramp | The turn-off to the Leaders Creek ramp is approximately 44km along Gunn Point Road off Howard Springs Road - turn right at the signpost. Parts of the road may be badly corrugated. | Above 2m | - | NT Government |
| Saltwater Arm ramp | The turn off to Saltwater Arm boat ramp is 2km before the Leaders Creek ramp | Above 2m | - | NT Government |
| Adelaide River ramp | Next to Adelaide River Bridge on the Arnhem Highway | Most tides but difficulties may be encountered on extremely low water | - | NT Government |
| Corroboree Billabong ramp | Corroboree ramp, turn left 1km east of Corroboree Park tavern and follow the signs | No tidal influence | - | NT Government |
| Rock Hole ramp | Turn left off Point Stuart Road | No tidal influence | - | NT Government |
| Mary River ramp | Upstream of Mary River Bridge on the Arnhem Highway | No tidal influence | - | NT Government |
| Shady Camp ramps | Upstream and downstream of Shady Camp barrage | No tidal influence on freshwater side, seasonal on saltwater side, generally half tide upwards | - | NT Government |
| South Alligator ramp | Downstream of the South Alligator bridge on the Arnhem Highway | Varies, generally half tide upwards | - | - |
| East Alligator ramps | Upstream and downstream of Cahills Crossing | Varies, generally half tide upwards | - | - |
| Dundee Beach ramp | Native Point Dundee Lodge | The ramp is accessible at tides above 2.8m. |
Sediment build-up at the ramp can occur and maintenance is ongoing. Ramp users should check on current conditions. | NT Government |
| Finniss River ramp | Hardcastle Road | No tidal influence | - | NT Government |
| Milne Inlet ramp | Milne Road Bynoe Harbour | Above 3m | - | NT Government |
| Six Pack Creek ramp | Bynoe Harbour | Above 2.5m | - | NT Government |
| Channel Point ramp | Permit required. Read about permits for Channel Point. | Above 3.5m | - | - |
| Daly River ramp | Wooliana Road | Most tides | - | NT Government |
| Hardies Billabong ramp | Turn off Arnhem Highway | No tidal influence | - | NT Government |
| Mandorah ramp | Next to Mandorah Jetty. Charles Point Road | Above 2m | - | NT Government |
| Southport ramp | Blackmore River. Signposted turn off from Cox Peninsula Road. | Above 3.5m | - |
Litchfield Shire Council 08 8983 0600 |
Katherine
| Ramp | Location | Tidal access | Owner / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Horse Creek ramp | Victoria Highway, 10kms from Timber Creek Roadhouse | Difficult to predict in this area | NT Government |
| Katherine River ramp | Town of Katherine. Underneath Stuart Highway. Access via Oshea Terrace | No tidal influence | NT Government |
Nhulunbuy
| Ramp | Tidal access |
|---|---|
| Sea Swift Community boat ramp | Above 1.5m |
| Gove Yacht Club ramp | Mid-tide upwards |
East Arnhem
For boats ramps across East Arnhem Land, go to the East Arnhem Land website.
Gulf of Carpentaria
| Ramp | Location | Tidal access | Owner / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roper Bar ramp | Roper Bar Crossing Roper Highway | Above 2.5m | NT Government |
| Tomato Island ramp | Roper Highway | Above 2.5m | NT Government |
| No. 1 landing ramp | Roper River mouth | Above 2m | NT Government |
| Borroloola Town ramp | Borroloola Town | Above 3.5m | NT Government |
| Rocky Creek ramp | Rocky Creek | Above 3.5m | NT Government |
| Mule Creek ramp | Mule Creek | Above 2.5m | NT Government |
| King Ash Bay ramp | King Ash Bay | Mid tide and upwards | NT Government |
Cobourg Peninsula
| Ramp | Location | Tidal access | Owner / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Point Ranger Station ramp | Cobourg Peninsula | Most tides | NT Government |
Groote Eylandt
| Ramp | Location | Tidal access | Owner / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alyangula ramp | Whart Road, Alyangula | Most tides | Groote Eylandt Mining Company |
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