Port Essington, Cobourg Peninsula

Port Essington is an inlet and historic site located on the Cobourg Peninsula in the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park in Australia's Northern Territory. It was the site of an early attempt at British settlement, but now exists only as a remote series of ruins.

All of Cobourg Peninsula is part of Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, which also encompasses a few nearshore islands. The quality of fishing is world-class, and Cobourg Peninsula has plenty of mangrove-lined billabongs jumping with barramundi, mangrove jack and other sportfish. The ocean teems with barracuda, queen fish, trevally, coral trout and jewfish. Protected sea life including turtles, crocodiles, dugongs and dolphins can also be seen in the area. The Cobourg Peninsula is also a paradise for birdwatchers, and anyone who enjoys unique flora and fauna.

Things to see and do

* Fishing
* Bird watching
* Garig Gunak Barlu National Park
* Black Point Cultural Centre
* Victoria Settlement

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language – English
Population – 30 approx
Land Area – 2,100 km² (Coburg Peninsula)
Time – GMT plus ten hours
Electricity - 2 angled pins and 1 flat pin centered below Australian style
International Country Telephone Code – 61

Port Location – Port Essington is located on Cobourg Peninsula in the Northern Territory.

Transport Links - Cobourg Peninsula is two sailing days (150 nautical miles) from Darwin, and at least two or three days in a four-wheel-drive (road access is only possible from May to October). It is possible to fly in through tours that can be arranged in Darwin, or to travel to the area alone by four-wheel drive, as the ruins lie on Aboriginal land, a permit must be obtained first.