...A magical setting in Bynoe Harbour
Located practically in the apex to Bynoe Harbour, Crab Claw Island Resort is a convenient resort-style getaway for both Darwinites and visitors to Darwin looking for a day, overnight or extended-visit option.
There’s a ballad with lyrics that go: “I’ve been to paradise, but I’ve never been to me.” Well, paradise in Darwin is on the shores of Bynoe Harbour at Crab Claw Island Resort, just over an hour’s drive away. If you don’t want to drive the 135km from Darwin, the resort can be reached by air (35km) or by sea.
Crab Claw Island Resort offers an easy escape into a Territory lifestyle. It is a getaway that will suit the adventurous, family-oriented, or downright lazy folk who want nothing more than to idle away the hours.
Crab Claw Island Resort dates back to 1985. It was all but destroyed by cyclones, but has been rebuilt and turned into a luxurious beachfront outpost.
Here’s cheers from Bynoe Harbour paradise.
Technically speaking, Crab Claw Island, where the resort is based, is not an island – at least for most of the year. It becomes an island once a month when 7m tides cut off the access road, and during the wet season. Even then, access isn’t a problem. There is an airstrip, and the resort can be reached by boat. Most visitors come during the dry season when road access is easy.
The resort complex has 12 beachfront and 2 semi-beachfront cabins that are elevated and connected by walkways through the trees and palm gardens. There are four Family Cabins and five Retreat Cabins situated in the palm forest. The latter cabins are stand-alone units, and have a balcony and entertainment area below. All resort accommodation is air-conditioned with en-suite, linen, towels, ceiling fan, fridge and balcony. Rooms are configured to hold a double and two single, or a double and four single beds.
For caravan and camping enthusiasts, there are 19 shady powered sites situated 75m from the water’s edge, and barbecue facilities.
As well, there are two saltwater swimming pools, and an elevated open “Island” restaurant that caters for 100 guests who can soak up the views across the harbour. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and serves a wide selection of tasty, à la carte meals. The fully-licensed bar holds a selection of wines, icy cold beers and soft drinks that will quench the thirst and cleanse the pallet of any weary traveller.
The resort incorporates a self-contained conference facility that can be hired for weddings and receptions. The facility features folding doors that can be left open for the view and allow the sea breeze to flow through.
As for fishing, well Bynoe Harbour hosts some of the best fishing grounds close to Darwin. Five islands are nestled in the mouth of the harbour, and the harbour coastline is made up of mangroves, fringing and sub-tidal reefs, sandy beaches, seagrass and mud flat and sand flat habitats. You can get access to these grounds via the resort’s recently upgraded boat ramp.
