Gove - General Info

Where is Gove?

Gove is the largest settlement in the Arnhem Land region of the Northern Territory of Australia.  Nhulunbuy is the Aboriginal name for what European settlers called Gove and it is situated on the eastern tip of the Gove Peninsula.

Originally built to service a mining operation (the aluminum plant - operated by Rio Tinto -  is the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere), Gove is a gateway to the amazing landscape of Arnhem Land.

Entrance Notes or Cautions for Gove:

This is a deep water port, subject to large tidal variations.  Due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles and the Irukandji jellyfish, it is not advisable to swim in these waters.

Cruiser Highlights for Gove:

Arnhem land is home to the Yolngu Aboriginal people who have held their strong traditional culture. Travellers are able to interact with traditional Aboriginal communities in small group tours out of Gove and catch a glimpse at a culture and lifestyle very different from that of the Western world.

To visit the recreation beach and river areas, a Visitors Permit is required. Severe penalties apply for moving throughout the region without a permit and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of the Traditional Owners in this regard.

Friendly and helpful locals - ask around if you want to leave your vessel here for a couple of months to wait for the right wind conditions to head east.

There are some war relics in and around the Gove Peninsula. Historic sites include Drimmie Head where the Catalinas landed in the bay and taxied onto land, remnants of an observation station and rocket tracking station. Many of the old airstrips, bunkers and aircraft wreckage can be seen around Nhulunbuy and throughout the region.  Yolngu men played a significant role in WWII as soldiers and bush guides in the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit.

Position:

12° 12.5'S, 136° 41'E (Gove Harbour entrance).

Last updated:  February 2025