Wurrumiyanga Beach, on the southeastern shore of Bathurst Island, offers a serene shore-entry snorkel experience in the culturally rich Tiwi Islands. The beach fronts the main community of Wurrumiyanga, with calm, clear tidal waters over sandy seabeds and fringing seagrass meadows. Snorkelers can explore the shallows along the coast, enjoying warm tropical waters and the remote, untouched feel of this Aboriginal-owned island paradise. The beach is backed by a relaxed community with vibrant art centres, and the surrounding waters are part of the pristine Arafura Sea environment, known for excellent fishing and marine biodiversity.
Wurrumiyanga Beach (Bathurst Island)
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 8.9 knPrecipitation 11 mmTidal Phase ebb
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Wurrumiyanga Beach (Bathurst Island) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Saltwater crocodile risk danger
Saltwater crocodiles inhabit tidal waters across the Top End; always check local advice before entering the water.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Saltwater crocodile risk
Saltwater crocodiles inhabit tidal waters across the Top End; always check local advice before entering the water.
Moderate risk: Stinger season (box jellyfish)
Box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) may be present in coastal waters during the wet season (October to May).
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
Strong tidal flows can develop around the shoreline and nearby channels between Bathurst and Melville Islands, especially during spring tides.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Wurrumiyanga is located on Bathurst Island, 80 km north of Darwin. Access is via a 2.5-hour ferry (SeaLink NT) or a 20-minute light aircraft flight from Darwin. All visitors must obtain a permit through the Tiwi Land Council unless joining a tour (which includes the permit). Upon arrival at Wurrumiyanga, the beach is a short walk from the community centre.
Parking & facilities
Limited parking available in the Wurrumiyanga community. Most visitors arrive via tour coach or ferry transfer — private vehicle access is restricted to permit holders only. Car hire available locally (contact 0427 455 600).
Permit required for independent travel (arranged via Tiwi Land Council). Day tours from Darwin include ferry/airfare, permit, and guided activities.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports