Groote Eylandt lies approximately 50 km from the Northern Territory mainland and eastern coast of Arnhem Land (approximately 630 km from Darwin), opposite Blue Mud Bay. The island measures approximately 50 km from east to west and 60 km north—south, a total area of 2,326.1 km². It is generally quite low-lying, with an average height above sea level of 15 m, although Central Hill reaches an elevation of 219 meters.
It was named by the explorer Abel Tasman in 1644 and is Dutch for "Large Island" in a now-archaic spelling (nowadays it would be spelled Groot Eiland).
Tourism
The island has until recently been open to the public only with permission, and the local Aboriginal Land Council did not encourage tourism.
Groote Eylandt is part of the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Reserve. GEMCO, a BHP Billiton subsidiary, operates a large manganese mine near the community of Angurugu. In operation since the early 1960s, the mine produces more than 3.8 million tonnes annually - about a quarter of the world's total.
It is the homeland of, and is owned by, the Anindilyakwa people (who still speak the isolated Anindilyakwa language).
Dugong Beach Resort is working with the Anindilyakwa speaking people, helping to organise a diverse range of tours that will enhance your Groote Eylandt experience.
Groote Eylandt is a fantastic spot for fishing, with queen fish, trevally, tuna, billfish, mackerel, barracuda and many reef species in abundance.
The elusive, world famous Barramundi, growing to more than a metre in length inhabits the waters of Groote will certainly test your angling skills.
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