Crab Claw Island, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Airing Date: Jul 28th, 2003
Crab Claw Island is not actually a real island, but it's called an island and it has a lovely tropical feel. The only thing preventing it from being an island is its accessibility by road. But you won't be complaining about that, because this welcoming Balinese-style fishing village is just a 90 minute drive from the Top End's answer to the big smoke -Darwin.
Bill and Loretta Briscoe took over Crab Claw Fisherman's Village in 1992 and began renovations to the place. In 2002, the village finally opened up and today, guests can enjoy fine fishing, gentle breezes and cheap accommodation.
Accommodation on Crab Claw caters for all budgets. Even the most deluxe cabin won't break the purse strings. There are 24 cabins in total, all connected to the main complex and each featuring an ensuite, fridge and electric fans. For even cheaper accommodation, the village also offers powered and un-powered camping sites.
Crab Claw caters for those who love the outdoors. There are no hotels or phones in the rooms. You can go bushwalking around the island, hunt for monster mud crabs, go for a dip in one of the two saltwater pools or - when in season - watch the turtles lay their eggs on a nearby beach.
However, Crab Claw's main attraction has got to be fishing. The island is a fishermen's dream. A popular way to spend the day is to fish until dusk, and then eat your catch. With over 30 species of fish in the harbour, including Barramundi and crab, you're spoilt for choice when baiting dinner.
Barney runs fishing charters and knows all the hotspots. Given there's a daily limit of 30 fish, you'll be sure to come away with something to impress the others back at the village - and it's sure to taste all the more delicious because you've caught it yourself.
The facts:
Qantas flies into Darwin every day. Prices start from $434 from Brisbane and $537 from Perth.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Crab Claw's beach front, retreat and family cabins are all $150 a night including breakfast. If you just want to pitch the tent, powered sites start from $25.00 a night and unpowered sites start from $10 a night.
Crab Claw Island Fisherman's Village
Tel: 08 8978 2313
Barney's fishing charters cost $1000 for the day for four people - that's $250 each including all rods, tackle, bait and lunch.
Barney's Fishing Charters
Tel: 0428 841 344
Hardy Aviation
Tel: 08 8927 8111
Email: hardyav.ops@bigpond.com
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