INCENTIVES
Hooked
Fishing is considered a sport by many, but at Groote Eylandt the fish are so
abundant it seems unsporting to even put bait on the hook so easy is it to
catch them, discovers Sheridan Randall.
“Never heard of it.” That’s the response
many get at the first mention of Groote
Eylandt. And that is the response that
hooks those looking for adventure.
Groote Eylandt is owned by the local
Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC), the
island’s Indigenous population who have
been well-funded by royalties from the local
manganese mining operation. Locals and
miners make up the majority of the island’s
population, but a new wave of visitors is
coming, lured (pun intended) by the world
class fishing opportunities.
Visitors to this island of Arnhem Land in
the Northern Territory will see the impact
the mining operation has the moment they
land, once at Groote Eylandt Lodge all is
forgotten, with the vista of emerald sea and
white sand a sign they have come to one of
the most remote places in the country.
is a fisherman’s paradise.
The landscape that hasn’t been touched by
mining, which occurs inland, is as pristine
as is possible. However, it’s what’s in the
water that is of most interest to the new
breed of visitor. Being surrounded by
waters protected by indigenous treaty, this
The adventure begins the moment you
board the Air North connecting flight
from Darwin using E120 twin engine
turboprop aircraft. An hour and a half later
you land in what could only be described
as a rustic airport. But that only adds to
24 Convention & Incentive Marketing, Issue 8, 2016 www.cimmagazine.com
It used to be called a resort, but general
manager Dennis Winchester made the
smart move to rebrand as a Lodge, as that
captures the sense of adventure that a stay
here is all about.