Meet the site
East Woody Island – Dhamitjinya in Yolŋu Matha – is a small, uninhabited island just north of Nhulunbuy, joined to the mainland by a sand spit. It is one of the recreation sites managed by Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation and is a favourite place for Nhulunbuy residents to walk, fish and picnic.
It is included here as the most accessible shore-based marine site near town rather than as an established dive. No dive-specific description has been published. From the coast's geography, expect rocky shore and boulders around the island grading to sand and patches of coral and seagrass in shallow water, with reef fish such as damselfish, wrasse, parrotfish and small cod among the rocks, and turtles and rays over the sand.
The big caveat is safety. Local tourism guidance for Nhulunbuy is blunt: do not swim in rivers, creeks or at beaches, because saltwater crocodiles and box jellyfish are both present. Any snorkel or shore dive at East Woody Island should only be considered in the dry season (outside peak stinger months), in clear water, with a lookout on shore and a quick exit plan.
For visiting divers the island's value is mostly as a scenic, easily reached coastal spot for a short look at shallow marine life while waiting for boat weather. Serious diving around Gove is done offshore at Bremer, Bromby and the other islands. Dhimurru permits must be carried. The spit and surrounding shallows are also a popular fishing spot, so watch for anglers' lines around the rocks.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
East Woody Island is recorded as Island in East Arnhem Land & Gove. The listed access is shore or boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is East Woody Island suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book East Woody Island through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Reef fish (damselfish, wrasse, parrotfish), small cod, turtles, rays, seagrass, patch corals (inferred – unverified)
Location
Small island connected to the mainland by a sand spit just north of Nhulunbuy (12°09'41"S 136°45'04"E), within the Dhimurru recreation area.
Facilities nearby
Parking at the beach access; no facilities on the island. Nhulunbuy services a few minutes away.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
en.wikipedia.orgncl.net.auaussiemob.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.