description Van Diemen Gulf Overview
Van Diemen Gulf is a large, shallow gulf on the northern coast of Australia's Northern Territory. It lies between the Cobourg Peninsula and the mainland, south of the Tiwi Islands, and connects with the Arafura Sea through Clarence Strait and Dundas Strait. The gulf was named for Anthony van Diemen, the Dutch governor-general who sponsored Abel Tasman's seventeenth-century voyages of exploration.
help Van Diemen Gulf FAQ
Where is Van Diemen Gulf located?
Van Diemen Gulf is a large, shallow gulf on the northern coast of Australia's Northern Territory. It lies between the Cobourg Peninsula and the mainland, south of the Tiwi Islands.
Who was Van Diemen Gulf named after?
It was named for Anthony van Diemen, the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies in the 1600s. He is the same official whose name was given to Van Diemen's Land, the colonial name for Tasmania.
Which rivers drain into Van Diemen Gulf?
The East, South, and West Alligator Rivers all drain into the gulf, flowing through the wetlands of Kakadu National Park. These rivers make the gulf's catchment one of northern Australia's most ecologically important systems.
How does Van Diemen Gulf connect to the open sea?
The gulf connects with the Arafura Sea through two channels, Clarence Strait and Dundas Strait. Its waters are notably shallow across the whole basin, which shapes the tides and mudflats along its shores.
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