One of the best saltwater fishing locations in Australia for fly or sports fishermen, Arnhemland is a wilderness area occupying the north east corner of the Northern Territory. This Aboriginal owned homeland is a huge sparsely populated area roughly the size of the state of Victoria or all of the United Kingdom. Few roads exist and access is by air from Darwin which is 300 klms to the west.
This remote and exclusive area offers outstanding barramundi and sportsfishing safaris from March to December. Our upmarket fishing safari lodge is the only operation in this region, where entry is restricted to people holding permits issued by the Aboriginal traditional land owners.
Guests have exclusive access to 6 pristine Arnhemland rivers including the Liverpool, Tomkinson, Cadell, Blyth, Mann and Goomadeer, several coastal creeks and estuaries, and magnificent inland lagoons. The remote and extensive waterways in this Arnhemland region have a well earned reputation for offering some of the best barramundi fishing in the world.
The primary target species is the famous barramundi but you will most likely encounter a number of other saltwater species such as threadfin and blue salmon, mangrove jack, golden snapper, coral trout, queenfish, spanish mackerel, broadbarred mackerel, long tail tuna, giant trevally, golden trevally, cobia, and that icon sportfish the giant herring.There are also opportunities for freshwater lagoon fishing for barramundi, tarpon and Saratoga.
Accommodation
The near new safari lodge is situated on an escarpment overlooking the Liverpool and Tomkinson River Valleys. Purpose-designed, large, comfortable and breezy safari cabins with spacious en suite bathrooms and a small bar fridge offer a taste of luxury in an otherwise remote and unspoiled environment. The main lodge includes a large, kitchen/dining area, a bar and tasteful dining decor overlooking the river valley.
A large decked area extends out over the escarpment precipice. Delightfully shaded, it provides a spectacular vista and sunset viewing while you enjoy a cool drink from the bar after a day on the water.Sumptuous meals will be cooked by our experienced chef. There will be plenty of opportunities to eat fresh fish and mud crabs
Guides and Boats
The lodge has it own resident guides who fish these waters on a daily basis and they know how and where to get guests onto the fish. They are all professional guides who have worked here and elsewhere and they will assist you with tackle and technique whether you are a novice or experienced fishermen. The lodge has a fleet of 5-6 meter fully surveyed and equipped purpose built fishing boats that are renowned for their stability.
Equipment
All boats are equipped with professional quality Shimano fishing tackle and gear. The equipment is provided to clients on a replace if lost or damaged basis. If you are fly fishermen it would be best to bring your own equipment. If you wish to bring your own gear please enquire for a list of what to bring.
Other activities
Birding and nature tours are also available as the area is a premium bird watching paradise. Close to 300 species of birdlife have been recorded in the immediate surrounds.
Aboriginal culture tours are also available in conjunction with the nearby Maningrida community.
Getting there
Access is by air from Darwin on daily scheduled flights which are Included in the tariff. Darwin airport receives both domestic and international flights.
Other destinations
The Top End as it is known, the top part of the Northern Territory, is a true outback wilderness dominated by flood plains, billabongs, rocky escarpments and broad rivers. There are an abundance of great fishing opportunities that can be serviced from the cosmopolitan and modern city of Darwin. Please enquire for details.