Heralded as one of the best saltwater fly fishing locations in Australia the Cobourg Peninsula in Arnhemland is an idyllic setting where the fish are abundant and people are scarce. Jutting out from the Northern Territory's north coast, this fishing mecca includes Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, encompassing the Peninsula, and the surrounding waters in Cobourg Marine Park.

The area has an extreme diversity of environments and associated plant and animal species within those environments. "Pristine Wilderness" is a much touted phrase these days, but here at Cobourg it is entirely appropriate.

Cobourg has a wide variety of saltwater fly fishing environments for the experienced or the novice fly fisherman wanting that "catch of a lifetime". Site casting in the clear flats and estuary systems, the challenge of the big pelagic fish in the blue water and the precision casting for barramundi amongst the mangroves are all possible fly fishing experiences.

The salty creek systems contain Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Threadfin Salmon and the awesome Estuarine Crocodile, the largest reptile in the world. Dolphins, giant turtles and the endangered Dugong all reside in the seas surrounding the Cobourg Peninsula. In the open waters swim the pelagic fish so sought after by game fisherman including Marlin, Sailfish, Mackerel and Northern Blue Tuna.

The months of March, April and May are capable of producing creek fly fishing for Barramundi second to none with Trevally, Mackerel and Queen fish also popular. This is the time that American fly fishing guru Lefty Kreh visited Cobourg and described it as "the new fishing frontier". The largest fish caught on fly at Cobourg was a 30kg Mackerel on an 11 weight fly rod. Fancy pulling in that monster! The main species targeted on fly at Cobourg are Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Salmon, Queenfish, Trevally and Tuna, but there are many others keen to take your fly!

In the months of June, July and August the water temperatures start to drop and the fishing then concentrates on the bigger pelagics in the estuaries and blue water such as the popular Long Tail Tuna. This winter period also has some of the best weather with sunny days averaging 28°C.

August through to November / December consistently produces the most diverse fly fishing available. From the challenge of Barramundi in the creeks to sight fishing over clear water shallow reefs for the powerful Giant Trevally and Queenfish or the thrill of the open water speedster, the Spanish Mackerel on lighter tackle, the fishing is fantastic.

Accommodation

The lodge is at the end of the Cobourg Peninsula and it is the site of a historic lighthouse built in 1916 which is still in operation today. The accommodation is within the newly renovated head lighthouse keeper's homestead and is fitted with modern facilities offering the charm of the past era and yet the comfort required after an exhilarating day of adventure on the surrounding waters.

The Lodge has 5 large bedrooms, all fitted with ceiling fans above each bed, and with each bedroom opening on to a large veranda. A large dining and lounge area, a games room and a spa pool ensure that guests at the lodge enjoy a unique homestead style atmosphere. Guests are limited to twelve (12) at any one time and it is this exclusive access that provides the sense of unspoiled, unique wilderness.

A fully stocked fly tying station tends to be an attraction with the fly fisher wanting to try new fly styles on site with their experienced guide. Fly rods for practice or training, and specialty saltwater flies are available at the lodge.

Meals are served in the dining room by the resident chef and always feature the catch of the day. The Cobourg area has a catch and release policy but enough fish to feed the lodge guests and staff can be taken each day. It can't get fresher than that!

Dinners are daily features featuring baked, grilled or smoked fish, chilli mudcrab and other delicacies. Picnic lunches are taken out on the water to be enjoyed on an isolated beach and a hearty country style breakfast is served up each morning before the days fishing commences.

At the end of the day relax in the spa, cool down with a cold drink and watch the sunset whilst swapping tales of the days fishing.

Guides And Boats

The lodge's guided fishing reputation relies upon our expert guides and high standard of boating and fishing equipment. The guides live at the lodge and each has become an expert on the waters and fishing of Cobourg Marine Park due to the many hours they spend on the water each year.

The selection of modern, fully equipped boats enables us to best match the group size with the most suitable boat size for the various types of fishing available. We currently run a fleet of 6 boats ranging from ones suitable for one passenger to five passengers.

Whether the target species is barramundi or Spanish mackerel, we have the boat and equipment to suit.

Equipment

All the guides are equipped with professional quality fishing tackle and gear. Their equipment is provided to clients on a replace if lost or damaged basis.

If you wish to bring your own gear please enquire for a list of what to bring.

Other Activities

For the non-angler the Cobourg Peninsula and Marine Park offers spectacular scenery in unspoiled areas where only a few people have ventured. The creeks and surrounding coastline offer a myriad of bird species and marine life. The smooth sandy beaches of Cobourg are not often disturbed by mans' footprints....only by the tracks left behind by the crocodiles, goannas and sea turtles which have used these beaches for thousands of years.

The Cobourg Marine Park was also established to protect the coastline with its unique fringing reef, home to prevalent sea turtles, dugong and manta rays to name a few, all of which are still traditionally hunted by the local Aboriginal custodians.

Guests at the lodge have the approval of the Aboriginal custodians to enter these traditional hunting grounds to view the spectacular wildlife and marine life previously only experienced by the local Aboriginal people.

Private picnic lunches on a sandy island, exploring endless sandy beaches for turtle nests and crocodile slides, hunting for the giant mud crabs with a locally made Aboriginal spear, are all possible activities for the adventurer who is fortunate enough to stay at Cobourg.

Guests can visit with their guide, a monsoonal rainforest only meters from white sandy beaches and explore a unique coral reef system within a spectacular mangrove lined creek - an ideal area for the bird enthusiast.

Still today there are remnants of early occupation by generations of Aboriginal people with the remains of Aboriginal humpy's only a short distance from the Homestead.

Getting There

As there are no roads into this area, the only way in is by plane. Included in the tariff is a transfer from Darwin Airport and return aboard smaller planes ranging in size from 5 to 12 seats. These will land at the lodge's private airstrip where your lodge managers will pick you up.

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 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.

Pricing

	Per Person
3 Days	From AUD$2230
4 Days	From AUD$2750
7 Days	From AUD$4300
Prices are per person on a twin share basis. Various packages available. Prices are indicative only. Please contact us for possible update.

• Rates include GST
• All the above package prices include airfare ex Darwin return, all meals, park entry permits, personal guided fishing and wildlife tours, modern fully equipped boats, 4WD excursions and fishing tackle on a replace if lost or damaged basis.
• Sat and Wed flights depart Darwin at 15:30pm and return to Darwin at approx 17:30pm. A surcharge of $100 p/p may apply if flights are requested outside the regular flight schedule.
• Quad share is 4 to a boat and accommodation

Please Note: The Lodge is closed December, January and February.