2 or 3 Days
Discover barradise with our unique two- to three-day itineraries featuring some of the Territory’s top fishing spots.
Million Dollar Fish runs from the start of October through to the end of March each year, and covers the Build Up, the Wet Season (we call it the ‘Tropical Summer’) and the beginning of the Run-Off. Lucky for all you fishos out there, these six months are well known for producing some of the best barra fishing in Oz.
Whether you’re an experienced angler, or still working out how to tie your rig, there’s a number of itineraries exploring the Top End’s arms and estuaries to choose from. They will draw you in hook, line and sinker. So grab your rod and reel and let’s get started.
2-DAY TRIPS
DARWIN HARBOUR
A trip to the Top End is not complete without fishing the Darwin Harbour!
Five times bigger than Sydney Harbour, Darwin Harbour offers anglers an incredible fishing experience with many different locations to explore. Short travel times mean you can be wetting a line within 20 minutes of launching your boat, making it the perfect location to fish for barramundi if you’re on a tight schedule.
Aside from barra fishing, Darwin Harbour also offers fantastic reef fishing with anglers often targeting species such as Black Jewfish, Golden Snapper and Spanish Mackerel to name a few.
SHADY CAMP
Shady Camp is a hugely popular place for fishos, with trophy barra over the magic metre mark not an uncommon catch in the Mary River system. Located in the picturesque Mary River National Park, Shady Camp is a good two hours’ drive towing a boat from Darwin and one hour 40 minutes by 4WD only during the Wet, so it’s worth looking into camping and cabin options. Surrounded by freshwater billabongs, paperbark and monsoon forests, you won’t regret spending a night or two as you spin a few yarns over a few bevvies about the one that was ‘this’ big.
3-DAY TRIPS
DALY RIVER
At the top of most Territory anglers’ list is the Daly River – one of the most iconic spots to catch a barra in the Territory. Renowned for producing huge barra, if you’re looking to tick that metery off your bucket list, you’ve come to the right place. It’s about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Darwin, so unless you’re up for a super early start, we suggest staying the night before you hit the water. The fishing is likely to be so good you’ll want to stay as long as you can, which tips this spot into our three-day itinerary list. Camping is popular and there is hotel accommodation at the Daly River Barra Resort, which provides fishing charters and guides to improve your chances of baggin’ and snaggin’ a pic with your very own barra.
SOUTH ALLIGATOR RIVER AND EAST ALLIGATOR RIVER (KAKADU NATIONAL PARK)
Most locals fish one or the other when it comes to the South and East Alligator Rivers, but if you’re short on time you can easily combine these two epic wild rivers on a multi-day fishing adventure in Kakadu National Park. Fish the South on day one and, if you’ve got the right safety gear and a big enough boat, super-size your adventure by taking a long trip to the river mouth. Spend the night in Jabiru, where there is a range of sleeping options, from a swag under the stars to camping spots with basic comforts, plus hotels and cabins. Then head to nearby Cahills Crossing to launch on the East and experience a true Kakadu experience surrounded by epic escarpments, wide floodplains and plenty of wildlife. Keep an eye out for submerged stumps, sandbars and, of course, the ever-present crocs.
MELVILLE ISLAND
If you’ve ever dreamed of casting your line and being hit by a huge barra while surrounded by some of the wildest, most untouched scenery in Australia, dream no more. The Tiwi Islands are a special place and, through an exclusive lease agreement with Melville Island Traditional Owners, Melville Island Lodge can offer you a very special fishing experience. The agreement provides sport-fishing access to five magnificent river systems; Snake Bay, Shark Bay, the Johnson and Jessie Rivers, and famous Goose Creek. It’s an unspoiled angler’s paradise teeming with barra, with trophy-sized monsters in excess of one metre and 20kg caught (and released) by anglers each year. In addition, there is also access to pristine reefs and bluewater fishing that will blow your mind.
NOT EXPERIENCED, BUT KEEN TO CAST?
If you’re not an experienced fisho or don’t have your own boat, we highly recommend heading out with one of our fantastic fishing tour operators. Most are fully equipped with everything you need, but if you’ve got a lucky lure or preferred snacks, it can’t hurt to bring your own. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen and sunnies, and a cool, long-sleeved shirt.
Check out the full list of fishing tour operators here.
