The wait is over — Season 11 of Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish (MDF), has officially launched, inviting anglers to cast their lines in the pristine waters of the Northern Territory’s Top End.
This year, 11 red-tagged barramundi are carrying the ultimate million-dollar prize. Among them are one newly tagged fish for Season 11, one from Season 10, and nine still active from Season 9. The million-dollar tagged barras will remain active in the off-season, so the ‘big one’ can be caught all year round – but you must be registered for season 11 to be eligible.
Once one of the 11 one million-dollar barras is caught, the ten remaining fish revert to $10,000 tagged fish for the remainder of the season. An additional 100 red-tagged barramundi worth $10,000 each have also been released into Top End waterways.
Registering for Season 11 doesn’t just make you eligible for the million-dollar catch. Anglers are also entered into monthly prize draws, which include Airnorth flight vouchers, Shimano fishing packs, and exclusive MDF merchandise.
The major prize this season is the Ultimate Top End Adventure: a luxury escape for two featuring a stay at Finniss River Lodge, heli-fishing, pub tour, a private charter, an airboat ride and more — and you can win it all without even casting a line.
Adding a fresh twist, Season 11 also introduces the Reel of Fortune. Running from November through March, this spinning wheel brings extra challenges and rewards. Highlights include an additional $30,000 for the biggest $10,000 barra caught and a $15,000 top-up for the first two fish caught by new registrants.
Million Dollar Fish has already proven the Northern Territory is Millionaire Territory. In Season 9, Katherine local Keegan Payne made history by reeling in the long-awaited million-dollar barra. Over the past ten seasons, more than 1,000 red-tagged barramundi have been released and over $2 million in prize money awarded. Last season alone saw a record 62,000 registrations, 17 lucky winners sharing $210,000 in cash.
The impact of Million Dollar Fish extends beyond the water. For every $10,000 barra caught throughout the season, $1,000 is donated to the Official Charity Partner, and a massive $10,000 if the Million Dollar Fish is reeled in. Over the past ten seasons, $97,500 has been donated to different charities. Surf Life Saving Northern Territory is the Official Charity Partner for Season 11.
“Surf Life Saving NT is proud to partner with Million Dollar Fish, a uniquely Territorian event that brings our community together," said Sarah Fisher, General Manager of Surf Life Saving Northern Territory. "This partnership helps us continue our vital work in keeping Territorians and visitors safe in, on, and around the water.”
Million Dollar Fish is delivered by the Northern Territory Government and is supported by Sportsbet. "Season 11 is shaping up to be a lot of fun, with so many chances to win both on and off the water and as always, the chance to reel in that ultimate million-dollar catch." said Thijs Bors, Sportsbet's Head of Operations for the NT. "We’re proud to once again back a competition that brings so much excitement to the Territory and beyond."
With life-changing prizes on the line and unforgettable experiences off the water, Millionaire Territory is the only place where one cast could change everything. Season 11 runs from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026, and registration is free at milliondollarfish.com.au. To be eligible to win, anglers must be over 18 and registered.
For more information, follow our Million Dollar Fish social channels.
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