Fishing around Darwin

Bynoe Harbour

Less than two hours’ drive south-west of Darwin is the large estuary complex of Bynoe Harbour. There are several points of access, including boat ramp access, and literally dozens of mangrove creeks, inlets and bays; all well worth a try.

Barramundi is one of the most popular target species for anglers fishing bynoe, but it’s also well known for catches of threadfin salmon, mangrove jack and pikey bream, and has excellent mud crabbing.

There are several deep holes that fish well for black jewfish in Bynoe Harbour. Further out is Indian island, then a series of small islands just a bit further offshore offering a variety of sport and reef fish. The islands are also a good stepping stone to bass reef out on blue water, which is recognised in Darwin as a spanish mackerel hot spot during the dry season.

Drive-in lodge and caravan park accommodation is available, as well as guided fishing and boat hire. Darwin-based professional fishing guides also visit the area.

Dundee Coast

The area from native point to the Perron islands is referred to as the Dundee Coast. By road, it’s about two hours from Darwin and by sea it’s less, depending on weather conditions. The Dundee Coast has a reputation for the best bluewater fishing easily accessed from Darwin.

There’s a boat ramp at Dundee Beach, and tractor hire to launch and retrieve boats. Nearby rocky points and exposed reefs are ideal for small boat fishing, and some very big jewfish get caught less than 2km out. Barramundi are also caught along this coast, and shore fishing at the top of a big tide is good for blue salmon.

Out wider, both coral trout and red emperor are regular catches, spanish mackerel can eat you out of the boat at times, and cobia are often prolific.

Camping, caravan and lodge accommodation are available, as well as bluewater charters and boat hire. Mothership fishing cruises are also an option in this area and further west along the coast, most providing all accommodation and meals on large, comfortable vessels.

Adelaide River

Access to Adelaide River is 70km east of Darwin via the Stuart and Arnhem Highways. The river is easily accessed from a concrete boat ramp just upstream from the Adelaide River bridge. The river has many creek mouths that can be fished for barra during both the tropical summer months and the run-off period.

Upstream, around Goat Island, there are submerged rock bars that fish well through the dry on neap tides when the water is usually fairly clear. Around the river mouth, there’s excellent fishing for jewfish, golden snapper and saltwater barra. Succulent mud crabs can also be taken from this area throughout most of the year.

Guided barra fishing trips to Adelaide River are available from Darwin, and there’s bungalow accommodation on Goat Island, approximately 20km up the river from the Arnhem Highway boat ramp.

Mary River

With several tidal and billabong barramundi fishing options, all less than 2 hours’ drive from Darwin, the Mary River system has much to offer the visiting angler. For starters, the famous Corroboree Billabong offers boat ramp launching into 45km of fishable water, and a range of native wildlife and aquatic bird life as good as you’ll experience anywhere in the tropical Top End.

Shady Camp provides boat access to vast mangrove-lined sections of Sampan Creek and Tommycut Creek. From February to May every year, large barramundi are caught trolling at the mouths of both creeks, and also along the coast of the Van Diemen Gulf, wherever there’s run-off into Chambers Bay.

On neap tides, boating a few kilometres offshore from the river mouth will place you in the vicinity of shallow reefs, which are home to schools of black jewfish. Tides are critical, and you need to time your departure and return with the top of the tide.

Accommodation in the Mary River area includes a lodge, bed and breakfast, budget hotel, caravan sites and camping areas. Houseboats and fishing dinghies are available for hire, and professional fishing guides operate for most of the year, including from motherships during the run-off.

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