Australian Fishing Charters and Adventures

Melville Island is one of those places that consistently gets anglers onto good fish, which is why this is one of Australia's most respected lodges. Their exclusive lease with the traditional Aboriginal owners of Melville Island means they can provide you access to five barely touched river systems - more than enough to keep any angler busy for weeks!

Melville Island itself is Australia's second largest island, after Tasmania, and is located just off the coast of Darwin. The 30 minute flight from Darwin to the Melville Island really builds the anticipation, as you look out over the crystal clear waters of the Timor Sea and then across the numerous fishing systems that weave their way across the island.

The spectacular and super hard fishing Barramundi is keenly sought after in this part of the world and the waters around Melville Island are one of the best places on earth to target them. Here the Barramundi are caught all year round and there are many trophy sized fish caught and released in all of the systems that are fished. The thrill and excitement of hooking and successfully landing a rampaging one metre Barra is, without exception, the ultimate tropical sportsfishing experience.

But there's so much more than just Barramundi fishing at Melville Island. The systems are full of lure and fly crunching Mangrove Jacks, which not only offer exhilarating sport but also look fantastic in photos with those superb canine teeth. In and around Snake Bay, Shark Bay, and the Johnson and Jessie Rivers you'll also find plenty of Threadfin, Blue Salmon, Fingermark, Tarpon and Estuary Cod.

In the internationally acclaimed Goose Creek you'll have the opportunity to target trophy sized prehistoric Saratoga. Once you move off shore, the waters are full of Spanish Mackerel, Golden Snapper, GT's, Long Tail Tuna, Coral Tout and the Barra of the open sea: Black Jewfish.

There are two superb locations on Melville Island: the main fishing lodge on the shores of Snake Bay and the ultra remote Johnson River Barramundi Camp, situated in the picturesque upper reaches of the Johnson River.

The main fishing lodge is purpose built and despite its remote location, it has all of the creature comforts you need to make your stay enjoyable, including hot showers, air-conditioned twin and triple share cabins and fax and email access - should you really need it!

The lounge area offers magnificent 180 degree river and ocean views, and this is where you'll enjoy breakfast and dinner each day with your fellow fisho's. In fact one of the highlights at Melville Island Lodge is the exceptional meals. Each morning you'll enjoy a range of hearty breakfast choices that includes bacon and eggs, cereal, toast, juice and fresh coffee and tea. During the day, your guide will park your boat in a shaded area of the river and prepare your onboard lunch.

When you return in the late afternoon after an exhausting day of fishing, there's nothing better than taking a nice shower and then sit back, beer in hand, to enjoy the cool breezes across the lodge verandah. Dinner is usually served at about 7.30pm and as you'd expect, the sumptuous meals such as beer battered Barramundi and chillied Mangrove Jack are always well received by guests!

The guides here are hard working, highly experienced and love nothing more than to get their clients onto the fish. They are more than happy to advise and assist when it comes to technique, or if you'd prefer, they'll just get you to the hotspots and let you do the rest!

The equipment and fleet here is also second to none, consisting of six custom-built 6.6 metre aluminum boats, fitted with 150hp four stroke motors. The young and regularly updated fleet is routinely serviced and all boats have colour sounders, GPS, satellite phone, 2 way radio, first aid kit and full safety equipment. In order to maximise client fishing comfort and safety, it is policy to fish with a maximum of 3 anglers per boat - per fishing guide.

This experience is everything a keen fisherman could want from a holiday - beautiful location, untouched rivers and creeks systems, good food and beer and above all, fantastic fishing!!

A stay at Melville Island Lodge is best enjoyed as a four day minimum tour, or five days if you'd like to incorporate a few days fishing at the Johnson River Barramundi Camp. The lodge is open from March through to December, with the Barra Camp opening in May. Your stay can be booked on a per person basis or as a trip for up to 14 people.

Book Melville Island Lodge with FishingEarth

We want you to experience the fishing adventure of your dreams, which is why at FishingEarth we only offer the best charters and lodges, with the most experienced guides, in the most stunning fishing hotspots in Australia.

We'll help you select the charter that's right for you, as well as taking all the hassle and stress out of organising your fishing adventure. We'll make your travel arrangements, book your accommodation and even advise you on the best equipment to take and where to get the best deal.

All you need to do is freecall us on 1800 288 378 or email info@fishingearth.com to find out more