Territorians call October to December ‘the build-up’. The humidity climbs, storm clouds stack up on the horizon each afternoon, and the first rains of the wet are on their way. It’s sticky, it’s hot, and for many anglers, it’s the best time of the year to wet a line. Tourism NT says the build-up can produce the best fishing of all the Top End’s seasons. So here’s what to know, where to go, where to park the van and what to pack.
Barramundi breeding season begins around October. The big females and smaller mature males gather around river mouths and estuaries to spawn, and the rising cloud cover and rain spark plenty of barra action in the saltwater estuaries and lower tidal reaches. Inland, the billabongs are at their lowest and warming up, so freshwater barra and saratoga become increasingly active. Cooler evenings are a favourite time to work a surface popper along a patch of lilies.
Offshore, October to December brings the calmest seas of the year. That’s ideal for longer runs in a trailer boat, fly fishing, or trolling for sailfish and marlin. Golden snapper and black jewfish also gather in big numbers on the inshore reefs, headlands and estuaries around Darwin.
You don’t need a recreational fishing or boat licence in the NT, but size and possession limits still apply, and you must follow boating safety rules. Protected species must be released unharmed, including sawfish, northern river and speartooth sharks, giant clams, and cod or groper over 1.2 m. Permits and special rules apply when fishing in or near Aboriginal land, including the Tiwi Islands.
It’s also spawning season, so carefully release the big barra you catch to keep stocks strong for everyone. On the Daly River, from 1 October to 31 January, you can’t fish, keep barramundi or carry a line with a hook, lure or bait attached in the seasonal closure area. Check the NT Government map so you know exactly where the boundaries are.
Every Top End waterway should be treated as croc country:
Make the most of the cooler mornings and evenings. In the billabongs, barra also move freely out in the open after dark. Keep an eye on the afternoon storms and get off the water when lightning is about. Check Road Report NT before you head off, especially for unsealed tracks and once the first rains arrive.
You don’t need to go far. Darwin Harbour is many times the size of Sydney Harbour, with three major arms full of barra habitat. Its WWII and Cyclone Tracy wrecks make excellent artificial reefs for black jewfish. North-east of the city, Shoal Bay and the Howard River are top barra spots, and big fish are regularly caught at “the rock” in Shoal Bay during the build-up. The area is also known for great mud crabbing.
Where to Stay: BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park is made for a hot-weather stay, with three saltwater pools, a water splash park, a playground and a jumping pad. Family favourite: the kids can cool off while you rig up for the evening session. Darwin FreeSpirit Resort, about 15 minutes from the city, is set on 28 acres of tropical gardens, with pools, a jumping pillow and spacious, shady caravan sites. Couples’ pick: finish the day with a cold drink at the poolside bistro.
Less than two hours from Darwin, the Mary River system offers both tidal and billabong barra fishing. Corroboree Billabong has a boat ramp into 45 km of fishable water, with birdlife and wildlife as good as anywhere in the Top End. Shady Camp gives boat access to the mangrove-lined Sampan and Tommycut Creeks.
Where to Stay: make it a big day out from Darwin’s rural fringe. Noonamah Tourist Park, about 40 minutes south of Darwin, is a small, 30-site park in a quiet rural setting, with a saltwater pool and a camp kitchen. Couples’ pick: no need to cook after a long day on the water, with the Noonamah Tavern’s steakhouse right next door.
About two hours from Darwin, the Dundee Coast has a reputation for the best bluewater fishing easily reached from the city. There’s a boat ramp at Dundee Beach, with tractor hire for launching and retrieving. Big jewfish are caught less than 2 km out, and coral trout, red emperor, Spanish mackerel and cobia are all on the cards further out. Shore anglers can try for blue salmon at the top of a big tide.
Where to Stay: Dundee Beach Holiday Park has grassed, shady and drive-through sites, ensuite powered sites, bungalows, pools, a camp kitchen and a bar. Guests regularly praise its spotless amenities and friendly staff.
Less than two hours south-west of Darwin, Bynoe Harbour is a maze of mangrove creeks, inlets and bays. It’s a popular barra spot, and it’s also known for threadfin salmon, mangrove jack, pikey bream and excellent mud crabbing.
Where to Stay: Tumbling Waters Holiday Park sits on the Cox Peninsula Road at Berry Springs, about 30 minutes from Darwin. It’s set among 25,000 palms and tropical gardens, with shady sites, a saltwater pool, 5 km of walking trails, and a licensed restaurant and café. Family favourite: croc feeding and wildlife presentations. Couples’ pick: a movie under the stars at the outdoor cinema.
About 300 km south of Darwin, Katherine is a great base for river fishing. Barra and sooty grunter bite in the Katherine River, and the Victoria, Daly and Roper Rivers are all within reach. Halfway between Darwin and Katherine, the rainforest- and paperbark-lined Daly is one of the Territory’s most loved barra rivers, and fallen trees create perfect snag habitat. Remember the seasonal closure area. For local knowledge, call into a Katherine tackle shop. The staff will know where the fish are biting.
Where to Stay: Riverview Tourist Village is the gateway to the Katherine Hot Springs, with shady powered sites, pet-friendly camping and its own Barra Café. Couples’ pick: walk to the springs for a soak after a day on the water. The springs can close once the river rises, so check with Katherine Town Council before you go. Discovery Parks – Katherine River is set on 44 acres close to the Hot Springs and the Low Level Nature Reserve. Family favourite: the pool is a welcome cool-down on a build-up afternoon, and there’s plenty of birdlife to spot around the park.
For more places to stay in the region, check out Caravanning Northern Territory.
Recent Post:
Categories:
Tags:
Key Industry Partners
