Arnhemland Barramundi Nature Lodge

Located on the far North coast of Australia’s Northern Territory, Arnhemland is the largest and most remote Aboriginal land reserve in the country. The Lodge is located on the coast of this reserve, near the Aboriginal community of Maningrida, which is approximately 300 kilometres (60 minute flight) to the north east of Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory.

This remote and exclusive area offers outstanding barramundi and sportfishing safaris from March to December. You will have unfettered exclusive access to 6 pristine Arnhemland rivers, several coastal creeks and estuaries, fish-rich tropical islands and magnificent inland lagoons. You will primarily target the famous barramundi but you will most likely encounter a number of other saltwater species such as threadfin and blue salmon, mangrove jack, golden snapper, coral trout, Queenfish, Spanish mackerel, broad-barred mackerel, long tail tuna, giant trevally, golden trevally, cobia and that icon sportfish the giant herring. There are also opportunities for freshwater lagoon fishing from barramundi, tarpon and Saratoga.

Fishing is from 6m fully surveyed sport\fishers powered by reliable 4 stroke motors, piloted by our experienced and knowledgeable guides.

The remote and extensive waterways in this Arnhemland region have a well earned reputation for offering some of the best barramundi fishing in the world. The upmarket safari lodge is the only operation in this region where entry is restricted to people holding permits issued by the Aboriginal traditional land owners. The comfortable lodge is situated on an escarpment fringe overlooking the Liverpool and Tomkinson River Valleys.

Purpose-designed deluxe en-suite cabins offer a taste of luxury in an otherwise remote and unspoiled environment. The main lodge includes an extensive dining and lounge area and shaded deck with our “Escarpment Bar’ overlooking the spectacular Tomkinson River Valley.

Comfortable Tropical Habitat Tents can also be provided at a reduced rate compared to the luxurious Deluxe en-suite Cabins.

As well as fishing, we are also able to offer a wide range of activities for non-fishing companions including Aboriginal culture and bird watching tours. No visit is complete without a trip to the Maningrida Arts & Culture Centre (the Djomi Museum) where you may purchase traditional Arnhemland Aboriginal Artwork at very attractive prices.

The Region

Maningrida – Arnhemland, in Australia’s Northern Territory, is a vast unpopulated region where the eerie sound of the didgeridoo from the Aboriginal Corroboree still drones over the land.
Aboriginal people have lived in this land for thousands of years in remote isolation, but now you are welcome to visit and share the love of their country.

Arnhemland is larger than most European nations, but less than 20,000 people live in this remarkable wilderness, which has been isolated from European settlement since 1931 when it was declared an Aboriginal Reserve.

Today the region m emains very much as it has always been. While local Aborigines live in houses and towns, and move about with motorized transport, the traditional bush life and cultural links of a gathering, hunting and fishing society continues.

Maningrida is on the Liverpool River estuary, and by road over 500 km. away from the Northern Territory’s capital city Darwin. The town is sited roughly in the centre of coastal Arnhemland. It houses a remarkable talented group of people who produce some of the finest Aboriginal paintings and crafts in Australia.

The people of this region, which comprises 16 different clans – each with their own language – have formed the Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation (BAC), a regional development centre for advancing the people into economic enterprise, business and employment opportunities. The corporation’s umbrella covers over 10,000 km of Arnhemland, where it provides essential services to homeland (out station) settlements – education, health, training and sustainable developments.

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