NT Fishing - The Cobourg Peninsula

Heralded as one of the best NT Fishing locations in Australia the Cobourg Peninsula north of Darwin is an idyllic setting where the fish are abundant and people are scarce. This Mecca of NT Fishing includes Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, encompassing the Peninsula, and the surrounding waters of Cobourg Marine Park.

The area has a large diversity of environments and associated plant and animal species within those environments. “Pristine Wilderness” is a much touted phrase these days, but here at Cobourg it is entirely appropriate.

Cobourg has a wide variety of saltwater fly and sports fishing environments for the experienced or the novice fisherman wanting that “catch of a lifetime”. Casting in the clear flats and estuary systems, the challenge of the big pelagic fish in the blue water and abundant reef systems and the precision casting for Barramundi amongst the mangroves are all excellent NT Fishing experiences.

The salty creek systems contain Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Threadfin Salmon and the awesome Estuarine Crocodile, the largest reptile in the world. Dolphins, giant turtles and the endangered Dugong all reside in the seas surrounding the Cobourg Peninsula. In the open waters swim the pelagic fish so sought after by game fisherman including marlin, sailfish, mackerel and blue fin tuna. Coral Trout, Trevally, Queenfish, Jewfish, Emperor and many more a common around the inshore reef systems.

The months of March, April and May are capable of producing estuary fishing for barramundi second to none with Threadfin Salmon and Mangrove Jack in abundance.

June, July and August the water temperatures start to drop and the fishing then concentrates on the bigger pelagics in the estuaries and blue water such as the ever popular tuna. This winter period also has some of the best weather with sunny days averaging 28 degrees (C).

August through to November consistently produces the most diverse fishing available. From the challenge of barramundi in the creeks to sight fishing over clear water shallow reefs for the powerful Giant Trevally and Queenfish or the thrill of the open water speedster, the Spanish Mackerel on lighter tackle. This is the best of NT Fishing.

NT Fishing is a great for sports fishing and fly fishing alike.

Accommodation

The lodge is at the end of the Cobourg Peninsula and it is the site of a historic lighthouse built in 1916 which is still in operation today. The accommodation is within the newly renovated head lighthouse keeper's homestead and is fitted with modern facilities offering the charm of the past era and yet the comfort required after an exhilarating day of adventure on the surrounding waters. This is a perfect base for your NT Fishing adventure.

The lodge has 5 large bedrooms, all fitted with ceiling fans above each bed, and with each bedroom opening on to a wide shady veranda. A large dining and lounge area and a games room and a spa pool ensure that guests at the lodge enjoy this unique homestead style atmosphere. Guests are limited to twelve at any one time and it is this exclusive access that provides the sense of unspoiled, unique wilderness.

Meals are served in the dining room by the resident chef and always feature the catch of the day. The Cobourg area has a catch and release policy but ample seafood can be taken each day to allow the chef to prepare the culinary delights the lodge is known for. It can’t get fresher than that!

Dinners feature baked, grilled or smoked fish, chilli mudcrab and other delicacies. Picnic lunches are taken out on the water to be enjoyed on an isolated beach or offshore island and a hearty country style breakfast is enjoyed each morning before the days fishing commences.

At the end of the day relax in the spa, cool down with a cold drink and watch the sunset whilst swapping tales of the days fishing.

Guides, Boats And Equipment

The lodge’s reputation of being one of the best NT Fishing destinations relies upon our expert guides and high standard of boating and fishing equipment. The guides live at the lodge and each has become an expert on the waters and fishing of Cobourg Marine Park due to the many hours they spend on the water each year.

The fleet of modern, fully equipped boats enables us to best match your group with the most suitable boat for the various types of fishing available. We currently run a fleet of six boats designed to accommodate one to four anglers in comfort. All boats are equipped with professional quality fishing tackle and gear. The equipment is provided to clients on a replace if lost or damaged basis.

Other Activities

For the non-angler the Cobourg Peninsula and the surrounding marine park offers spectacular scenery in unspoiled areas where only a few people have ventured. The creeks and surrounding coastline offer a myriad of bird species and marine life. The smooth sandy beaches of Cobourg are not often disturbed by mans' footprints….only by the tracks left behind by the crocodiles, goannas and sea turtles which have used these beaches for thousands of years. The marine park was also established to protect the coastline with its unique fringing reef, home to prevalent sea turtles, dugong and manta rays to name a few.

Getting There

As there are no roads into this area the only way in to the lodge is by plane. Included in the tariff is a transfer from Darwin airport and return aboard smaller planes ranging in size from 5 to 12 seats. These will land at the lodge’s private airstrip where your lodge managers will greet you.

Darwin airport receives both domestic and international flights daily.

Other Destinations

The Top End as it is known, the top part of the Northern Territory, is true outback wilderness dominated by flood plains, billabongs, rocky escarpments and broad rivers. There is an abundance of great NT Fishing opportunities that can be serviced from the cosmopolitan and modern city of Darwin. Please enquire for details.

Rates 3 Days / 3 Nights From $2676 per person quad share 4 Days / 4 Nights From $3300 per person quad share 7 Days / 7 Nights From $5160 per person quad share Prices indicative only. Triple, twin and single rates available. Please contact us for possible updates.

See our Special Rates page for great deals possibly saving $100’s Inclusions Rates include GST All the above package prices include airfare ex Darwin return, all meals, park entry permits, personal guided fishing and wildlife tours, modern fully equipped boats, 4WD excursions and fishing tackle on a replace if lost or damaged basis. Sat and Wed flights depart Darwin at 15:30pm and return to Darwin at approx 17:30pm. A surcharge may apply if flights are requested outside the regular flight schedule. Quad share is 4 to a boat and twin share accommodation Please Note: The Lodge is closed December, January and February