Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge
Maningrida, Northern Territory
Barramundi Fishing & Remote Bush Luxury
A luxurious Arnhem Land experience in the most abundant Barra fishery in Australia.
With spectacular views over the Tomkinson River floodplains, the Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge enjoys an enviable location just a short drive out of Maningrida. Purchased and redeveloped by Outback Spirit in 2015, the lodge features 12 luxury tented safari suites, each integrated seamlessly with the surrounding bushland. Features include luxury furnishings, a private balcony and ensuite bathroom. The restaurant is also dedicated to your indulgence, providing delicious high-end cuisine, which could even include your catch of the day!
Target Species
Barramundi/other tropical sportfish
Season
March/April/May
Oct/Nov
Duration
2 > 7 Nights
Luxury Airport Transfers included
Angling Adventures
Grab Bag
(full of fishing goodies)
Cost Per Person
See below
Maningrida is in the wet / dry tropics, which has distinctive wet and dry seasons. The summer is the wet season, with almost all the rain falling from December to February.
The period known as the "run-off" occurs straight after the wet season, commencing in March and carrying through to at least the end of April. Days are still quite humid and hot, with occasional storms, but these conditions suit the barramundi, which can bite like mad wherever there is wet season freshwater run-off. This period coincides with generally calm seas, facilitating exceptional offshore bluewater sportfishing.
The "Dry Season" from May to September is characterised by no rain, warm sunny days and cool overnight temperatures. Barramundi don't bite as well during these cooler months, but good fishing is still possible. Bluewater sportfishing is excellent during the dry season but can be hampered by easterly trade winds.
October to December is the "Build-up" when both temperature and humidity start to rise again as the "Dry" transitions to the "Wet", which generally commences in earnest in late December. The Build-up is when the barramundi begin to feed voraciously after the cooler dry season months. It is spawning time, and barramundi often congregate in large numbers. Once again, calm seas are a feature of this time of year as the easterly trade winds have finished. Thus, bluewater sportfishing can be exceptional and readily accessible.
Barra Lodge is known for its high numbers of barramundi. It is not uncommon for a group of 3 anglers to land 10-20 fish each per day. There are high numbers of 60-70cm barra to be caught, a few 80/90cm fish per week are landed, and if you are one of the very lucky anglers who manages to slide a barra over 100cm into the net, you'll be welcomed onto the lodges 'metery board' joining an exclusive club of just 169 other anglers who have achieved the same feat (records 2004 - October 2023).
Barra Lodge is undoubtedly the best destination to tick barra off your bucket list. If you have yet to catch a barra and want the best chance to land a few, this is the place for you.
Barra is not the only fish you are likely to encounter in the expansive river and estuary systems of the area, though; you also likely hook a few:
Itinerary
- Arrive in Darwin
- Light aircraft to Maningrida
- Fishing days
- Return to Darwin via light aircraft
Included
- Angling Adventures Grab Bag:
Limousine / luxury car transfers, fishing shirt, stubby holder and tackle box fillers!
-Maningrida Airport / Lodge air-conditioned courtesy transfers
- Professionally-guided fishing
- Twin Share Deluxe Safari Suite accommodation (Please note all accommodation is twin shared. For single only
accommodation, a loading of $530pp per night applies, subject to availability)
- Complimentary laundry service
- All chef prepared meals
- Use of our quality fishing tackle on a replacement if lost or damaged basis. (Please bring your own fly fishing tackle)
Price Guide
Current Pricing for 2024 bookings.
Prices are per person, twin share. For single share please get in touch.
REMEMBER YOU WILL NEVER PAY MORE WHEN BOOKING THROUGH ANGLING ADVENTURES
Availability
The Barra Lodge operates under two main seasons booked exclusively for fishing.
These are the prime times for best barra fishing conditions.
CURRENT AVAILABILITY:
1-6 March *16 SPOTS AVAILABLE*
22-26 March *20 SPOTS AVAILABLE*
If you would like to fish during the Dry Season (May, June, July, August, September) we can arrange the best tides and dates to suit your fishing goals around availability at the Barra Lodge.
Not included
- If you would like to hire a location specific tackle pack with top shelf rods, reels and lures let us know.
- Return Airfares between Darwin and Maningrida (organised by our travel professionals)
- Permits to visit and fish Aboriginal Land and Aboriginal waters
- Alcohol - The Barra Lodge has a special licence to sell alcohol to its guests on the premises. A range of fine wines, quality beers and spirits will be available
for purchase at the “Barra Bar”. Any special orders must be pre-ordered 3 weeks prior to your tour commencing to ensure availability.