Fishing Spots ＞ Australia N (NT)
2 captains listed · estuary category. A spot in Shady Camp / Mary River (NT) (Australia N (NT)) targeting Barramundi. Check the tide, captains and recent catches, then contact them directly via public social accounts. Access, climate and lodging are in the details below.
Book / contact the captain directly Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge ›Shady Camp is a barramundi mecca on the lower Mary River, famous for its tidal barrage. It lies where freshwater and the tidal zone meet, and the gateway is Darwin (DRW). Access is via the Arnhem Hwy, with the final stretch on unsealed road. A 4WD is recommended in the wet season. The Mary River has one of the world's highest crocodile densities, so exercise extreme caution at the water's edge.
| From | Route | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darwin (DRW) | Via Stuart Hwy → Arnhem Hwy, with Point Stuart Rd (partly unsealed) for the final stretch | About 2.5-3 hours by car (about 200km; longer when towing a boat or in the wet season) | A 4WD is essential in the wet season. There is one boat ramp each upstream and downstream of the barrage. Toilets and picnic facilities available. |
Coordinates: -12.55, 131.63（Open in Google Maps）
Barramundi
The best season for barramundi is the 'Run-off', roughly Feb-May (the peak especially from late March to mid-May, extending into June in years with heavy rain). As the wet-season floodwaters recede and water flows out from the floodplains into the tidal zone, barramundi feeding becomes active. Below Shady Camp's tidal barrage you can target some of the NT's biggest fish (even in the 25kg class) during this period.
◎ peak: Mar–Apr · ○ in season: Feb–May, Sep–Nov
See what else is in season now →
For Barramundi Casting is king.
Full how-to & tackle on each species page
A tropical monsoon climate, hot year-round. It is broadly split into the 'Dry (dry season: May-Oct)' and the 'Wet (wet season: Nov-Apr)', with the 'Run-off' from late wet season into the start of the dry being peak season for barramundi. Temperatures are representative values for the Darwin area (Weatherspark/Tourism Australia). The annual temperature range is small, and perceived differences come mainly from humidity and rainfall.
| Month | Avg ℃ | High ℃ | Low ℃ | Clothing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 32 | 26 | Midsummer. Peak of the wet season, hot and humid. Breathable short sleeves, hat, rain gear | |
| 29 | 31 | 26 | Wet season. Muggy with frequent squalls. Quick-dry shirt, rainwear | |
| 29 | 32 | 26 | Late wet season into the start of the run-off. Hot and humid, insect repellent and rain gear | |
| 28 | 32 | 24 | Run-off period. Mainly short sleeves, with a light layer for morning and evening | |
| 28 | 32 | 23 | Start of the dry season. Hot during the day and pleasant at night. Short sleeves plus a light jacket | |
| 26 | 31 | 21 | Dry season. Warm during the day and cool at night. Short sleeves plus a long-sleeve layer | |
| 26 | 31 | 20 | Dry season, the coolest period. Cold in the morning and at night, so long sleeves and a light jacket | |
| 26 | 31 | 21 | Dry season. Hot during the day and cool at night. Short sleeves plus a layer | |
| 28 | 32 | 24 | Late dry season. Temperature and humidity rising. Short sleeves, hat, sun protection | |
| 30 | 33 | 26 | 'Build-up' period. Muggy. Breathable short sleeves, stay hydrated | |
| 30 | 33 | 26 | Start of the wet season. Hot, humid with thunderstorms. Short sleeves, rain gear | |
| 29 | 32 | 26 | Wet season. Muggy with squalls. Quick-dry shirt, rainwear |
| Class | Property | Price (approx) | Highlights | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-end | Bamurru Plains | From AUD2,495 per night (safari bungalow / 2 nights minimum, all-inclusive with all meals, guided safaris and drinks) | A luxury safari lodge set in the savanna of the Mary River wetlands. A stay-type experience enjoying airboats, wildlife safaris and wetland scenery. Also has the Kingfisher Suite and the Jabiru Retreat with its own plunge pool | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| High-end | Wildman Wilderness Lodge | From AUD366 per night | An upscale lodge in the Point Stuart area. A quality outback stay with outdoor bungalows, a pool and a restaurant | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| High-end | Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge（モダン・アンスイートルーム） | From AUD245 per night (higher room types) | A base for the Shady Camp/Mary River wetlands. Modern, air-conditioned ensuite rooms. Has a licensed bar & bistro and a tour desk to arrange wetland cruises and fishing tours | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Standard | Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge（スタンダードルーム／サファリテント） | Around AUD177 per night (average) | Air-conditioned standard rooms and safari tents. 4 blocks with 25 rooms in total, surrounded by lawns and wallabies. All meals served at the bar/bistro | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Standard | Mary River Wilderness Retreat & Caravan Park | From AUD143 per night (bungalow) | A retreat based in the lush wetlands along the Mary River. With bungalows, safari tents and campsites, it is ideal for wildlife watching | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Standard | The Bark Hut Inn | — | A historic, iconic NT inn along the Arnhem Highway. A hub with cabin rooms plus an animal enclosure, restaurant, pub, pool, fuel and souvenir shop. A gateway to the Mary River wetlands and Kakadu | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Budget | Corroboree Park Tavern | From around AUD70 per night (air-conditioned cabin) | A classic Territory pub midway between Darwin and Kakadu. Affordable air-conditioned cabins, a spacious grassy campsite and an attached grocery store. The back gate connects directly to the Mary River wetlands, popular with anglers | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Budget | The Bark Hut Inn（バジェットルーム／キャンプサイト） | — | Budget rooms and powered/unpowered sites available. An affordable option to stay. Restaurant, pub and pool on site | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Budget | Shady Camp（NT Parks キャンプ場） | — | The camping area of Shady Camp, renowned for barramundi fishing, within Mary River National Park. The Couzens Lookout Camping Area is also a nearby national park campsite | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Name | Cuisine | Budget | Highlights | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corroboree Park Tavern | Territory pub / all-day dining | — | The kitchen opens from 5am. Serves pub staples and an all-day menu. With a grocery store and snacks, in a location facing the Mary River wetlands | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| The Bark Hut Inn | Pub / restaurant | — | A historic roadhouse and pub. A Mary River wetlands hub with a restaurant, bar, pool, fuel and gallery | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge ライセンスバー＆ビストロ | Lodge bistro / bar | — | A licensed bar & bistro serving all meals and snacks to guests. Convenient for dining at a base toward the Shady Camp area | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Bamurru Plains（ロッジ・ダイニング） | Upscale lodge dining (for guests) | All meals and open bar included in the room rate from AUD2,495 | All-inclusive upscale safari lodge dining. All meals and drinks served in a dining room overlooking the wetlands | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
Nearby spots easy to combine into one trip (straight-line distance). See the map above for locations.