Tip of Australia West Coast Barra fishing mothership charter

Barramundi & Saratoga Fishing – Remote Cape York Rivers

Welcome to one of Australia’s last true wilderness fishing frontiers. From the mighty Jardine River system to the twisting creeks and billabongs of the Cape, these waters offer raw, untamed fishing at its best, with barramundi and Saratoga as the star attractions.

The Northern Territory has always been the location to target big barramundi. On great tides and the right conditions, there’s no place like the remote Northern Territory river systems.

That now comes with a big premium price.

On this mothership fishing adventure you have the opportunity to fish some truly remarkable barramundi water with big fish potentially at the end of your next cast but without the crazy prices and for anyone on the east coast of Australia you can get there in one day and get home in one day so you don’t lose that third day travelling.

This is a great combination of barramundi and Bluewater fishing with some excellent opportunities to sneak into some billabongs as well. 

Escapade mothership

In a world we are constantly distracted by shiny white objects. Escapade is the perfect home away from home for the week. Designed perfectly for small groups Clients and crew sleep comfortably and eat well. There are no ensuite bathrooms but we’ve not charged for that either. As a recent American client said the experience changed his perception of what five star should be.

Jardine River & Billabongs – The Saratoga Stronghold

The Jardine River isn’t just iconic  ; it’s alive with freshwater life. Its remote billabongs and slow-moving stretches are classic Saratoga country. These prehistoric surface-feeding fish are aggressive, acrobatic, and stunning to catch on light spin or fly gear. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime time, with explosive surface takes among the lilies and snags.

Alongside the Saratoga, you’ll find healthy numbers of barramundi, especially as the wet season recedes and the river levels settle. This system is wild, remote, and perfect for anglers who appreciate solitude and surprises.

Crystal Creek One & Two – Hidden Barramundi Haunts

These two lesser-known creeks might not get the same attention as the big river systems, but make no mistake—they hold serious fish. Twisting mangrove-lined channels, shady cutbanks, and bait-filled drains offer textbook ambush zones for barra. Whether you’re flicking soft plastics or bouncing hardbodies off the snags, this is technical, rewarding fishing in water that sees very little pressure.

Cotterell Creek – A Remote Barra Playground

Cotterell Creek rewards those willing to venture a little further. It offers the perfect blend of structure, bait, and water clarity that barramundi thrive in. Fish can be found patrolling the edges, laying deep in snags, or sitting under colour changes, waiting for the tide to turn.

Doughboy River – Classic Run-Off Country

When the wet season ends and the creeks begin to drop, the Doughboy comes into its own. It’s one of the Cape’s classic run-off systems, with barra stacking up at creek mouths and drains waiting to smash baitfish washing out. It’s a dream spot for lure casting and topwater fans, with plenty of water to explore and endless ambush points to work.

🔹 Fishing Styles & Techniques

• Saratoga: Surface walkers, fizzers, and lightly weighted flies

• Barramundi: Soft plastics, vibes, shallow divers, topwater lures (especially in the early morning or late afternoon)

🔹 What Makes This Region Special?

• Remote locations with very little pressure

• Pristine freshwater and tidal systems

• Big, healthy barra and hard-hitting Saratoga

• Incredible wildlife, scenery, and that true “off-grid” experience

Ready to Plan a Trip?

Whether you’re chasing your first Saratoga or a seasoned barra angler looking for somewhere new and wild, these rivers deliver. Get in touch to find out the best times to go, what gear to bring, and how to access some of the most untouched water in Australia.