Melville Island Fishing Lodge

Location​

Tiwi Islands Adventures is located on the Tiwi Islands, a scenic 30-minute flight from Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia. We have exclusively operated here since 1998 and cater for anglers of ALL skill levels, plus small corporate groups, seeking a remote, yet comfortable, professionally guided sport-fishing experience.

Situated 60 km to the north of Darwin, Melville and neighboring Bathurst Island are collectively known as the ‘Tiwi Islands’; the home of the Tiwi people and the home of Tiwi Islands Adventures.

Known for its tropical climate, its small and friendly indigenous population, and its exclusive fishing, there is very little infrastructure on the Tiwi Islands, and they are not open to the public for tourism, except on organised trips operated by Tiwi Islands Adventures.

Our remote and remarkable area consists of thousands of square kilometers of eucalypt, paperbark and monsoon vine forest, coastal wetlands, secluded waterfalls, and deserted beaches. An extensive array of the mangrove-lined river and creek systems, sand flats, bays, inlets, and coastal reefs, all abundant with marine life, means the Tiwi Islands are also an unspoiled angler’s paradise.

We operate from two remote yet comfortable locations on the Tiwi Islands; Our Melville Island Lodge headquarters situated on the shores of Snake Bay, plus our ultra-remote Johnson River Camp situated in the picturesque upper reaches of the Johnson River on the east coast of Melville Island.

Access to the Tiwi Islands is via Darwin. From Darwin, you will be transported to the islands by light aircraft, a scenic 30-minute private charter flight.

Location Species  

Barramundi,  The Hollywood of Australian sportfish the Barramundi goes from being a great sports fish to one of the best once it gets into the 80cm range. Arnhemland has some of the best barramundi fishing on this earth and the Arnhemland Coastal Camp is perfectly located to take advantage of this barra fishing.   

Mangrove Jack,  how exciting is it when you get smashed by a jack as it heads back into its snag. Just think how good chasing Jacks on the reef!

Black Jewfish,  Pound for pound Black Jewfish smash just about any fishing out of the river!

Queenfish,  the Cirque du Soleil performer of the sports fishing world.  

Threadfin Salmon,  nothing like their northern hemisphere namesake these fish are aggressive and fish as hard as any tropical superstar.   

Fingermark,  much like their cousin the mangrove jack

GT (Giant Trevally), GT are also been referred to as being the gangsters of the reef. No matter if traveling in a group or individually they are on a mission and it is the mission of feeding as well as smashing the spirits of any accomplished sports fisho. recently encountered some feeding fish working the edge of a drop offAndIn true GT style50 minutes laterThe angular released the fish and then put the rod in the rod rack sat down for a rest. No person ever tangled with the 40+ kilogram fish and then immediately cast again.

Coral Trout, When it comes time to catching dinner there are few better fish. The coastal/beach reefs around the island hold trout up to 12lb not bad off the beach!!

Spanish Mackeral, The Vincent van Gogh of saltwater fly sports fishing. These are a beautiful looking fish that make you earn your reward. Fast powerful and dirty fighters. 

Barracuda,  They come in two sizes up in our parts. Small and annoying and massive followed by a Holly Crap!!  

Northern Bluefin Tuna, For those of you that have never seen 400 yards of backing strip off your fly line in 30 seconds, this is the fish for you! Not a lot around in November but that’s good we want you fishing for the fish below.

Location Species Calendar 

Fishing

Location Facilities 

Charter dates

Fishing at Melville Island Lodge
Operates from March through to around mid-December with exclusive fishing access to Snake Bay, Shark Bay, Jessie River, Rungani, Robinson Inlet and Goose Creek….plus a vast range of coastal creek and reef fishing options.

Fishing at Johnson River Camp
Operating from May through to approximately mid-December (min of 4-day trip) with exclusive access to the Johnson River, Yunanti and Quanipiri Bays plus a wide variety of coastal creek and reef fishing.

Meals & Drinks

Every meal is prepared by their resident cook, who takes delight in exceeding your culinary expectations. Their mouth-watering meals are not complicated, but the quality of the food will have you feeling as though you were being served at a 5-star restaurant. We understand that you are not escaping the hustle and bustle of the real world to then encounter complicated food. The island has access to some of the best seafood in the world, and they present this wealth simply and deliciously.

Getting there

The team at FishingEarth will work with you to put together the most cost-effective and time-efficient travel plans for you. We will work with you to make sure that your budget and time limitations are taken into account and the best route there and of course the best route home. AtThis FishingEarth we get excited for you when you are going on a FishingEarth Fishing Adventure. But the thing that makes us smile is when you walk in your front door ‘home’ safe and sound.

Included

• Return 30 minute private charter flights ex Darwin
• All Tiwi Island transfers between the airport and lodges
• Tiwi Island visitor and fishing permits
• Professionally guided fishing in custom-built 6.5m boats
• Use of quality fishing tackle (except fly fishing)
• Comfortable air-conditioned accommodation
• All meals & non alcoholic refreshments
• Goods & Services Tax (GST)
• Use of VIP Room at Melville Lodge (only 2 available at extra charge $100 per night)
• TV/ DVD
• Tea / Coffee making facilities
• Bar Fridge
• Queen Bed
• Ensuite
• Private Deck (Shared with 2nd VIP room)

Not included