World Class Fishing

It is a unique and diverse ecosystem. The area has a massive catchment and huge expanses of freshwater and coastal floodplains. It is a renowned marine nursery and the mighty barramundi thrive here.

Point Stuart Wilderness lodge cater for all fishers – specialised safaris, self driver’s with own boats, land based fishers & fishers wishing to hire a boat.

The region has a fish management plan in force & the Barramundi fishing is world class.

Shady Camp attracts fishers from around the globe. Its diverse wetlands create endless exploration – a Barra Mecca.

Why choose us?

Operating for 21 years & living on the Mary River at Shady Camp, this is our backyard. We have travelled far & wide & know the expansive waterways of the enormous Mary River delta like the back of our hand. We pride ourselves in providing the best possible days fishing we can & always go that extra mile for success.

Prime Time

Specific tide & moon phases effect the barramundi's feeding habits & movements.

Get the guides choice & contact us for the times that will maximise catch opportunities & suite your style of fishing whether it be casting or trolling.

Run off

Late February, March, April & early May

Build up

September, October & November

Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is a licensed fishing tour operator within the Northern Territory. Our local experienced guides have extensive knowledge of the Mary River system & ensures a memorable trip.

A safari from Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is dedicated to fulfilling client’s needs. Safaris can be tailored to suit each individual’s requirement & fishing techniques – including casting & trolling using assorted hard body & soft plastic lures, & fly fishing.

Purposed built surveyed alloy vessels are in operation whilst fishing.

Experienced fishers have been enjoying our guided safaris for many years. Some guests have landed many trophy Barramundi. Novice fishers can also enjoy the thrill of catching their first trophy fish. Large & small groups catered for.

Travel tips
Getting to the Lodge - 2wd vehicles are sufficient to get yourself to the Lodge. (There are many hire car options in Darwin). Allow a 2 hour drive from the Airport or Darwin city. The easy drive to the Lodge via the Arnhem Hwy is on sealed road almost all of the way. The last 7kms is unsealed but well maintained. Shady Camp is only a 20 minute drive from the Lodge.
Bring - Light/cool protective clothing, hat, sunglasses are a necessity, sunscreen, insect repellent, and camera/video/phone. Alcohol is available for purchase from the Saloon Bar.

Half Day Tour

Departs Shady Camp Boat ramp early morning or early afternoon

4 hours duration
Includes a light snack, water
Guided fishing / tuition
Top quality tackle (to be replaced by guest if lost or damaged)
Crocodile and wildlife viewing
Operates mid May to early October

Full Day Tour

1 to 5 days available
Departs Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge early morning
8-9 hours duration
Includes lunch, soft-drink, water, ice
Guided fishing / tuition
Top quality tackle (to be replaced by guest if lost or damaged)
Enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife
Returns late afternoon
Operates late February to early October

+ Shady Camp

Shady Camp is fast becoming one of the most sought after destinations for Barramundi fishing. Here the freshwater habitat meets the saltwater tidal river and is a mecca for big barra, especially following the monsoonal rains of the tropical wet season.

Some of the Northern Territory’s biggest barramundi are caught fishing downstream from Shady Camp barrage during the ‘Runoff” period, February, March April and May each year. The ‘runoff ‘ is when the warm flood waters begin to subside and water runs off the floodplains into tidal channels which causes a feeding frenzy for barramundi. Fish weighing 25kg are often landed.

The Mary River forms two major saltwater estuaries including many small creeks and channels that flow to the sea in Chambers Bay.

Sampan Creek and Tommy cut Creek offer superb ‘run off’ Barramundi fishing. Both creeks have endless mangrove lined feeder creeks that offer fantastic fishing opportunities. The mouths of these systems produce monster Barra every season.

+ Shady Camp Barrage

The Shady Camp barrage was built in the late 1980’s constructed over a natural rock bar to restrict tidal saltwater entering the freshwater habitat. It was designed to let the wet seasons floodwaters flow to sea and allow Barramundi and other native fish to migrate back and forth during their yearly spawning cycles.

The barrage has created one of the best land-based barra hotspot in the Top End. You can cast the freshwater side or the saltwater side. The amount of fish that congregate in these waters has to be seen to be believed. Boat ramps are located both on the freshwater and saltwater sides of the barrage.

+ Shady Camp Billabong

Upstream from the barrage is Shady Camp billabong. After the wet season floodwaters subside the billabong offers excellent dry season fishing. Tarpon, Saratoga and Barramundi are targeted. It makes for a relaxing day fishing, croc spotting and bird watching. Casting amongst the lily lined banks and trolling the banks edges and rock bars produce plenty of fish.

+ Reef fishing

Reef fishing is also close offshore in Chambers Bay. Approximately 10kms north of Sampan Creek mouth lays a large shallow area of shoals and reefs. They are easily accessible from Shady Camp boat ramp and offer a huge array of tropical sportfish. Species such as Blue Salmon, Black Jewfish, Golden Snapper, Cod, Tricky Snapper, various sharks and even Painted Cray are regularly caught.

The reefs are renowned for its large Black Jewfish population averaging 10 to 15 kg. They are challenging and great fun to land in the relatively shallow waters.

+ Corroboree and Rock hole Billabongs

Further south from Shady Camp the wetlands continue and form the giant Corroboree and Rockhole Billabongs. These inland waterways stretch some 20kms and offer endless fishing opportunities. Fishing for Tarpon, Saratoga and Barramundi is exceptional. One could spend weeks exploring the fishing possibilities.

Corroboree Billabong is famous for producing consistently good Barramundi fishing during the dry season months and is a favourable spot for Darwin locals. The natural beauty is a bonus, well worth a trip!