Island Fishing Wilderness Tour

Encounter sensational fishing surrounded by unspoiled beauty, crystal clear water, coral reefs and pristine white beaches devoid of footprints.

Melville Island, a land of dense rainforest and cascading waterfalls, an Island home to the Australian Aboriginal people, the Tiwi. Learn the legend of the Creation of the Tiwi Islands with Palaneri (dreaming). The Country is mainly open Eucalypt forest with pockets of Monsoonal Vine forest. The beaches are long, white and beautiful interspersed with Mangrove swamps which provide the rich feeding grounds for marine life including crocodiles. You could be forgiven for letting the fishing almost become secondary, as you marvel at the wonder of your surroundings.

Encounter sensational fishing surrounded by unspoiled beauty: crystal clear water, coral reefs, pristine white beaches devoid of footprints. Rock-Bars that inspire awe amongst the devoted angler, mile upon mile of red cliffs, and the whole area teeming with birds and indigenous wildlife. The Lodge provides comfortable living, surrounded by a well-kept lush tropical garden, a shaded spa, and awesome views of a wilderness that relatively few outsiders have experienced. The beauty, remoteness and magical fishing makes this tour on Melville Island in the Australian Northern Territory an absolutely ideal destination for that fishing "Holiday of a Lifetime".

Each Visitor is assured of a unique and spectacular experience, expect the unexpected. You are here for the “Wilderness Experience” but it’s the “Lure of the Fishing". Whether you are throwing lures at a likely fish infested rock-bar, or load your rod and cast your fly mere inches in front of a cruising barra on the most awesome flat you have ever seen, or you drop your carefully baited line straight down onto a reef that shows teeming fish on the sounder…… Suddenly, you're on! Everything comes up tight! Line, rod, reel, your arms, and that strange sensation in your heart! And now you are not admiring the wilderness, you are a part of it. The rod bucks, the fish jumps and charges. It's desperate, hand-to-hand combat. Finally, exhausted, you bring your capture to the boat, thrilled by the intensity of colour and the majesty of a truly wild fish. A quick photo to capture the memory for life, and another strange sensation as your guide gently revives the fish and restores it to the wilderness to live, grow and who knows? maybe provide another grateful angler with a similar experience. You and the wilderness are now one.”

Angling Direct Holidays has combined this great destination, great fishing with great accommodation. As you will see from the itinerary your holiday starts and finishes in the capital of the Northern Territory Darwin. We have personally hand picked two Darwin Hotels for you to chose from, the Mirambeena, and the Saville. Each are top class hotels that offer a range of services and facilities to suit all budgets. (See Accommodation Tab)

After your day of relaxing and exploring the sites of Darwin you will be collected for a transfer to your scenic charter flight to Mt Borradaile. Situated in the Northwest corner of Arnhem Land a vast sub-tropical savannah that has been described as a national treasure trove depicting ancient human occupation, and a pristine wilderness area hosting a myriad of ecosystems and wildlife inhabitants.

What our customers have to say: "Loved it all, catching and eating our own Mudcrabs was special ." Mark Lain "I can see why this is one of Rex Hunts favorite places we loved it ." Mrs walker "Thanks for the hospitality, glad to see that there are still people who care what our holiday turns out like. " Duncan Woods

Munupi Wilderness Lodge Australia

F/B

Munupi Wilderness Lodge is a complex of 13 air conditioned double rooms, a spacious and comfortable living area, bar and dining area, which is all strategically situated on a cliff top overlooking the Apsley Straight , promising extraordinary views. The Lodge is a spacious, cool and relaxing retreat, set amongst lush lawns and a tropical garden that creates a magnificent ambience for your enjoyment and relaxation. Overhead are huge cooling fans, a boon to reviving the spirit (but a potentially fatal trap for wandering fishing rods), rooms are also air conditioned for comfort.

Spend some much needed rest in one of the many comfortable chairs and settees. A TV is available with three channels and a range of DVD's and videos are ready for your enjoyment. For the young or young at heart, a Sony Play Station with all the latest games is ready to go. The office has Phone, Fax, Email and Internet facilities available to guests on a user pays basis. Urgent supplies can be freighted over on the daily plane from Darwin. There is a well stocked bar in the bar/restaurant area that looks directly east over the Apsley Straight, and your Host will cater for any special preferences in the way of drinks if you let him know in advance. The amenities block is modern, recently renovated and only a short few yards from your room under a connecting covered walk way. There is also a laundry block with drying facilities.

Visit one of the numerous springs, crystal clear in a deep rainforest setting. Each secluded water outlet has deep spiritual significance to the Tiwi people, with such varied names as Pookalippi, Kilinpinni, Turracumbi, and Turrucumpi. Great for snorkeling, diving and picnics. Experience the unique Tiwi language, culture and ceremonial life as you explore and gather traditional foods, and learn of the history of this piece of paradise. Learn how the Aboriginal people hunt using traditional weapons such as spears for Dugong, Turtle, Crocodile, Mud Crabs and Stingray. Evidence of Aboriginal occupants over the centuries can be seen in the middens found along the coastline. Join your local Guide to hunt for Mussels, Long Bum, Mangrove Worm, with the adventurous sampling their catch. You will find an abundance of Turtles, Dugong and Crabs on sandbars. Spot Crocodiles both the Saltwater and Freshwater Johnson River specie,. cruising Sharks, feeding Dolphins, occasional Whales or Giant Turtles laying eggs on a remote beach. You will be able to share with the Tiwi people their religion, culture and art. Part of their artistic talent is vividly demonstrated with their distinctive batik and silk screened clothing, woven bangles, painted conch shells, carvings, pottery and the unique Pukumani burial poles.

If that's not enough,. you will be transferred to Jabiru Airport to say goodbye to your Hosts and embark on your flight to the famous Cobourg, where peace and tranquility meet the sea.

Darwin Hotels Your first and last day is spent in Darwin in the hotel of your choice from below.

Mirambeena

B/B

The word Mirambeena means 'Welcome' and that's how you will feel when you stay at this inner city resort in Darwin, the Tropical Capital of Australia's Northern Territory. The hotel has, 225 rooms (all air conditioned), 24 hour reception, restaurant, pool side cafe and two bars. While you stay at the Mirambeena why not enjoy the 2 Swimming pools, blue and green, set in lush tropical gardens, 2 spas, pool bar, licensed restaurant, video games room, mini golf and fitness room. Services available are 3 guest laundries, off street undercover car parking, 24 reception and room service. With these facilities and its great location this is an ideal hotel for your Darwin base.

Completely refurbished March 98 and comfortably appointed with options for up to four sharing - either one double and one single or four single beds. Air conditioning, colour TV, in house videos, tea/coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, STD/IDD phones, clock radio, hairdryers and safes.

Tropical Dining - Treetops Restaurant is fully licensed and overlooks the pools. You can dine in air conditioned comfort or on the fan cooled balcony seven days a week. Enjoy a relaxing drink or quick snack at the Resort's pool side Raintree Cafe.

Saville

B/B

Situated on The Esplanade, the award-winning Saville Park Suites overlook Darwin Harbour to the Arafura Sea. This 4 star hotel offers 140 one, two and three bedroom apartments, 64 hotel rooms and has a restaurant & bar, outdoor swimming pool and spa. Apartments have large private balconies, perfect for experiencing a famous Northern Territory sunset. The hotels facilities include 24-hour reception, foreign exchange desk, concierge, safety deposit boxes, express check-out, restaurant and bar, room service (5.30am to 10.00pm), security carpark, same day laundry service (except Sunday), baby-sitting service (fee), business facilities, secretarial services, outdoor pool and spa, car rental, bicycles for hire, daily housekeeping, tour shop, beauty salon.

The superb accommodation at the Saville includes the following,lounge and dining area, private balcony, fully equipped kitchen with cooktop, oven, full size refrigerator and dishwasher, laundry with washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board, Individually controlled air-conditioning, colour television and pay movies, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, AM/FM radio alarm clock, hairdryer and exclusive toiletries, Ocean views from some apartments.

The Saville is a great place to start your Australian dream. From here you are close to all of Darwin's amenities. CBD and shopping 5mins, Darwin Harbour 5mins, Entertainment Centre 5mins and the famous Government House is only 5 minute walk.

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggest itinerary which can be changed if you so wished to suit your requirements personally

12 - Days / 6 - Days Guided Fishing

Day 1	Depart HEATHROW AIRPORT (LHR) with QANTAS AIRWAYS PM
Day 2	Arrive SINGAPORE (SIN) PM Depart SINGAPORE (SIN) with QANTAS AIRWAYS PM
Day 3	Arrive DARWIN (DRW) AM After you have picked up your luggage and cleared customs walk out of the terminal building where you will be met by our guide who will escort you to the Darwin Hotel of your choice. Darwin, Australia’s northern most capital city represents a delightful mix of cultures and a progressive spirit inherited from the colourful pioneers who have played such an important part in Darwin’s development. Tropical Darwin enjoys two seasons – the ‘wet’ when the landscape turns green and spectacular thunderstorms light the sky, and the balmy ‘dry’ when the sheltered waters of one of Australia’s prettiest harbour's sparkle in the sunlight. The city offers many attractions, recreational opportunities and entertainment – excellent ethnic restaurants, outdoor markets and bustling nightspots. This day is free for you to explore or simply relax and unwind in preparation for your Kakadu & Cobourg Adventure Overnight: Accommodation Darwin Hotel of your choice B/B
Day 4	In the morning you will be collected from your hotel for a scenic flight to the Northern Eastern Corner of Apsley Straight to Melville Island. You will be greeted by your Local Hosts to experience 6 days of local culture, customs, fantastic food, pristine wilderness, abundant aquatic life as well as sensational fishing. With only a few visitors Permitted special entry annually, you are sure to encounter seclusion. Daytime Fishing either local creeks and estuaries or reef fishing. Overnight: Munupi Wilderness Lodge F/B
Day's 5 to 9	Daytime fishing either local creeks and estuaries or reef fishing. Overnight: Munupi Wilderness Lodge F/B
Day 10	Spend the morning enjoying this unique area, fishing or photographing wildlife before returning to civilisation. On arrival into Darwin, transfer to your hotel. Overnight: Accommodation Darwin Hotel of your choice B/B
Day 11	Spend your day at your leisure before your private transfer to Darwin airport and return flight to London. Depart DARWIN (DRW) with QANTAS AIRWAYS PM Arrive SINGAPORE (SIN) PM Depart SINGAPORE (SIN) with QANTAS AIRWAYS PM
Day 12	Arrive HEATHROW AIRPORT (LHR) AM

Departure Dates & Prices

12 - Days / 6 - Days Guided Fishing

Dates	Mirambeena	Saville
Feb - June Sept - Oct	From £3,250 pp	From £3,400 pp

Whats Included & Excluded

Options Business Class Flight Upgrades Additional Fishing Days Darwin Hotel Room Upgrades Extended stay in Darwin and escorted tours of the surrounding areas.

What's Included International return flights Internal Flights Airport private transfers 3 nights choice of accommodation, day use for departure day 6 night stay Munupi Wilderness Lodge All meals All activities with Guide including Fishing Charters Fishing Tackle on replaced if lost basis Fishing permits

What's Excluded Holiday insurance Personal items Fly Fishing Tackle Alcoholic Beverages Local Tips (Non Compulsory)

Note: The above prices are per person and are based on two people sharing, accommodation, transfers and fishing. Please be advised these prices may fluctuate due to changes in flights and exchange rates.

Enquiries & Bookings

Once you have an idea of what destinations and duration of the holiday you would like, contact one of our consultants on 01603 407596 who will be pleased to assist you with any questions and additional literature you may require to help you finalise your holidays itinerary, availability and prices.

When you are ready to book your holiday, our consultants will take down all particulars and take a deposit payment, please make sure that before making any booking that you have read our terms and conditions. At the time of the booking we will ask you to correctly spell the first and last name of each traveling member, as some flights will need to be ticketed at the time of booking and due to airline regulations no name changes can be made, once a ticket has been issued. On receipt of the deposit we will send the lead booker a “Booking Form” and a deposit receipt invoice which becomes the legal contract between Angling Direct Holidays and your party

Tackle Required
Want to talk to our Shimano travel consultant

Trolling / Boat Fishing

1. 12lb to 20lb stand up rods for Spanish Mackerel, coupled with strong multipliers capable of holding 20lb mono minimum 300 yards.
2. 6lb to 12lb stand up boat rod and reel for bottom fishing for Snapper but coupled with 25Lb mono to handle those powerful Jew fish.
3. 50Lb class rods and reels coupled with 50lb Mono if you fancy having a go for those sharks, which up in the Northern Territory are totally untouched.

Fly fishing

1. 8 weight saltwater fly rod and reel with 8 to 9 weight shooting line. For shore fishing and light boat fishing
2. 12 weight salt water fly rod and reel with 12 weight shooting line. For Giant Trevally and Spanish Mackerel fishing
3. Selection of tarpon / sailfish style flies, (poppers)
4. Selection of fly tippets, If you wish to fish for a line class records check the current line classes available.

Shore Fishing

1. 6 to 9 ft light spinning rod, coupled with fixed spool reel of 20lb mono. Reel needs to hold a minimum of 250 yards for those large Trevally.
2. 6ft Bait caster rod and reel, 20lb braided line for Barra and estuarine fishing.
3. Selection of sinking lures, floater divers from 2 to 6 inches.
4. Small spinners, spoons and plastic jigs / jelly worms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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