Cobourg Coastal Camp
Cobourg Coastal Camp – NT
Heralded as one of the best fishing destinations in Australia, the remote Cobourg Peninsula in the most northerly part of the Northern Territories Top End is only an hour’s flight from Darwin. The Cobourg Coastal Camp offers fly in/fly out fishing charters.
Cobourg Peninsula Fishing at Cobourg Coastal Camp – NT
Jointly managed by the Aboriginal landowners and Parks and Wildlife, the Cobourg Peninsula is one of Australia’s last true wilderness areas. With more than 250 species of fish and over 2000 sq. km of Marine Park to explore, Cobourg is the ideal fishing destination for those looking for the fishing experience of a lifetime without absolutely any crowds!
The fishing tours are based out of the unique safari-style coastal camp overlooking the bay of Port Essington. There are numerous fishing options all within Port Essington itself, meaning more time fishing and less time travelling!
Accommodation
The unique safari-style camp is located within the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park (Cobourg Peninsula) in northern Arnhem Land. The camp is nestled amongst savannah bushland overlooking the bay of Port Essington. This comfortable bush camping experience offers most of the home comforts while still allowing guests to feel close to nature.
Operating during the dry season (May through October) the camp caters for a maximum of 16 guests, although for the majority of the year just 6 guests will share the camp at any one time.
A large undercover, open-air dining area is where meals are served. This is complemented by a small lounge area which is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the surrounds. There is an extensive library, which boasts a collection of books dedicated to the local region and is available to read at ones leisure.
Canvas safari-tents provide a comfortable nights’ accommodation. The tents are strategically arranged along the cliff top overlooking the water. Each tent is twin-share and contains 2 single beds (all linen is included), a bedside table, light and fan.
There are 3 outdoor monsoonal showers, water temperature is dependant of the time of day i.e. in the morning they can be chilly while in late afternoon they are nice and warm. All soaps are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. There are 2 eco-friendly (& odourless) toilets situated near the showers. All have fantastic views of the surrounding bushland.
Each evening sunset nibbles are served on the cliff top; the perfect vantage point to watch the sun set over the bay. Dinners of a high standard are prepared in the camp kitchen nightly and incorporate freshly caught seafood, fresh vegetables and a variety of local produce
Boating Equipment
Custom built in 2012 ‘Barlu’ is a 7m mono-hull Eliminator Guide Pro and has been specially designed to cater for all types of fishing and marine activities. Fitter with the latest model 225 Yamaha outboard, the vessel can take up to eight passengers onboard. When fishing it can accommodate 3 competent fly fisherman or 4 competent spinners or 6 people bait fishing at any one time.
The rear centre console allows maximum space and comfort for guests whilst a large casting deck at the bow of the boat is ideal for sight fishing and marine spotting. The vessel is also fitted with a bimini (pull up shade cover) which we can use to provide relief from the sun on a hot day.
For larger groups we bring in more guides and boats as required of the highest quality.
Fishing Equipment
Fishing equipment is supplied if you do not wish to bring your own. If you have preferred equipment, you will be trolling and casting lures, as well as live baiting, so it pays to be well prepared in the tackle department. All fishing equipment is provided on a replace if lost or damaged basis.
Fishing
The Parks diversity of marine environments means plenty of fishing options:
Mangrove lined creeks and gutters offer productive barramundi and mangrove jack fishing throughout the year, although it’s the blue water action that draws most keen anglers to the area. Rocky pinnacles and headlands provide great feeding grounds for both pelagic and reef dwelling fish. Trawling, jigging and baiting these areas are all great techniques for catching Spanish mackerel, giant trevally, queenfish and cobia.
Further out to sea although still in the bay of Port Essington, are a number of coral reefs and rocky ledges which provide excellent opportunities for catching the more sort after table fish. These include golden snapper, coral trout, jewfish, saddletail snapper, stripeys, red emperor and cod.
Getting There
Cobourg Coastal Camp is located within the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park (Cobourg Peninsula) in northern Arnhem Land. The camp is built amongst savannah bushland overlooking the bay of Port Essington.
Air Access
Private charter plane to Smiths point strip provides best access from either Darwin (50 minutes) followed by a 40 minute road transfer. This is a spectacular scenic flight, setting the scene to the vastness of this stunning location. Air transfers are also available to/from a number of locations and various sized aircraft can be provided on request.
Your charter flight departs from Darwin airport. Commercial flights operate to Darwin daily via domestic airlines, check with Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia for flight options.
Luggage Restrictions
Luggage restrictions apply of 10-15kgs per person and soft sided bags are essential.
Fishing Package:
Season operates April, May and September, October each year.
Cost: Rates Valid until 31st October 2013
4 nights – $4390 per person (minimum 4 anglers ex Darwin)
4 nights – $5390 per person (minimum 2 anglers ex Darwin)
Other duration costs on request
Full Package Includes:
- Return airfares between Cobourg Peninsula and Darwin
- Transfers from Cobourg Airstrip to Coastal Camp and return
- All the latest fishing equipment (rods, tackle, lures etc.*) or alternatively you can too bring your own
- All meals and non-alcoholic drinks
- Experienced fishing guide
- Custom-built fishing vessel (equipped with safety equipment)
- Accommodation at our Cobourg Coastal Camp (twin-share)
- All permits and camp fees for accessing Aboriginal land/water
