Bullo River Station - Barramundi Fishing Bonanza - NT
Bullo River Station, south-west of Darwin in what is known as the East Kimberley region of the Northern Territory, is one of Australia’s most famous cattle stations. Encircled by the coffee-coloured waters of the mighty Victoria River and the rugged, terracotta escarpments that define the character of this area, Bullo exceed even the most imaginative expectations of the Australian outback ideal. Bullo River also offers keen anglers the opportunity to tangle with some of the Territory’s biggest barramundi.
Bullo River Station – NT
With an area covering half a million acres, Bullo River is a vast, pristine cattle station steeped in Australian outback history. Made famous by renowned author, Sara Henderson, the property is now owned and operated by her daughter, Marlee, and son-in-law, Franz Ranacher. 8,000 – 10,000 head of Brahman stock graze on Bullo’s seemingly boundless plains, but it’s what lives in the Bullo & Victoria Rivers that will interest keen sport fishers.
Mighty barramundi, occasionally topping 50 pounds, are found throughout the waterway and it’s the prospect of tangling with these spectacular and hard-fighting fish that consistently draws angling die-hards. Although it’s possible to catch Barra all year round, we’ve chosen the ‘build up’ to the Wet Season as our preferred time to visit. The air is hot at this time of year, but so is the fishing and if you’re keen to hook a true trophy-sized fish, November is a great month to be there.
Accommodation
Guest accommodation, located only a few metres from the main homestead is a purpose built area consisting of 12 double/twin rooms off one central corridor, each with air conditioning and en-suite. The decor is simple – cool, tiled floors, indigenous art on the walls and no phones or televisions. All rooms are serviced daily and have sliding door access to the lawns surrounding the homestead.
The Main Homestead
Lined with beautiful, smooth-bark boab trees, the long, low stone homestead with its facade of five arches is cool and quiet even in the heat of the day. Guests are welcome to wander in, chat with the Bullo team, help themselves to a cold drink or just chill out in the living area – it’s a casual affair.
Boating Equipment
Aluminium tinnies are used to fish the Bullo Gorge along with the Bullo River and Victoria River.
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. Fishing equipment used on a replace if lost or damaged basis.
Fishing
The Bullo River itself flows for around 75 kilometres exclusively on the property providing the opportunity for fresh and tidal salt-water fishing. The Bullo River then joins the Victoria River, one of the largest and most remote rivers in Australia, and is the property’s eastern boundary.
Your guides have many years’ experience on Bullo River and they consistently put clients on to big barra in beautiful surroundings. Fishing by helicopter is an option at Bullo River and although it’s an extra cost, it provides ready access to some of the waterway’s more remote locations. The view of Bullo’s vastness from a chopper is truly breath taking and comes highly recommended.
What You Can Catch
Whilst Bullo is famous for excellent barramundi fishing there are also other species including thread fin salmon, jew fish, mangrove jack and black bream.
Getting There
Bullo River Station is 500,000 acres of privately owned countryside and is situated in the northwestern corner of the Northern Territory near the Western Australian border; 800km southwest of Darwin and 200kms east of Kununurra in what is referred to as the East Kimberley region.
Air Access
Private charter plane to our homestead strip provides best access from either Darwin (90 minutes) or Kununurra (30 minutes). 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.
Commercial flights operate to Kununurra and Darwin daily. Check with Qantas, Airnorth, Skywest and Virgin Australia for flight options.
Fishing Package:
Season operates from March to October each year.
Cost: Rates Valid until 31st October 2013
4 nights – $3980 per person (minimum 2 anglers) Ex Kununurra
4 nights – $3590 per person (minimum 4 anglers) Ex Kununurra
4 nights – $4950 per person (minimum 2 anglers) Ex Darwin
4 nights – $4075 per person (minimum 4 anglers) Ex Darwin
Other duration costs on request
Full Package Includes:
- Return scenic charter flight ex Kununurra or ex Darwin
- Accommodation in air conditioned room with private ensuite
- All meals, limited alcohol with meals (beer & wine)
- Scheduled activities including station activities, gorge cruise, tours of aboriginal art sites, 4WD tours
- Fully guided fishing
Air transfers are also available to/from a number of locations and various sized aircraft can be provided on request.
