Cape Don Fishing, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Airing Date: Apr 21st, 2003
Situated about a 45-minute flight from Darwin, the Peninsula is surrounded by 130 kilometres of pristine coastline. Cape Don is aboriginal-owned land - and a fishing mecca.
Set on the grounds of the Cape Don Lighthouse is the Cape Don Lodge, which offers three, four and seven-night all-inclusive fishing safaris. Spend time here and you will be sure to discover why this place is renowned for its variety of fish; there are 250 different species. Giant trevally, mackerel, long tail and many more populate the local waters.
The best time to drop your line is in the months of March through to May, September and October. You'll get your own guide and whether you try your hand at fly-fishing, trawling or bait-fishing, these blokes know these waters inside out. There's a catch and release policy, which means you keep what you can eat, but the rest go back to ensure there's always plenty to go around.
One of the many interesting areas up here is Popham Creek, one of the few places in the world where you'll find a tropical coral reef in a mangrove creek. And if you're feeling adventurous you can even catch your own mud crabs, but only if you're willing to spear them.
After shucking oysters off the rocks you can bring your catch of the day back to the lodge and have it served up for dinner. Then, after a relaxing dip in the homestead's spa, you can look forward to another day of fantastic fishing.
The facts
Qantas flies to Darwin from all major cities and returns prices start from $636 from Sydney & $563 from Perth. Additional taxes/levies/charges apply.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
The three-night Cape Don package starts from $1,685 per person for groups of four, including all meals, guide, equipment and air transfers from Darwin.
Cape Don Experience
Tel: 08 8979 0030
Northern Territory Tourism Commission
Tel: 13 30 68
