Clearwater Island Lodge is renowned by many as being the top Sport-Fishing lodge in Australia, with their reputation stretching throughout Indonesia and other parts of the southern hemisphere.
They are located on tropical Melville Island, easily accessible via a comfortable 30-minute scenic flight from Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia.
Because of their remoteness, you will enjoy personalized fishing adventures in pristine wilderness environments. And if it’s Barramundi you’re after, you’ve come to the right place! Barra are regular captures, many measuring well over a metre in length.
However, there are over 52 other species of river and coastal fish in their region, including the Mangrove Jack, Spanish Mackerel, Golden Snapper, Threadfin Salmon, Giant Trevally and Queenfish – amongst many more.
You’ll enjoy the experience of a lifetime, exploring the many miles of twisting mangrove rivers and estuaries, as well as some exciting reef fishing, chasing the fabulous Black Jewfish and Golden Snapper! And their bluewater fishing” is just as popular, with people coming just for the thrill of the bluwater adventure. Indeed, you will probably never see again, such an awesome diversity of fishing options all in the one place!
Their comfortable accommodation consists of twin-share, triple-share and double rooms, as well as one family room (double bed and bunk bed), all air conditioned for your comfort. Their relaxation area in the lodge features comfortable lounges with Pay TV and Free To Air Stations. And their bar and dining area are nestled on a cliff top, overlooking the Apsley Strait waterway, with extraordinary views at sunrise and sunset.
FISHING AT ITS BEST!
As you know, it’s hard to find anything that matches the thrill of pulling a large fish into your boat. And given that you’ll be testing your angling skills in Barramundi-infested estuaries and rock-bars, rest assured that you’ll be featuring in quite a few boastful photographs! And keep in mind that one of your challenges throughout the day will be deciding what fish you would like to enjoy for your evening meal!
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Of course, the Barramundi is the icon fish of the tropics and the population of Barras in the area is simply spectacular. The Barramundi is truly the King of Australia’s sport fish and can grow to more than 30 kilos at full size.
Given the look on the guests faces when they catch a Barramundi, it is obviously the dream of many anglers to land one of these spectacularly beautiful fish!
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But of course, there’s plenty more to fishing at Clearwater Island Lodge than just Barramundi. Other species prolific in their estuary and river systems include Spanish Mackerel, Golden Snapper, Queenfish, Giant Trevally, Coral Trout, Mangrove Jack, Long Tail Tuna and many other types.
THE LODGE:
Clearwater Island Lodge is a spacious and relaxing retreat, set amongst acres of tropical gardens and exotic wildlife.
Their Guest Relaxation Area consists of numerous comfortable chairs and lounges, with a large-screen TV featuring Free To Air and Foxtel programming. Furthermore, videos and a Sony Playstation are available to enhance the relaxation for the young and the “young-at-heart”.
PHONE, FAX & INTERNET FACILITIES AVAILABLE:
Whilst most mobile phones enjoy coverage from their lodge, They also have phone, fax and email facilities available to guests. Whilst they believe that you will be “too relaxed” to worry about your “big-city distractions” back home, at least you have the comfort of knowing such communication facilities are available if you need them.
GUEST ROOMS:
Their rooms are all air-conditioned and comfortably appointed with a dressing table and drawers, together with towel racks and hanging space for clothes. Their guest rooms vary in terms of beds, with most being either twin- or triple-share occupancy. Just a short stroll from their rooms are their male and female guest bathrooms which include showers and toilets.
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OTHER AMENITIES:
Their amenities block is a modern structure which includes washing and drying facilities. This means you can easily refresh your clothes at any time, as the amenities block is open to guests 24/7.
RELAX IN OUR SPA:
One of the more popular amenities they have at the lodge is their spa, where guests can unwind after an exciting day on the water. Grab a drink from the bar and re-live the day’s fishing tales in their relaxing spa!
BAR AND RESTAURANT:
Adjacent to their guest relaxation area, their well-appointed bar and restaurant is open to cooling waterside breezes, with a magnificent view across the Apsley Strait.
Their fully stocked bar boasts a large array of local and imported wines, as well as a large choice of beers.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!
The fabulous fishing is not the only thing which guests normally rave about when leaving their lodge. Clearwater Island Lodge also has a fantastic reputation for another guest service, that being their exquisite food offerings!
With hosts, Michael and Kerri Benton, being qualified chefs, it is little wonder that guests from around Australia and the world, lavish praise upon the dining offerings at the lodge.
Each morning starts with a selection of delicious breakfast choices which include bacon and eggs, toast, cereals, fresh fruit juice, tea and coffee. Breakfast is normally served from 7am, so that they can have you on the water enjoying fishing by 7.45am each day.
At around the middle of the day, your personal guide will choose a shady spot on the river, for you to enjoy your on-board lunch. (If you are not fishing, your lunch will be served in the restaurant back at the lodge.)
After a day’s fishing, most guests like to frequent the bar, to relax and share stories from the fishing adventures of the day. Whilst enjoying a cold beverage, you’ll also be offered some complimentary snacks.
Dinner is usually served around 7.30pm and that’s when they regularly hear the response of “wow”!
Barramundi and other freshly caught fish are regular cuisine favourites, together with mud crabs
like you’ve never had them before! And whilst seafood is a popular inclusion in their exquisite dinner buffet, you’ll also have other sumptuous choices such as chicken, beef and noodle dishes. Every night is a memorable food feast, with their dinner buffet often being likened by guests “to a five star resort!”
After an enjoyable and adventurous day on the water, there’s simply no better way to wind down and relax than with a spectacular dinner feast, complemented by the very best of wines and beers.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Although they are primarily a sport-fishing destination, there are other lodge activities and local experiences which you may care to enjoy. They realise that sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and relax for a couple of hours, so there’s lots of comfortable chairs and lounges for you to wind down with a book or a cold drink.(Or even that afternoon nap!)
Other activities which you can enjoy include:
- A visit to the Arts Centre, where you can view indigenous artwork and collections.
- Bush walking along the tracks near their lodge, enjoying the local wildlife.
- Enjoy a night out “Tiwi style”, including Barra spear fishing!
- Go on a real adventure “croc spotting” with one of the locals.
- Relax in their spa – perhaps with a cold drink in your hand!
- Go on a hunting or wildlife trip with one of the local aboriginal hunters.
- Enjoy a bird watching tour of the bush and surrounding wetlands.
- Enjoy a short walk to Fort Dundas.
- Enjoy swimming at a pristine swimming hole.
- Enjoy a round of Golf “local style” on their unique nine-hole golf course.
- Mix with the locals and hear about their Dreamtime stories.
- Go “crabbing” local-style.
- Enjoy a marine cultural tour and sample bush-tucker such as Mangrove Worms, delicious Mud Crabs, Stingray, and Turtle eggs.
LOCATION
Clearwater Island Lodge is situated in a wilderness destination on Melville Island, about 100 km north of Darwin.
It is positioned on the outskirts of Pirlangimpi, a historic Aboriginal Tiwi settlement, which can trace its history back hundreds of years. Known also as Garden Point, Pirlangimpi is a township of about 300, with the main industry being eco-tourism, forestry and fish farming.
Melville Island is Australia’s second largest island after Tasmania. It features an extensive range of rivers and creeks, sand flats and coastal reefs – all teeming with a wide range of marine life. Indeed, Clearwater Island Lodge is smack in the middle of some of the most spectacular marine and animal life on earth!
GETTING TO THE LODGE:
You will be transported to Clearwater Island Lodge by light aircraft, a comfortable and scenic 30-minute flight from Darwin in the top end of Australia.
Upon arrival at Garden Point airstrip you will be met by your lodge hosts and transported to their Clearwater Island lodge in their air-conditioned bus, only a short 5-minute drive away.
FLIGHTS INTO DARWIN FROM WITHIN AUSTRALIA:
From major Australian cities with:
QANTAS, Virgin Blue, Jetstar or Skywest
Flights into Darwin from overseas:
QANTAS, Jetstar or Tiger Airways
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