Dundee Beach gives you access to the legendary fishing of Darwin without the crowds. This Top End getaway destination is about much more than low fishing pressure, however. Many guides from Darwin launch their boats out of Dundee Beach when they want quicker access to the offshore fishing grounds, or a chance to fish the renowned Finniss River for Barramundi. If you're looking for top notch fishing and fewer anglers to compete with, Dundee Beach fishing charters are the answer.
Known For
You won't have to stray far to find good fishing in Dundee Beach. Estuaries, coastal creeks, and the tidal reaches of the Finniss and Little Finniss Rivers are just a quick trip from the Dundee Beach Boat Ramp. These inshore waters host Mud Crabs, Threadfin Salmon, and Barramundi–a regular paradise for light tackle and fly fishermen!
One of the biggest attractions around here is the local reef fishing. Dropping lines in the waters between Dundee Beach and the Perron Islands to the south will produce Black Jewfish, Golden Snapper (large Fingermark Bream), and Rock Cod. Wrecks and reefs farther offshore hold colorful and coveted table fare such as Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Nannygai, and Tricky Snapper.
If you decide to spend your time in Dundee Beach fishing for a trophy rather than table fare, set your sights on the bluewater. During the dry season from May to September, anglers have a chance to head 'out wide' to the Perron Islands and beyond in search of Sailfish, Longtail Tuna, Queenfish, Giant Trevally, and more. Suffice it to say, you can try a little bit of everything in Dundee Beach!
Need to Know
Getting There
The easiest way to get to Dundee Beach is to fly to Darwin International Airport, where you can hire or rent a car upon arrival. From there, Dundee Beach is 120 kilometres south-west (an hour-and-a-half by car).
Regulations
You do not need a license for recreational angling in Dundee Beach, but you must follow local regulations such as closed seasons and bag limits. We recommend hiring a local guide who can help you follow the rules and carefully release any fish you won't keep.
Budget
Most Dundee Beach fishing charters run for 8-10 hours and cost between AUD $250-$450 per person. You can book a private trip for $1,600-$1,900.
Multi-day safaris aboard motherships are popular in the Darwin-Dundee Beach area. Many of these specialize in exploring remote rivers or venturing offshore to wrecks and reefs that you can't reach in a single day. Mothership safaris usually cost $700-$850 per person, per day.
Some charter operators offer half day trips (4 hours) for less than $200 per person, or about $1,000 for the whole boat. These quick trips around the harbor and estuaries are great for novice anglers and families with small children who want a taste of the local angling without spending all day on the water.
Dundee Beach Fishing Techniques
You'll have the chance to use a wide variety of methods in Dundee Beach, such as jigging for Jewfish and Golden Snapper, casting poppers for GT, and fly fishing for Barramundi. Many anglers also target 'Barra' by trolling or casting lures. Casting and live bait fishing are popular techniques to use on the reefs.
Dundee Beach isn't packed with visitors, but it is packed full of diverse fishing opportunities. This is the perfect combination for anglers hoping to experience everything the Top End has in store!