The distances are big in the Territory – so a weekend strike mission might involve a few more highway kilometres than your standard east coast weekender! Borroloola is a remote town on the banks of the McArthur River, home to the King Ash Bay Fishing Camp.

The community up here is heavily focused on fishing, and numbers swell each year as the dry season begins around Easter.

The lure of landing a trophy barra draws in hundreds of visitors each year, and you’ve got as good a chance of landing a metrey here as anywhere in the world!

On top of the plus-sized barra, black jewies, mangrove jack, threadfin salmon and hulking big queenfish all call the McArther River home and are all potentially on the menu on a trip to Borroloola.

It’s a full day’s drive from Darwin, and approximately 650km from Katherine, so it’s best if you can allocate a minimum of four or five days in order to factor in drive time and still have a chance to go for a fish and to explore the area.

STUFF TO DO

4WDING: A capable 4WD vehicle is required to access Borroloola, due to its remoteness.

The dirt access roads are not particularly difficult in dry conditions however most visitors clear out of the area if there is any chance of rain due to the possibility of road closures.

FISHING in the McArthur River is the main drawcard of the area. Barramundi are caught year-round on diving minnows, soft plastics, surface lures and live baits.

Fishing from the banks can provide some limited success, however you really need access to a boat of some kind to realise the full potential of the area.

Fishing charters are available through King Ash Bay River and Fishing Charters, who can be contacted on (08) 8975 8998 for information and bookings.

IMPORTANT INFO

LOCATION: Approximately 950km from Darwin and 650km from Katherine, Borroloola can be accessed off the Savannah Way touring route.

CAMPING is available year-round in the powered area, with unpowered sites available by the riverbank during the dry season.

Toilets and hot showers are provided in both camping areas and coin-operated washing machines are provided in the powered area.

Powered sites cost $30 and unpowered sites $15 per night for two adults and two children.

FUEL is available in Borroloola as well as the nearby King Ash Bay fishing camp.

MORE INFO can be found at www.kingashbay.com.au