Barramundi Heaven!!

Lakefield National Park is Queensland's second largest national park and if you are into catching large numbers of good sized barramundi in a fabulous semi-wilderness environment (and don't mind a bit of bush camping along the way) then you have to experience Lakefield.

The park is drained by an extensive river system comprising the Normanby, Morehead and north Kennedy Rivers and their tributaries. During the wet season, these watercourses join to flood vast areas, eventually draining into Princess Charlotte Bay. These rivers, lagoons and swamps provide the habitat for a great variety of birds and other wildlife - a fabulous breeding environment and nursery for the barramundi!!

The Lakefield barramundi are an aggressive feeder particularly during the months of May and June when the waterlevels are receding and also through September, October and November when the water temperatures are warming up after the cooler winter.

They respond to a wide variety of techniques - fly fishing, lure fishing and live bait fishing are all extremely effective ways of hooking into a Lakefield barra! The Barramundi are either freshwater or saltwater fish, depending on your location in the park and both are equally as aggressive and hard fighting!!

Along with barramundi, you can also expect to encounter a variety of other excellent light tackle species that include tarpon, catfish and archer fish in the freshwater regions and in the saltwater areas, mangrove jacks, fingermark, cod, trevally, queenfish, salmon - both kings and blues. The protection of the barramundi and other fish stocks is aided by the rotational closure of some parts of the park - enabling uninterrupted breeding of the fish and other wildlife. The abundanceof wildlife and scenery will offer many opportunities for photography. A telephoto lens, tripod and patience, are recommended as you will always encounter crocodiles, dingoes, kangaroos, wallabies and a feast of Australian birdlife. Departing from Cairns via comfortable 4WD, these fully guided fishing safaris are scheduled from April through to September and include experienced, knowledgeable guides, suitable fishing punts, all fishing tackle and equipment, all meals and beverages (aussie beer, wine, softdrinks and juices). Your guides will erect large, comfortable, screened tents with camp beds and swags and will endeavour to make the bush camp as comfortable as possible - complete with warm showers and a "bush style" loo!!

The meals that they prepare are excellent and they will cater to any food or dietary preferences that you have.

The journey from Cairns into Lakefield is approximately 6-7 hours, depending on the selected camping location and departure time from Cairns is approximately 4.30 am arriving at Lakefield at approximately 12.00 pm in time for some lunch, settling in and setting up of camp and an afternoon / evening of fishing.

Packages Include:

	5 Days / 4 Nights (4 Days of Fishing)
	6 Days / 5 Nights (5 Days of Fishing)
	7 Days / 6 Nights (6 Days of Fishing)

click here to review other fishing locations

If you need assistance to organise your charter and other holiday requirements to make the most of your fishing experience in Far North Queensland, we are here to help!

Simply contact us with your enquiry.

contact details | refer our site to a friend | links | secure payments

Many thanks to Peter Andrews and Ross Finlayson for the photos featured throughout the site.