Fish the Tiwi Islands & Apsley Strait
Islands north of Darwin
The Tiwi Islands, known in the Tiwi language as Ratuwati Yinjara (also written Ratuati Irara), meaning “two islands,” sit roughly 80 kilometres north of Darwin. The name refers to Melville Island and Bathurst Island, the two main inhabited islands, alongside smaller uninhabited islands. The 62-kilometre Apsley Strait separates them, running from Saint Asaph Bay in the north to Shoal Bay in the south.
What can you catch at the Tiwi Islands?
Barramundi, queenfish, trevally, mangrove jack, and black jewfish are all present across the Tiwi Islands and Apsley Strait fishery. The mix of open strait and sheltered water gives a genuine mixed bag session, barra one tide, queenfish and trevally the next.
How do you fish the Tiwi Islands with Humbug Fishing?
You can fish the Tiwi Islands two ways. Live aboard Starfire on an extended liveaboard charter, with the mothership as your base for the length of the trip, or bring your own boat on a tag-along charter and tie up alongside Starfire overnight. Our team will work with you on the target species and the plan for each day.
Do you need a permit to visit the Tiwi Islands?
The Tiwi Islands are Aboriginal land, and every visitor needs a permit to be there. On a Humbug Fishing charter, that permit is arranged for you as part of the trip. You do not need to organise anything yourself before you arrive.
What are the Tiwi Islands known for?
The Tiwi Islands are known nationally for Tiwi art and culture, alongside the fishing. Our charters are focused on the fishing itself, with the islands’ landscape and waters as the backdrop for the trip.
How does booking work?
- Get in touch and lock in your dates. Call or email with your preferred dates, group size, and whether you want liveaboard or tag-along.
- We sort everything. Once your booking is confirmed, we handle the provisions, gear, logistics, and hotel transfers from Darwin.
- Fish the Apsley Strait. Mixed bag fishing across barra, queenfish, trevally, mangrove jack, and black jewfish, for the length of your charter.
Ready to check available dates? Contact us today.
Tiwi Islands and the Apsley Strait is best known for..
Barramundi
Culture
Crocs
Marine Life
Uncover The Remote Tiwi Islands Fishing Destination
Enjoy the Tiwi Islands and Apsley Strait with our Fishing Charter Options
Tag Along Fishing Charters
Extended Live Aboard Fishing Charters
Explore epic fishing destinations with Humbug Fishing Charters
Let us take you to some of the most remote corners of the country to create memories that will last a lifetime!
Some of the places we can take you: Anson Bay, Peron Islands, Daly River, Redcliffe, Cape Scott, Cape Ford, Little Moyle and Moyle Rivers Region, Fitzmaurice River, Kimberley, Timor Box and more. Get in contact to find out more