POSITIVE news for Arnhemland Barramundi Nature Lodge following its acquisition by Australia’s largest remote-area tourist company – Outback Spirit Tours.
The new owners will be undertaking extensive infrastructure development of the Lodge accommodation and facilities. As a result, the Lodge is now closed for the remainder of the year to enable the construction of 12 new Deluxe Safari Suites with tiled en suite bathrooms and air-conditioning. Outback Spirit has constructed similar luxury safari suites in the Kimberley and other remote locations and is well credentialed to offer Lodge clientele an unrivalled bush camping experience with the installation of these new safari suites.
This expansion will see the accommodation utilised on a standard twin-share or double basis for all bookings (single component and triple share available on request). This means the refurbished Barra Lodge will be able to accommodate groups of up to 24 in incredible remote-area comfort.
In addition to the extensive Lodge accommodation infrastructure upgrade, the existing fleet of seven Oceanmaster boats will be complemented by the purchase of two additional 7.5 metre Oceanmaster vessels in full survey for even greater fishing opportunities. The current fleet of great boats will also receive a complete make-over.
During the Dry Season (May to September inclusive), the newly refurbished Lodge will be utilised for fascinating general remote-area tourism, accommodating up to 24 guests travelling through Arnhem Land in luxury Mercedes 4WD buses.
Fishing to continue through prime seasons
Barra Lodge founder, Alex Julius, said: “It is with some regret that we say good-bye to the operation of our beloved Lodge, but we are excited that Outback Spirit Tours is coming in with such visionary and exciting plans for tourism across Arnhem Land.
“The jobs and wealth created for Aboriginal communities in this vast, undeveloped region will be significant,” Alex said.
It’s great that Outback Spirit Tours remains committed to offering barramundi and sport fishing packages during the peak fishing periods: the Run-off (March/April) and the Build-up (October/November/early December). To facilitate this, the new owners have asked Alex and his team at Fishing Tropical Australia to act as agent and fishing consultants for fishing bookings during these prime fishing periods. Alex started the Arnhemland Barramundi Nature Lodge 10 years ago and turned it into Australia’s premier fishing destination, so that’s great news.
Alex Julius & Fishing Tropical Australia to continue as booking agent
Courtney Ellis from Outback Spirit Tours said: “We look forward to continuing the great fishing on offer, and the new Lodge will operate solely for fishing during the Run-off and the Build-up.
“We are excited that Alex and his team will remain on as our fishing tour agent and fishing consultants.
“We recognise the experience and expertise that they will bring to the new Lodge, and this can only enhance its reputation as Australia’s premier fishing Lodge.
“Outback Spirit Tours looks forward to providing an exceptional level of service, luxury accommodation and a world-class fishing experience for all past, present and future guests when we meet you on your next fishing adventure at the Lodge,” Courtney said.
Fish the run-off
The new-look Lodge will be open solely for fishing from 1 March until 2 May 2016. This period is the Top End’s famous Run-off season when the barra queue up at the entrance to feeder creeks and drains, feasting on the smorgasbord of small fish and crustaceans flowing down from the flooded river catchments. 100-plus barra boat days are common during the Run-off, and many of our metre-plus barra are caught then too.
It’s important to note that seas are generally like glass at this time of year, so opportunities to travel to our different river and creek systems are endless. Plus the bluewater fishing along the coast, around the islands and across inshore reefs will be full on for more than 40 sport and reef fish species.
Fish the buuild-up
The Lodge will be available again solely for fishing for the period 25 September to 13 December which coincides with the fabulous Build-up. At this time of year, water temperatures increase and the barra are at their most active after the cooler dry season months. The Barra Lodge’s top record barra catches have come from the Build-up, and some huge fish are amongst them. Once again, seas are generally calm after the Dry Season easterlies have gone, facilitating comfortable access to different river and creek systems and great bluewater fishing.
To be one of the first to experience the Lodge’s new level of luxury accommodation in an exclusive wilderness location, while still enjoying the finest barramundi and sport fishing in Australia, give Alex and his team a call now! Phone 08 89831544. Email: barralodge@nafa.com.au
Visit: www.barralodge.com.au
