A 100kms south of Weipa lies the township of Aurukun. Located on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, between the Ward and Watson Rivers, the Aurukun community has approximately 1000 people who form the basis of traditional ownership for the area.

There are also numerous outstations stretching from Pera Head right down to the Kendell River, south of Cape Keeweer. There are direct flights from Cairns to Aurukun on weekdays with Skytrans Airlines, while Qantas has daily flights to Weipa. Driving to Aurukun is only possible in the dry season. It is approximately 12 hours drive from Cairns to Aurukun northwards on the Peninsula Development Road. Aurukun is 3 hours drive south from Weipa. Please check with our staff regarding road conditions prior to travel.



THE RIVER SYSTEMS
Little is known about the areas along the 800km of Cape York shore from the Tip down to Karumba. It's a remote coastline of hidden rivers and bays that offer great fishing opportunities.

Certainly if you are planning a northern fishing trip you shouldn't overlook a visit to this extraordinary stretch of coast. Perhaps its major charm is the lack of fishing pressure.

The relative isolation of these river systems makes them amongst the most pristine in Cape York. Wet season run-off from rivers like the Archer is similar to that encountered in the Top End. In addition, the four main systems emptying into Archer Bay gives a range of habitat not found elsewhere.

The Archer itself is a complex maze of small systems with islands, channels, feeder creeks, rock bars, sandy stretches with mixture of Mangrove, Melaleuca and rainforest patches up its banks.

The Small Archer and Watson Rivers feature as stunning scenery as the Archer does fishing. Deep holes, heavily wooded banks (meaning a mass of snags!) and brilliantly clear upper reaches make them a joy to fish.

The Ward River has a huge shallow lake, which narrows down through a deeper channel giving anglers the chance to tussle with fish in deep clear snags.

The Love River just south of the Archer, is a short system which can turn on some pretty hot Barramundi sessions. A couple of rock bars and a nicely formed sandy mouth make for a nice setting to the fishing adventure.

OUTSIDE THE RIVER SYSTEMS
Outside the rivers is a blue water wonder land, with long beaches, interspersed with rocky outcrops and a maze of in-shore reefs. From the keenest, most discerning fly fisherman, the avid lure-caster, to those who just want to relax and catch a few fish, a customised fishing charter aboard this new sport fishing platform is for you - a private fishing charter operation that offers a Cape York fishing experience combining the magnificent Barramundi fishery of the Gulf of Carpentaria, with the pristine reef and inshore fishing options.

Targeted species in the Aurukun area include Barramundi, Blue Salmon, Threadfin Salmon, Mangrove Jack, Fingermark, Queenfish, Trevally, Grunter, Bream, Saratoga, Tarpon, Sooty Grunter, Spanish Mackerel, Grey Mackerel, Red Emperor, Coral Trout, and many more.

So, whether you are chasing a barramundi fix, a tussle with the huge range of estuary species and blue water speedsters, or just some tasty reef fish, the opportunities are limitless - and don’t forget the mud crabs!

GETTING THERE Aurukun is a 2 hour short flight from Cairns Australia. Connecting flights to Cairns via Australia’s major cities are offered by a number of carriers. We’d be more than happy to assist in arranging flights for you or alternatively feel free to visit the sites below for detailed flight information. Skytrans offer return flights to Aurukun in and out of Cairns. See http://www.skytrans.com.au Virgin Blue offer return flights in and out of Cairns via Australia’s capital cities. See http://www.virginblue.com.au Qantas offer return flights in and out of Cairns via Australia’s capital cities. See http://www.qantas.com Jet Star offer return flights in and out of Cairns via Australia’s capital cities. See http://www.jetstar.com