FAQs for Dhipirri Lodge
‘Should I come to Dhipirri Lodge?’ The answer is a resounding yes.
Dhipirri Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get to Dhipirri?
Given our remote location in Arnhem Land, the only way into Dhipirri Lodge is via a private charter flight. You cannot drive directly into the Lodge.
Private charter flights can be booked from Darwin and Gove and fly direct to the Dhipirri airstrip. Alternatively there are some commercial flights from Darwin to Milingimbi and Maningrida, and then you would need to book a private charter to Dhipirri from there, however please check with the Dhipirri office about transfers prior to booking with the commercial airlines.
Do I need to be an experienced fisherman to come to Dhipirri?
Not at all. Darren and his team of experienced Dhipirri guides will look after you and teach you how to fish for Barramundi and pelagics if you’ve never done it before. They are present on our custom made and angler friendly, Bar Crusher boats at all times to assist anglers of all ages and levels of experience.
Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?
Only if you want to, but we have all the best gear for the conditions already here at the Lodge for you to use. If you do want to bring your favourite gear, please check with both commercial and private charter airlines for as there are weight limits to consider before flying out.
Dhipirri provides top quality fishing rods, reels and tackle from Wilson Fishing, Reidy’s Lures and more great suppliers. However, please understand that if you break a rod, or misplace a lot of lures during your stay, you will need to have a discussion with your guide who will often provide a range of lures for you to use out of their own pocket.
How much does it cost to stay and fish at Dhipirri?
Our prices do adjust according to CPI year to year. And though we don’t list them on our website, we are more than happy to send you our current price list and tailor it to your plans for a fishing adventure at Dhipirri – simply email [email protected] or fill out the contact form and we will be in touch.
How many boats have you got?
We are running 5 customised Bar Crusher boats powered by 175hp Suzuki motors.
How many people per boat?
Our Bar Crusher boats have been customised to take up to 3 anglers. Fishing with 2 anglers is a great experience as well, and we do cater for single anglers, but do recommend 2 or 3 per boat for a more enjoyable day on the water – and if you fish 3 to a boat it brings your individual cost down.
What species can we go fishing for?
The main types of fish you will be targeting at Dhipirri are: Barramundi, Threadfin Salmon, Mangrove Jack, Golden Snapper, Coral Trout, GT’s, Queenfish, Spanish Mackerel and more. We are truly blessed to have a number of awesome Arnhem Land rivers close by (The Glyde River is just 15 mins from the Lodge), an incredible system in the Miligimbi Islands to explore, and fantastic bluewater fishing on our doorstep.
Can we keep any fish to take back home with us?
No. We will keep what fish/crabs the Dhipirri Chef needs and requests for the Lodge when we are out fishing, but we do not allow guests to take any fish we catch back with them to Darwin/their homes.
Can we go fishing at night?
No – for safety reasons we do not conduct night fishing charters.
How many people can the Lodge accommodate?
There is accommodation for up to 15 people at a time – with cabins sleeping either 2 or 3 people, and well-appointed amenity blocks only a few metres walk from each room. We also offer a daily laundry service, so not only can you pack light, but this means all your fishing gear from day one of your trip, will be available for day three etc. This service is always a hit with first time guests who always overpack 🙂
Are the rooms air-conditioned?
Yes – all our rooms are air-conditioned to give you maximum sleeping comfort.
Is there mobile coverage?
Yes – there is Telstra mobile coverage at the Lodge, and we do have WiFi (but the weather can impact this service), however at this stage no other networks offer reasonable coverage. If you are on the boat during the day, please don’t expect to have mobile coverage. You might get lucky in a couple of spots, but it is not something we can guarantee at all.
If we have to bring medication where can this be stored?
Yes – we have small bar fridges in rooms to allow you to store your medication safely.
Can we bring our camera gear?
Yes – you are more than welcome to bring your camera gear. Just be sure to take care of it when on the boats, as once it’s lost, your guide won’t be diving in after it 🙂
Also, we love to add photos from clients to our website and social media. So we really appreciate it when our guests forward their favourite photos to us, you can email them (providing better quality) to [email protected] or simply tag us @dhipirri on Instagram or on Facebook – please use the hashtag #DhipirriBarra or #Dhipirri when posting.
Do I need to bring food or linen?
Not at all. All your meals, soft drinks and accommodation requirements are provided as part of your package. We do have small bar fridges in rooms for you to store any snacks if you wish.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
No – you are not allowed by law to bring alcohol into this area, however Dhipirri Barra Lodge has a special liquor licence for our premises on the Main Deck. You will need to purchase all alcohol (we set up a tab on day one) and pay for it on the day of your departure, it is not included in your package.
To be clear, under NT law, it is illegal to bring alcohol into dry areas of the Territory (can result in a $10,000 fine) so please do not bring your own.
Do you cater for medical conditions such as food allergies?
Yes – we will need to discuss details so please provide full details of what we need to know when completing your booking form.
Do you have fresh drinking water?
Yes – we have a 160,000 litre rain water tank which is filled by natural resources. Our two state of the art ice machines then freeze the drinking water for ice that is loaded onto the boats, filling our large water coolers for super cold drinking water during the day. Given how much fluid you need to make sure you take on when fishing in the tropics – this is the perfect thirst quencher. We also load a range of soft drinks into the eskys with your morning tea and lunch – just tell your guide what is your preferred soft drink before you leave each morning and they will stock it for you. Also, please note you cannot drink alcohol on the boats.
If the above hasn’t quite covered off what you want to know – simply head to the Contact Us page and contact us.
