Heli Tours Darwin Heli Fish & Pub Crawl

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Fly by helicopter to a private creek bank in the Daly River country for a morning chasing barramundi, then spend the afternoon hopping between Top End pubs by air, finishing at Noonamah Tavern.

Days

About 7 hours

Group size

Minimum 2 per booking

Start / finish

MKT Airfield, Weddell / Noonamah Tavern / MKT Airfield, around 3pm

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Helicopter (Robinson R44), shuttle back to the airfield

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Heli Tours Darwin Heli Fish & Pub Crawl

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Included experiences

Daly River creeks — fish for barramundi from a bank only reached by air
Top End from the air — up to 80 minutes of scenic flying
First pub — pick from Dundee Beach, Crab Claw Island, Darwin River or Top End Safari Camp
Noonamah Tavern — finish the day with a drink

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: LIFT-OFF FROM WEDDELL

Meet at the hangar at MKT Airfield in Weddell, on Darwin's rural fringe, half an hour before the 8am departure; times can shift with the tides. Your pilot fits you with a headset so you can talk on the way, then the Robinson R44, a four-seat helicopter, heads south-west over the floodplains towards the Daly River country. From the air you see how the Top End's rivers braid and loop across the plain, and how few roads reach them. Over the day you get up to 80 minutes of flying.

MORNING: BARRAMUNDI FROM A PRIVATE CREEK BANK

The helicopter sets down beside a fresh or saltwater creek with no road in, and the spot is yours for at least two and a half hours. You're after barramundi, which all start life as males and turn female after a few years, so the biggest fish are almost always females. Other species bite too. Your pilot and guide set you up: Shimano baitcasters if you know what you're doing, easier reels if you don't, and lures picked for the day. Every fish goes back. Bring your own food and drinks; ice, cooler bags and water are supplied. January to April is prime time.

NOON: THE FIRST PUB

Around noon you lift off for the pub crawl. Your first stop is the one you picked when you booked: Dundee Beach Tavern on Fog Bay, Crab Claw Island Resort on Bynoe Harbour, Darwin River Tavern, near the dam that supplies most of Darwin's water, or Matt Wright's Top End Safari Camp, which is closed from October to March. You have about 45 minutes there for a cold drink and a bite, which you buy at the bar. Some venues have a pool, so swimmers and a towel are worth packing.

AFTERNOON: NOONAMAH TAVERN

The last hop brings you down at Noonamah Tavern, on the Stuart Highway south of Darwin, the road that runs about 2,700 km to Port Augusta in South Australia. The crawl wraps up around 3pm and the helicopter heads back to base. A free shuttle takes you the five minutes back to the hangar, or into Darwin if you added the paid shuttle when you booked.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Finniss River Helicopters hangar, MKT Airfield, 800 Bees Creek Road, Weddell. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.
Departure time: 8am. Times can shift with tides and weather.
Duration: About 7 hours, with the pub crawl from noon to 3pm.
Finishes: Every crawl ends at Noonamah Tavern. A free shuttle runs you from Noonamah back to the hangar, about 5 minutes away; a paid shuttle from and back to Darwin can be added when you book, subject to availability.
Fitness: No experience needed; the fishing suits beginners and old hands. Disabled access is available, so tell us your needs when you book.
Weight: The R44 helicopter takes passengers up to 130 kg each, and combined weight limits apply. If anyone in your group weighs 125 kg or more, say so when you book.
Please note: The best fishing is January to April; other months are by request. Fishing is catch and release. Minimum 2 people per booking. You pay for your own meals and drinks at the pubs, and the pilot will not fly anyone who is disorderly or too affected by alcohol.

What to bring

Enclosed shoes
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Swimmers and a towel, as some venues have pools
Your own food and drinks for the fishing part, if you like
Your own rod, if you prefer it

What is included

Helicopter flights, up to 80 minutes of scenic flying
Private fishing spot reached by helicopter
Fishing guidance from the pilot and guide
All fishing gear and tackle
Cooler bags, ice and water
Shuttle from Noonamah Tavern back to the hangar

Not included

Meals and drinks at the pubs
Shuttle from Darwin (optional extra)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.