Hook-A-Barra Barramundi Farm & Fishing Tour from Port Douglas

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A four-hour trip from Port Douglas to a working barramundi farm near the Daintree: a Welcome to Country on the drive, a behind-the-scenes farm tour, fish feeding, an hour of guided barra fishing and lunch of the farm's own fish. Transfers from your Port Douglas accommodation are included.

Days

4 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Shared tour with farm guides

Start / finish

Port Douglas / Wonga Beach / Port Douglas
Port Douglas, about 4 hours after pick-up

Return

Port Douglas, about 4 hours after pick-up

Transport

Return transfer from Port Douglas accommodation

Meals

Lunch: barra burger or fish and chips

Route

Map of Hook-A-Barra Port Douglas Transfer

View map

Included experiences

Drive north — Welcome to Country and stops at culturally significant sites
Daintree Saltwater Barramundi Farm — one-hour interpretive farm tour and hand harvest
Viewing tank — fish feeding and rare albino, golden and speckled barramundi
Barra Pond — one hour of guided catch and release fishing
Hook-A-Barra Kitchen — lunch of the farm's own barramundi

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

PICK-UP AND THE DRIVE NORTH

The Barramobile collects you from your Port Douglas accommodation for the half-hour drive north through cane country to Wonga Beach. This is Eastern Kuku Yalanji Country, and on the way you receive a Welcome to Country, with commentary on the land and stops at sites of cultural importance. To your left the ranges of the Daintree rainforest climb straight out of the plain; to your right lies the Coral Sea.

THE FARM TOUR AND FEEDING TIME

At the Daintree Saltwater Barramundi Farm you start with an hour behind the scenes. The ponds are filled with salt water from the Daintree River, and your guide explains how the fish are raised sustainably, from fingerlings to harvest. You may see the crew hand-harvest fish from a pond. At the viewing tank there's a feeding demonstration, and a close look at the farm's rare albino, golden and speckled "panda" barramundi. Barramundi start life as males and many become female as they grow.

AN HOUR AT THE BARRA POND

Then it's your turn with a rod. You get an hour at the Barra Pond, where the fish run to a metre and more, with a guide to show you how to cast, set the hook and play your fish to the bank. All rods, lures and gear are supplied, and experienced anglers can try fly fishing. The fish are farm-raised but fight like wild ones. They go back in afterwards, though you can choose to keep one by the kilo, with ice and an esky supplied.

LUNCH AND BACK TO PORT DOUGLAS

Lunch is at the Hook-A-Barra Kitchen: a barra burger or classic fish and chips, made from the farm's own barramundi, which has won medals at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show. Then the Barramobile takes you back down the coast to Port Douglas, about four hours after you were picked up.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from your Port Douglas accommodation.
Departure time: Two departures a day, Monday to Saturday: a morning pick-up around 9:45am and a late-morning pick-up around 11:15am. Your time is confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Back in Port Douglas about four hours after pick-up.
Suits: All ages and abilities, from children and first-time anglers to experienced fishers, who can try fly fishing.
Fitness: Easy. The fishing pond, toilets and cafe are wheelchair accessible.
Please note: No tours on Sundays. Your own rods and tackle cannot be used in the ponds for biosecurity reasons. Catches are not guaranteed, but most people land a fish.

What to bring

Hat
Long-sleeved sun shirt
Sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes

What is included

Return transfer from Port Douglas accommodation
Welcome to Country and interpretive commentary on the drive
One-hour interpretive farm tour
Fish feeding at the viewing tank
One hour of catch and release fishing, with all rods, lures and gear
Help and tips from the fishing guides
Lunch: barra burger or fish and chips

Not included

Extra drinks and souvenirs
Fish you choose to keep, charged per kilo

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.