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Melville Island Lodge is situated on the fringe of Milikapati, a small and very friendly Tiwi Islands community, which is also known as Snake Bay. Our purpose-built Fishing Lodge, which is arguably the best located and most comfortable fishing destination in Australia, is positioned high on the water’s edge with sweeping views over beautiful Snake Bay and the Timor Sea.
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My two good friends and I have been here a few times before and had terrific fishing and a great time, but this was the first time during the end of the wet season. We were concerned that it would still be hot and wet (which it was). But we were delighted with the fishing.
Our guide, Andrew, was absolutely brilliant. He was incredibly thoughtful and found us a few spots to fish that brought us the biggest barramundi that we’ve ever caught - SEVERAL times! He was also able to instruct us and give us excellent instruction. After fishing for more than 50 years we still learned heaps.
Andrew was patient and insightful, and also very aware that I was a fly fisherman as well as lure. So he found me an opportunity to cast the “wand” and I was rewarded with my first Saratoga on fly. Another fish off the fly casting bucket list.
The food each night was really good and always featured a recently caught fish as well as a meat fish. Terrific food for such a remote venue.
The rooms are simple and adequate. Air cons work well albeit noisily.
Marcie and Gary are to be congratulated on maintaining the standard or the lodge.
Well done all of you. We’ll be back next year.
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Best experience I've had to date. Can't wait to go back next year. Our guide was Andy exceptional chef cooking us lunch and even better fishing guide. Food was second to none and so were the staff. We felt like kings.
Who ever hasn't been here needs to book it asap. Especially if you love your fishing.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I love the place with all my heart. It gives me that child like excitement that's hard to find when you get to my age ha ha. The fishing is crazy good and the lodge is in a majestic location with staff that can't do enough to make the trip memorable. I am too scared to go anywhere else, as I don't think it would measure up. Already excited about fishing the run off with Wazza in March. Obviously, I highly recommend The Tiwis.
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Date of stay: November 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nigel B, General Manager at Melville Island Lodge
Responded 29 Jan 2014
Hi Mark, thanks for the kind words mate. It's always a pleasure having you with us. We're having a good wet season so fishing should be great in 2014. Look forward to seeing you in March.
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We visited as a group of 6 at the end of March for two days fishing and had a great time. A great mix of blue water and river fishing allowed for diverse fishing for our group. The accommodation was comfortable and the food tasty. A great fishing trip that was enjoyed by our entire family.
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Date of stay: March 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nigel B, Sales at Melville Island Lodge
Responded 4 Apr 2016
Hi WK, thanks for taking time out of your day and posting a review. I'm glad the family had a great time and choosing to stay in our VIP rooms made your stay even more enjoyable I'm sure. Looking forward to seeing you again.
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Stayed for a few days, the whole place was so very well kept, clean and tidy. Meals by the chef were varied with a nice Jewfish starters with a beer before dinner. Boats were well cared for and maintained. Views from the lodge looked back to Snake bay and to the Arafura sea, fantastic with the storms rolling in. Thanks to our hosts for a great stay, plan to return, with a rod.
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Date of stay: November 2015
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Choose the Private Room, bit extra, but nice quiet area.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nigel B, Sales at Melville Island Lodge
Responded 4 Apr 2016
Hi Chudley, thank you for taking the time to leave your comments. Sitting on the deck with a beer and some well cooked fresh fish is as good as it sounds. I'll pass on your kind words to the lodge and look forward to seeing you again in the future.
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Recently 2 mates and I spent 4 nights at Melville Island Lodge run by TIWI Adventures. We fished over 3 full days and accounted for 22 different species including a 91cm Barra and a 140cm Longtail Tuna. What a paradise it turned out to be with a full cooked breakfast at 0600 every day then onto the 6.5 Metre boats for a full days fishing with a lunch stop under shade. Then back to the lodge at 17.00 for Sundowners and Seafood appertisers before sitting down to a Chef prepared dinner with multiple choices of mains and dessert to follow (if you can fit it in ??) . The accommodation in twin share rooms was extremely comfortable and air-conditioned and quiet. The staff were ALL very friendly and helpful and went out of their way to ensure we had a good time. The fishing guides on each boat were extremely knowledgeable and put us onto a great variety of good fish everyday It is a place I would thoroughly recommend to Experienced and Novice Fishers alike. They supply ALL the fishing gear you need and it is all top quality tackle. As I said in my Title it is FISHING IN PARADISE. I'll be back ASAP!!!. .
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nigel B, General Manager at Melville Island Lodge
Responded 5 Nov 2015
Hi Robert, thanks for kind words mate. You caught some very nice fish whilst you were here and it was a pleasure having you and the guys. Look forward to seeing you again Robert and we'll try and find that extra 9cm so you can join the metre barra club.
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Adventure tours can be a hit or miss experience for most, here you not find anything missing. Having just spent 3 days on the Island it is hard to know where to start the review. Our trip was a family boys fishing trip arranged by my father in law, who had been once before. Arriving by light plane from Darwin you are greeted at the small island airport by one of the guides who quickly take you to the lodge to meet your hosts, Lynn and Mick, and get settled into your room, ready for dinner and a quick lesson of casting for those new this type of fishing.
The team were friendly, helpful and encouraging, nothing was too much trouble and you got the impression they really wanted you to have a great experience from arrival to departure. Accommodation is very well maintained, clean and comfortable and all meals were included and cooked by the resident Chef. From the very first evening we were treated to a great selection of meals including locally caught Barramundi as well a variety of chicken and meat dishes prepared in various cuisine styles from Asian, Middle Eastern and Australian. Breakfasts were hearty and a good start for the day of fishing ahead.
The fishing is the reason you come here and you will not be disappointed. Our guide for the 3 days was Paul, a young very patient guy that understood fishing, had a great knowledge of the island and where to go 'hunting' as well as having a broad range of experience from elsewhere in Australia to draw on and tell the odd story about. His pleasant disposition, sense of humour and clear passion for the sport made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
The environment is totally unspoilt and the whole time we did not see another soul other than those in our party.
Over the 3 days we had the joy of catching snapper, mangrove jack, a couple of catfish, blue tuna, saratoga cod and of course plenty of barramundi amongst a few other species. All the fishing is catch and release and over the period even the first timer will be able to come home claiming a 'whopper' catch without exaggeration. Besides the fish you are sure to also experience the local wildlife including buffalo, the bird life, the odd shark sighting, maybe some turtles and dugongs as well as plenty of crocodiles.
The guides are extremely conscious of guest safety coming first so there is very little fear to be had unless you consciously do something silly.
We also managed a trip to the local Arts & Craft centre, a must, as well as an interesting experience at the local sports and social club.
The indigenous peoples of Tiwi Island were all welcoming and friendly making conversation at any opportunity.
If you want to go fishing in NT and want to experience a proper adventure that is extremely well organised, catering to both the experienced and novice this would have to be the place to do it.
We are already planning our return for next year.
Pros: - Extremely well maintained accommodation. - Equipment that is provided including the purpose built boats. - Friendly and knowledgeable staff and guides. - Food/catering. - The rivers and estuaries in which you fish. - The wildlife.
Cons: (well more like cautions as there are no real cons unless you are not into fishing) - Travel arrangements need to be carefully planned. - Bringing alcohol is prohibited, although there is well stock bar at the lodge for guests only. - Not for the person that does not like fishing. - Make sure you have the right clothing & accessories - hats, sunglasses comfortable boat shoes etc.
All in all a great experience.
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Date of stay: August 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This lodge was a great base for fishing with an expert and attentive guide (Tom Cruise) who ensured we caught fish, were safe and had a great time. Returning each day with fish and fishing stories was enhanced by the professional and friendly staff who made sure we were well looked after and made welcome. The lodge and rooms were spotless and the food was of a high quality. When combined with the spectacular landscape & the Tiwi community this is a unique and very special experience. I highly recommend this lodge for all fishing skill levels - generous tutoring provided..
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Date of stay: June 2017
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:If you prefer private bathroom facilites book a VIP room with ensuite for a litttle more.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Summa G, Manager at Melville Island Lodge
Responded 13 July 2017
Hi Kerry, Thank you for the review.It was a pleasure hosting yourself, John,Vicki and Neil and I will definitely pass on your kind words to all the staff, especially Tom!! We look forward to meeting you all again and seeing if anyone can beat that awesome Jewie catch of yours! Cheers from the Tiwi Islands Adventures Team
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Comfortable accomodation, excellent food, excellent service, knowledgeable guides, well worth the money. If you are a die hard fisho you will love this place and if you want to see a stunning part of our world this is it. Interacting with the local indigenous people was an eye opener.
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Date of stay: April 2016
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Ask for the rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Excellent accomodation and amenties for such a remote location. The fishing experience was fantastic and our guide Mark (Magic Mark) was very patient and professional. Thank you for the fresh golden snapper and mud crab you cooked for our lunch. While the fishing was great the overall wildlife we witnessed was absolutely brilliant as well Water Buffalo, Crocs, Sea Eagles, etc, non stop action. After a long day out on the water, it was great to relax at the bar before a great meal was prepared by the Chef (Mick) of the days catch. A big thank you to Nigel and Janie for making us feel so welcome, also to Scott and all the other guides for making our stay with you so memorable.
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Date of stay: July 2015
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nigel B, General Manager at Melville Island Lodge
Responded 3 Oct 2015
Hi Tina & Stuart, thanks for taking the time to write a review. We're very glad you enjoyed the wildlife and fishing. From memory, you both had never picked up a fishing rod before but your guide quickly got you casting like a regular. We try and go the extra mile for our clients, that's why we encouraged the Sea Eagle to come down to see you. We new you were both Manly supporters!!!! Thanks again for choosing Tiwi Adventures and we look forward to seeing you again.
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Hi Catdogchook, I'm guessing you live rural by the name. :)
We have discussed the upside and the downside of having a pool installed for over 9 years. To be honest, I'm not sure we're any closer to getting one installed. One of the downside is a beautiful waterfall just 15-20 minutes from the lodge. It has a great curtain of water running all year round and is always lovely and cool. There's something about swimming in a fresh water hole as apposed to a man made pool. Who knows, 2017 could be the year.
Thanks for taking the time to send in your question.
Hi Meuley, thanks for the question.
We are specifically a fishing lodge and are not set up for non fishos I'm afraid. I have a solution for you though. There is a motel in town with kitchen facilities and they also hire out a car. You could come over on the daily plane service, stay at the motel and drive yourself around to all the places mention.
If this sounds like what you're after please give me a call, I'd be happy to chat to you about it and give you their details.
My phone Ph: 0457 162 472
Hope to hear from you soon.
Cheers Nigel
Hi Catdogchook, thanks for your question.
As I'm sure your aware, all the waters in the top end are inhabited with saltwater crocadiles all year round so swimming in salt water is a big nono. On top of that, the marine stingers are present for half the year and are also very deadly,
On the Tiwi Islands we have a couple of fresh water swimming holes that are crystal clear and our guests often enjoy a swim.
When visiting Melville Lodge in particular, we often encourage our guests to come in early from a days fishing and spend some time looking around the local art centre and Tiwi Museum. There are often artists at work painting or carving and are very happy to have a chat about what they're doing. This is a great time to cool off down at the fresh water swimming hole.
I hope that answers your questions and please feel free to send any others you may have.
There are more places to choose from in the Tiwi Islands area.
LOCATION
AustraliaNorthern TerritoryTop EndTiwi Islands
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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