The township of Aurukun is located on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, between the Ward and Watson Rivers, and is approximately 100km south of Weipa, and 630km northwest of Cairns.
Aurukun community has approximately 1000 people who form the basis of traditional ownership for the area, and there are 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. Skytrans are offering Aurukun Fishing Charters a discount price, currently $680 return (subject to change by Skytrans).
Air charters from Weipa to Aurukun take about 20 minutes, and are approx. $450 each way. Both Weipa and Aurukun are approximately 2 hours flying time from Cairns.
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.
We are happy to make travel arrangements for your trip on request.
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 very 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.
Local Activities
At various places, known to the Pikkuw guides, are safe croc-free swimming holes. These are great on a hot afternoon. If you want a break from fishing after a swim, a bush tucker walk can be organized.
Croc nests and unusual plant life can be inspected on the banks (at the right time of year), and sweet honey from native stingless-bees can be collected from hives.
A range of other activities can be organized if you discuss options with the guides during your trip.
