Western Cape Explorer

Two fisheries. One epic adventure. Discover the wild Gulf of Carpentaria.

Experience the best of both worlds with our Western Cape Explorer charter, fishing along the remote western coastline of Cape York from Weipa to Horn Island. This unique charter blends exciting bluewater action with the diversity of river and estuary fishing, giving you the chance to target a wide range of iconic species in some of Australia's most untouched waters.

Spend your days chasing pelagics in the blue before exploring winding tidal rivers, mangrove-lined creeks, and pristine estuaries where Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Threadfin Salmon, Queenfish and more await. The fishing is consistent and can be outstanding, with most tidal ranges and moon phases offering distinct fishing possibilities. With ever-changing locations, spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and world-class fishing, every day offers a new challenge and a new opportunity.

Whether you're ticking off bucket-list species, or simply looking to experience one of Australia's last true fishing frontiers, this charter delivers the perfect combination of offshore excitement and inshore adventure.

  • Blend of spectacular bluewater and river/estuary fishing along the coast
  • Some of Australia's best fishing while being protected from the strong southeasterly winds
  • Key areas include Jackson, Skardon, Doughboy, Wenlock and Pennefarther Rivers
  • Our 70ft Mothership, Blue Martini provides comfortable twin-share accommodation
  • Fishing conducted from guided 20ft centre consoles (2 anglers per centre console)
  • 6 guests are hosted by a skipper, host, chef and private fishing guides
  • Top of the line Shimano rods, reels and terminal tackle included
  • All food and non-alcoholic beverages included
  • 7-night trips, max 6 anglers

You can book a Western Cape Explorer charter as either an individual angler, or you can organise your own group and talk to us about customised pricing options for private charter bookings.

LOCATIONS & SPECIES

The location of this run of the coast on the western side of Cape York means that this is the perfect winter fishing destination with stable sunny weather and protection from the southeasterlies. After a big wet season, the run-off produces more fish than can be believed. 

Anglers can expect to target Barramundi, Queenfish, Milk Fish, Fingermark, Coral Trout, Golden Trevally, Cod and more. The fish are ready to take a lure, bait or fly. This charter will also see our clients fish the likes of the spectacular Jackson, Doughboy, Wenlock, Ducie and Pennefarther Rivers. 

Aside from the estuary and river fishing, this region also offers amazing blue water fishing at locations such as Vrilya Point. The near coastal areas have a huge array of pelagic and reef fish to target including Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Giant Trevally, Red Emperor, Nannygai, and many more.

FISHING OPTIONS

All Western Cape Explorer charters offer you the following fishing options. You can choose to do some or all of the following:

Western Cape Explorer Trip Itinerary

Our Western Cape Explorer trips depart from Weipa and head north to Horn Island (or vice versa) on the west coast of Cape York. This remote area is accessed via return flights from Cairns to Weipa/Horn Island and the view across the Cape on the way is breathtaking! These flights are arranged by FNSF-NOMAD for you and the cost is covered by your transfer fee.

When you make your booking, we will send you a full trip itinerary detailing your trip departure and arrival locations, timings and relevant transfer fees.

Sample Schedule (8 DAY / 7 NIGHT)

DAY 1
ARRIVAL DAY
(Half-fishing day)

Depart Cairns and fly to Weipa where you will meet our crew and be welcomed aboard our mothership, Blue Martini. Meals and accommodation provided onboard our 70ft mothership. Half day fishing in the afternoon.

DAY 2 to DAY 7
FISHING DAYS
(6 full days fishing)

Fish everyday in accordance with the tide movement as we explore north along the coast, meals and accommodation provided onboard our 70ft mothership.

DAY 8
DEPARTURE DAY
(Non-fishing day)

Disembark our mothership and board a flight from Horn Island to Cairns (timings vary from trip to trip).

Brochure

Please download our Western Cape Explorer brochure here.

Booking Enquiries

Please fill out our booking enquiry form and we will contact you within 48 hours.

If you have specific questions, please feel free to email us at info@fnsf-nomad.com or call us on +61 499 105 880.