The Top End of the Northern Territory offers a wealth of hunting opportunities, from public reserves to vast wetlands and remote backcountry areas. Here are some of the best and most accessible locations for recreational hunting, along with what makes each unique.
Howard Springs Hunting Reserve is a well-known and accessible hunting preserve close to Darwin, making it a convenient option for both locals and visitors. The reserve is suitable for families and is managed to provide a safe and regulated hunting environment. It is ideal for those seeking a structured hunting experience near urban amenities.
The Mary River Wetlands are internationally significant for their biodiversity and are prime hunting grounds, especially for waterfowl during the dry season. Locations like Shady Camp and Point Stuart are renowned for their concentrations of magpie geese and ducks as water recedes. The area’s vast floodplains and challenging access make it a favourite for experienced hunters seeking a true Top End adventure.
These conservation reserves are among the few public lands in the NT where recreational hunting is permitted, particularly for feral pigs and waterfowl. Located about an hour from Darwin, they offer accessible yet authentic Top End wetland hunting. The reserves also hold cultural significance and support rich wildlife, making them popular with both locals and visitors.
Shoal Bay Reserve is a designated public land hunting area, especially popular for wild pig hunting. A permit is required, and the reserve is managed to balance hunting opportunities with conservation. Its proximity to Darwin and clear regulations make it a practical choice for those seeking public land hunting experiences.
This vast national park in the Victoria River district offers diverse hunting environments, from sandstone escarpments to savannah woodlands. It is especially noted for bird hunting, including flock bronzewings and bustards, and requires self-sufficiency and remote area travel experience. The park’s scale and remoteness provide a true wilderness hunting experience.
Limmen National Park is known for its seasonal waterfowl and upland game bird hunting, as well as large marsupials. Its claypans and marshlands are particularly productive after the wet season. The park is best accessed with a 4WD and offers free camping, making it suitable for extended hunting trips during the early dry season.
The Victoria River District is celebrated for both hunting and fishing, with seasonal wetlands attracting large numbers of game birds and the river itself offering excellent barramundi fishing. The region’s remoteness and iconic landscapes appeal to hunters seeking solitude and the challenge of the outback.
The NT’s Back Country Hunting initiative allows residents, and their nominees, to hunt in designated remote areas, provided they meet accreditation and permit requirements. These areas are ideal for experienced hunters looking for self-guided, multi-day expeditions in true wilderness settings, often far from established roads or facilities.