The chase is back on, with Season 12 of Million Dollar Fish launching today and giving anglers a million reasons to plan a fishing trip to the Northern Territory’s Top End.
One red-tagged barramundi carrying the life-changing $1 million prize is swimming in Top End waters, alongside another 100 red-tagged barra worth $10,000 each.
Anglers from across Australia will head to the Northern Territory – Australia’s home of barramundi fishing – to cast a line in wild rivers, tidal estuaries and remote waterways across the Top End.
Running from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, Million Dollar Fish gives Australians another reason to plan a Top End holiday.
Tourism and Events NT CEO Suzana Bishop said Million Dollar Fish combined the Top End’s world-class barramundi fishing with the thrill of a prize-winning catch.
“The Northern Territory’s Top End is Australia’s home of barramundi fishing, but what makes fishing here so incredible is the adventure that comes with it.
“You can head out with an experienced guide, fish remote waterways, stay at a fishing lodge or combine a charter with cultural experiences and the chance to explore parts of the Territory you might otherwise never see.
“The wet season and run-off are some of the most exciting times to fish for barra, and Million Dollar Fish adds another dimension to that experience,” Mrs Bishop said.
Past competition $10,000 winner James Arratta knows first hand what it’s like to reel in a red-tagged barramundi.
“Catching a red tagged barra is an experience that I will never forget, it’s an incredible and unmatched feeling to land the barra once you know it has the red tag and $10,000 or potentially a million dollars attached.
“The competition is amazing for the fact that every time you wet a line during the season you’re in with a chance to catch a fish that could easily change your life and it’s certainly changed mine,” he said.
Since Million Dollar Fish launched in 2015, anglers have reeled in more than $2.4 million in prize money. The competition made history in Season 9 when Territory local Keegan Payne caught the first million-dollar barramundi, while Season 11 saw 18 winners share another $220,000.
Simply by registering, anglers can also go into the draw for prizes throughout the season, including Top End getaways, Airnorth flights and Shimano fishing packs, plus a major Arnhem Land fishing adventure staying at Dhipirri Barra & Sportfishing Lodge.
Throughout Season 12, anglers will also have even more reasons to get out on the water, with additional monthly bonuses and incentives to be announced across the campaign. These will include opportunities to double prize payouts and earn extra rewards for landing some of the season’s biggest catches.
Registered anglers who catch a $10,000 red-tagged barra on an eligible fishing charter booked through Tourism Top End between December 2026 – March 2027 can also double their prize to $20,000.
To register, explore fishing itineraries and plan a Top End adventure, visit milliondollarfish.com.au.
Million Dollar Fish is delivered by Tourism and Events NT on behalf of the Northern Territory Government and supported by Sportsbet.
