Australia’s favourite – and richest – fishing contest kicks off tomorrow, with Million Dollar Fish Season 12, activating one $1 million barramundi and 100 barra worth $10,000 across the Top End. Season 11 generated almost $84 million in spending, with nearly $41 million in visitor spending after 6,440 travelled to the Territory to take part. Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing fishos as we restore our unique Territory lifestyle and give visitors more reasons to experience that lifestyle for themselves.
So you want be a millionaire? Well, in Millionaire Territory, all it takes is a fishing rod and an esky, as Million Dollar Fish launches tomorrow for a twelfth year.
Delivered by the Finocchiaro CLP Government and supported by Sportsbet, Million Dollar Fish runs from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 – an iconic, “only in the NT” event.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said Million Dollar Fish gives the world a million reasons to experience the Territory’s unique lifestyle.
“There’s nowhere like the Territory, and there’s no place else where you could head out for a fish with your mates and end up walking away with a million bucks,” Minister Boothby said. “That includes the thousands of visitors we reel in each year with the event.”
“And while they’re here, fishos are talking about the Territory, they’re exploring more of the Territory, and they’re filling hotels, pubs, fishing charters and tour operators – particularly in some of the far-flung regions of the Top End.”
“Million Dollar Fish gives locals and visitors another million reasons to experience the Territory’s one-of-a-kind lifestyle, landscapes… and hopefully, luck… for themselves!
Recreational fishing contributes around $144 million to the Territory economy each year, and last season alone, Million Dollar Fish saw nearly 54,000 registrations, over 6,400 visitors, and added $83.86 million to the Territory economy.
Minister for Recreational Fishing, Gerard Maley, said that Million Dollar Fish was about more than the chance to catch a winner.
“Million Dollar Fish celebrates the Territory lifestyle and our reputation as one of the best recreational fishing destinations in the country,” Minister Maley said.
“Recreational fishing is part of who we are as Territorians. It brings families and mates together, gets people out on our waterways, and creates the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
“This event showcases the very best of that lifestyle, attracting visitors from around Australia and reminding everyone that anything can happen in the Territory, where a day on the water can turn into an unforgettable adventure with just one cast.”
In Season 12, fishos can win a life-changing $1 million prize, or $10,000 if they reel in one of the 100 tagged barramundi, with new incentives and prize packs including:
monthly draws for Top End getaways, Airnorth flight vouchers, Shimano fishing packs and MDF merchandisea major prize featuring an Arnhem Land fishing adventure at Dhipirri Barra & Sportfishing Lodge, plus two nights in Darwinreturning bonuses including Double the Dough, Size Matters and Fish with Matesa brand-new charter incentive allowing eligible anglers to double a $10,000 tagged barra prize to $20,000
Thijs Bors, SportsBet’s Head of Operations, said that SportsBet was proud to support the Million Dollar Fish as it showcased the best of the Northern Territory’s world-class fishing and adventure.
“With a life-changing prize up for grabs, we encourage everyone to register, get out on the water and be part of the excitement,” Mr Bors said.
The event also delivers a significant community investment. For every $10,000 barra caught, $1,000 is donated to the Official Charity Partner, Surf Life Saving NT, as well as $10,000 if the Million Dollar Fish is reeled in.
General Manager of Surf Life Saving NT, Sarah Fisher, said the Million Dollar Fish made a huge difference.
“This partnership strengthens our work right across the Top End, helping us deliver essential water safety programs for locals and visitors enjoying our coastlines, rivers and waterways,” Ms Fisher said.
Since Million Dollar Fish began in 2015, more than 1,200 red-tagged barramundi have been released and more than $2.4 million in prize money awarded. Season 11 saw 18 anglers land prize-tagged barra worth a combined $220,000, with five caught in the opening 10 days and 14 landed within the first month – the competition’s strongest start on record.
Season 12 runs from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. Anglers must be aged 18 or over and registered to claim prize money. Find our more at milliondollarfish.com.au.
