Australia's richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish, is back for a bumper fourth season, and with the odds better than ever, it's time to plan your next trip to the unmissable Top End.

Five barramundis worth a cool one million dollars are now loose in the Territory's fast-moving waters, alongside 100 fish worth $10,000 each, and 20 new charity fish worth $5,000 with half to go to the lucky angler and half to one of three Territory-based charities.

And it's not just a prize fish you'll be reeling in. The competition runs across some of the Top End's most breathtaking fishing destinations from the picturesque landscape of Corroboree Billabong in the Mary River region to the pristine waters of Coburg in the remote wilderness of Arnhem Land. Two $10,000 fish have already been caught and claimed in Kakadu's Yellow Water Billabong, which is proving to be a season four hot spot.

According to Million Dollar Fish Ambassador and cricketing legend Matthew Hayden, Million Dollar Fish is the best fishing competition in the world, in the world's best fishing location.

“It's the people's fishing competition. The Top End's peak barra fishing season is always spectacular and I think everyone should experience the thrill and adventure of hooking an iconic NT barra,” he said.

Mr Hayden said that once the first Million Dollar Fish was caught, the remaining four would revert to $10,000 bounties.

“And, if the Million Dollar fish hasn't been caught by the end of March, the season will be extended until 30 September 2019 for the major prize only,” he said. “All 125 tagged barramundi have been released in Top End waters around Kakadu, the Tiwi Islands, Katherine, Darwin and Arnhem Land and it's anyone's guess where the million-dollar fish is swimming.”

The Top End is home to Australia's largest barramundi population, so whether you're an amateur angler, a seasoned fisho, or simply lured in by the promise of bagging $1 million on your next holiday in the Territory, there's a chance you could be heading home with a sizeable souvenir!

The competition is free to enter, and participants must register online at www.milliondollarfish.com.au to be eligible for cash and sponsor prizes.

Ends.

For more information or images contact Access-DGC:

Vanessa Gregory, vanessa@access-dgc.com.au, 0432 882 756
Laura Minns, laura@access-dgc.com.au, 0431 375 990
Jodi Clark, PR & Media Manager, Tourism NT, Jodi.clark@nt.gov.au 08 8999 3930

Tourism NT image library: https://imagegallery.tourismnt.com.au/o

Notes to Editors
About Million Dollar Fish: 
Million Dollar Fish aims to attract visitors to the NT by showcasing it as the best place in the world to stay, play and fish. Season four of Million Dollar Fish has been extended and runs from Monday 1 October 2018 until Sunday 31 March 2019*. The annual competition is free to enter and sees 125 prize tagged barramundi released across five regions in the Northern Territory's Top End including Darwin, Katherine Arnhem Land, Kakadu and the Tiwi Islands.

In a season game changer, this year there'll be five red-tagged fish worth $1,000,000 each; 100 red-tagged fish worth $10,000; and 20 purple-tagged charity fish worth $5000 (to be equally split between the angler and one of three NT charities) loose in Top End waterways. 
*For full competition details, sponsors or to register, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au

About Matthew Hayden:
With a successful international cricketing career spanning over fifteen years, Matthew Hayden is not only an elite sportsman, but a keen fisherman. A frequent visitor to the NT, Matthew regularly hones his skills as a fisho and in the kitchen after a good day's catch. As the Million Dollar Fish Ambassador, Matt is encouraging more people to visit the NT to not only enjoy the landscapes and the fishing, but also to win cash and prizes for doing what they love.  http://www.matthewhayden.com/

About Tourism NT:
Tourism NT is a Northern Territory Government statutory authority responsible for promoting the Northern Territory as a must-do Australian holiday destination. We develop short and long-term marketing campaigns that capture the NT's sense of humour and irreverence and let people know it's about time they 'Do the NT'.  https://northernterritory.com/