Water Buffalo Hunting in Australia

Recent buffalo hunts

One of the last true wild free-range hunting frontiers

This safari offers the opportunity to experience one of the last true wild free-range hunting frontiers remaining in the world.

Australian water buffalo are the third-largest buffalo species and among the most impressive dangerous game animals available to hunters today. Mature bulls typically weigh between 1,500 and 1,800 pounds, with exceptional animals exceeding 2,000 pounds. Both bulls and cows carry horns, although mature wild bulls develop significantly heavier horn mass and wider spreads than their domestic or ranched counterparts.

Trophy-quality Australian water buffalo generally carry horns measuring 27 to 45 inches per side, with bases ranging from 16 to 24 inches. Our focus is on hunting mature bulls aged 18 years and older, with most trophies averaging between 22 and 28 years of age, in alignment with the game management practised here. These are not station or ranch buffalo on cattle stations, which is a completely different proposition, more like estate hunting.

Since 2007, New Zealand outfitter and professional guide Jim Gibson of New Zealand Safaris has been organising and hosting free-range buffalo hunting safaris in Australia’s Northern Territory. Jim personally hosts his hunts in July every year, and typical hunts operate annually from mid-May through mid-August, in partnership with renowned Australian guide Simon Kyle-Little. For those seeking the ultimate South Pacific hunting adventure, buffalo hunting, or a combined Buffalo and Banteng hunt in Australia, can be combined with hunting in New Zealand, creating an exceptional multi-species safari experience between mid-May and early July.

Two million acres of remote Northern Territory

The hunting area encompasses more than two million acres of some of the most remote and spectacular country in Australia. Stretching approximately 90 miles by 60 miles, the landscape includes rugged rocky escarpments, tropical jungle, river valleys, floodplains and grass swamps. Everything a hunter could hope to experience on a truly wild buffalo hunt.

The quality of these genuine Australian wild buffalo is second to none. This region holds some of the last remaining populations of true wild oxen, distinct from the more common scrub bulls or feral cattle found elsewhere in Australia. Hunters may also choose to pursue additional trophies, including wild oxen, boar and Banteng. Most buffalo hunts run for five to seven days, and a combination Buffalo and Banteng hunt runs 7 to 10 days. Hunters typically take two buffalo, consisting of one trophy bull and one old heavy-horned management bull, or alternatively two management bulls. Trophy preparation is completed in camp, ensuring trophies are ready for export and shipping.

Our Australian hunting tent camp

Our Australian hunting tent camp provides all the comforts needed after a day in the field. With a permanent dining area situated overlooking the river, camp facilities include experienced camp staff, a full-time cook, hot showers, flushing toilets, generator power, Starlink wifi, and access to a nearby airstrip for charter aircraft when required. Drive time is 4.5 hours from Darwin in the Northern Territory, or clients can charter a flight in.

For hunters seeking the excitement and challenge of dangerous game hunting in a genuine wilderness setting, this safari delivers an experience few places on earth can still offer. No fences. No crowds. No shortcuts. Just vast wilderness, mature trophy animals, and the opportunity to hunt one of the last truly wild frontiers remaining in the modern world. This is not simply a buffalo hunt. It is an authentic adventure in one of the world’s last great wilderness areas.

Australian buffalo hunting packages

All hunts are quoted in USD and include:

Trophy Buffalo Hunt

Targeting bulls 18 years and older, with 30 inch or greater horn length.

Management Buffalo Hunt

Targeting bulls 25 years and older.

Additional trophy opportunities

• Shoulder mount cape skinning, fleshing, salting and packaging for export: +$250 per skin.
• Cull management animals may be included during the hunt when opportunities arise.
• Charter flight return into camp ex Darwin: +$4,200 approximately, if preferred.
• Deposit required: $5,000 USD.

These hunts take place in over two million acres of remote Northern Territory wilderness, offering hunters a genuine free-range hunting experience for mature buffalo and wild oxen in one of Australia’s last true hunting frontiers.

Buffalo Hunting Outfitters Australia

Buffalo hunting photos

Trophies, camp and the country from past seasons. Click any photo to enlarge.