FISHING GEMS AROUND AUSTRALIA
If you are constantly on the road you will know that fishing is the preferred pastime for many. In a country filled with many fantastic fishing spots, it can be hard to narrow down the best stops in Australia. With thousands of kilometres of coastline at your disposal, Australia is unmatched in its fishing potential. With a wide variety of over 5000 fish species, Australian coastlines have spectacular locations to see. Whether you are saltwater or freshwater fishing, it can be hard to pick your perfect stop on your journey around the country. Read along as we present a guide for hidden fishing gems across Australia.
Cairns, QLD
Reasons to Go Fishing
Commonly referred to as the Big Game Capital of the world, Cairns is one of (if not the best) places in Australia to go fishing. With hundreds of kilometres of lakes, rivers and beaches, Cairns hosts some of the biggest fish, upwards of 400kg! Famous spots include Kings Point and Port Douglas. Some trophy-catching spots include Black Marlin from September to December, Blue Marlin, Queen Fish and Spanish Mackerel from May to June and many more. If calm waters are more your speed, the surrounding rivers and lakes provide perfect homes for Barramundi, and Mangrove Jack.
While You’re There
From amazing restaurants to some of the best nature walks in the southern hemisphere. Cairns is the perfect getaway for a couple of mates, a romantic retreat or the whole family. If you are still seeking adventure, Cairns offers the best range of aquatic activities surrounding the internationally known and heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
Darwin, NT
Reasons to Go Fishing
The smallest capital city in Australia with only 150,000 residents, Darwin is known for its diverse flavours and trophy catch; Barramundi. Depending on the season, Darwin offers some fantastic fish. However, with Darwin being seasonal some roads become boggy and impassable due to the wet season (December – February). It is best if tracking through Darwin in the wet season to have a guide, especially if you are looking for that perfect fishing spot. The best time to catch Barramundi is February to May, also known as the run-off season. Other key fish in Darwin are Queenfish, Giant, Golden Snapper, Nannygai and many more.
While You’re There
Although the smallest of the capital cities in Australia, what Darwin lacks in population it makes up for in history, art and culture. With rich Aboriginal heritage and amazing archaeology, Darwin is full of stories. With many other activities such as snorkelling, picnics and other outdoor activities, Darwin has something everyone can enjoy.
Exmouth, WA
Reasons to Go Fishing
On the west coast of Australia, Exmouth is a small gateway into the UNESCO world heritage site of the Ningaloo Coast. With the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth is home to a diverse range of sealife of different shapes and sizes. With the continental shelf just a couple of kilometres away from the shore, the deep-sea adventures and nutrient-rich seas create a high nutrient feeding area fish can’t ignore. Due to these amazing conditions, much like the east coast’s Great Barrier Reef, Exmouth offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Fish such as Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish and the prize Bill-Fish fill this water. Exmouth really is the west coast fisherman’s best friend.
While You’re There
Just like its East Coast cousin Cairns, most of the activities around Exmouth are marine-based. With scuba diving, snorkelling and other water-sports, Exmouth has everything you need for an activity-packed holiday. However, unlike Cairns, Exmouth is not the friendliest environment, with winds reaching upwards of 200km per hour and an average annual rainfall of 230 millimetres. Exmouth is a dry desert that can be cruel to those unexpecting. That’s not to say there are no hidden places accommodating to escape the wind and extreme temperatures.
Port Lincoln, SA
Reasons to Go Fishing
Down south with the colder waters of the Great Australian Bight and the Indian Ocean. The self-proclaimed seafood capital of Australia got its title for a good reason. With many amazing fishing spots, the waters of Pork Lincoln has no shortage of delicious fish, especially being the home of the Bluefin tuna between January and May. Tuna isn’t the only trophy fish in these waters, in the later months of the year, Kingfish enjoy a trip up to the south side of Australia. With something to catch all year round, these waters are definitely worth a visit.
While You’re There
If you are going away for a romantic escape there are plenty of nature walks to explore. The most popular of which will teach you how to catch and prepare seafood, after which a professional chef will prepare dinner while you enjoy dinner and a sunset on the beach. However, if you are going away with your mates maybe the Lincoln National Park or being in a shark cage is more your style.
Queenscliff, VIC
Reasons to Go Fishing
The small town of Queenscliff is located near the Bellarine Peninsula. Once an important cargo port, the town hosts several amazing restaurants and escapes from the big cities. Being near the Port Phillip Bay, Queenscliff is great for all things fishing. Throwing a line either in the bay or in the bass strait, the town offers a great variety of fish that call the bay home. Take your chance at fishing for King George Whiting, Flathead, Salmon, Snapper and many more. When bay fishing in Queenscliff, you find some of the best spots in the country. Offshore fishing is highly raved about, however, can be confronting due to the choppy waters from the Bass Strait. With the right guide or Charter, there is no shortage of fish just off the coast.
While You’re There
When exploring the small town, you’ll soon realise that the area is full of rich history dating back hundreds of years. With several high-class restaurants and water-based activities, Queenscliff is an amazing town to explore and learn about over a couple of days.
Wanting to spend more time in Victoria, Check out the tourism Victoria website.
Derwent Valley, Tas
Reasons to Go Fishing
Heading inland from Hobart, Derwent Valley is home to some amazing lakes and channels which are the perfect place for fly fishing. Surrounded by scenic views of mountains and glassy lakes, the fishing experience is something straight out of a movie. Home to Trout and Salmon these lakes are full of smaller flavourful fish waiting for your bait.
While You’re There
The perfect weekend retreat. There is nothing quite like the hillside of Tasmania let alone Derwent Valley. With many hikes, foodie restaurants and small camping grounds, this is the perfect weekend getaway for a stop on your big lap around Australia.
Find out more of what Tasmania has to offer, check out what Tourism Tasmania website.
Lake Macquarie, NSW
Reasons to Go Fishing
Just 90-minutes from Sydney, this huge saltwater lake is the largest in Australia and is home to many amazing catches. Popular due to its large range of fish, this lake is active all year round. With the addition of artificial reefs using the funds from the Recreational Fishing Trust, the waters are full of nutrients. Fishing has boomed in recent years with trophy fish such as Dusky Flathead, Yellowtail Kingfish and Squid. Lake Macquarie is perfect for all levels of fishing.
While You’re There
Being based so close to Sydney, the town hosts many adventure-based activities. With water sports, markets, hikes and beaches, Lake Macquarie is perfect for a family getaway. With something everyone will enjoy, Lake Macquarie hosts some of the best fresh food eateries.
What’s your favourite fishing spot?
Maybe you have a hidden gem? Let us know in the comments below!
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