Discover the Best Fishing Spots in Australia: Your Ultimate Guide

Fishing in Australia is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life for many enthusiasts. The thrill of casting a line and waiting for that perfect catch is a passion that unites anglers across the country. If you're an avid fisherman looking to explore the top fishing destinations Down Under, you're in for a treat. With its vast coastline and diverse landscapes, Australia offers some of the best fishing spots around. Here’s a curated list of the top fishing locations in Australia that are sure to fulfill your angling dreams.

Fraser Island, Queensland

Fraser Island, Queensland: The Land of Giants Begin your fishing adventure in Queensland’s Fraser Island, renowned for its outstanding fishing spots. Surrounded by the pristine waters of the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island offers a wealth of species including barramundi, tailor, and mangrove jack. Cast your line from the iconic Indian Head or enjoy a serene fishing experience at Lake McKenzie.

Kimberley, Western Australia

Kimberley, Western Australia: Remote Wilderness, Rich Waters For the adventurous angler, Kimberley in Western Australia is a hidden gem. Nestled in the remote northwest, this untouched wilderness offers exceptional fishing opportunities. From barramundi in the Fitzroy River to threadfin salmon in the tidal flats, Kimberley is an angler’s paradise.

Lake Jindabyne, New South Wales

Lake Jindabyne, New South Wales: Alpine Fishing Delight Head to the Snowy Mountains for a unique fishing experience at Lake Jindabyne. This freshwater lake, stocked with rainbow and brown trout, provides excellent fishing throughout the year. Whether you’re fly fishing or trolling, the clear waters of Lake Jindabyne offer a picturesque and productive angling experience.

The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland: A Marine Wonderland No fishing destination list would be complete without mentioning the Great Barrier Reef. This World Heritage-listed site, known for its vibrant marine life, is also a top spot for anglers. Whether you’re hunting for marlin in Cairns or coral trout on the outer reef, the Great Barrier Reef promises an unparalleled fishing adventure.

Lake Eildon, Victoria

Lake Eildon, Victoria: Inland Gem for Anglers In Victoria, Lake Eildon stands out as a prime fishing spot. This expansive reservoir is teeming with golden perch, Murray cod, and redfin. Explore the lake’s many bays and coves or enjoy a houseboat fishing getaway amidst the scenic Australian bush.

Darwin Harbour, Northern Territory

Darwin Harbour, Northern Territory: Tidal Thrills The Top End’s Darwin Harbour is a premier fishing destination with its dynamic tidal environment. Whether you’re targeting barramundi, mangrove jack, or threadfin salmon, the shifting tides make each fishing trip unique. Don’t forget to wear appropriate fishing gear to beat the intense Top End sun.

Sydney Harbour, New South Wales

Sydney Harbour, New South Wales: Urban Angling Bliss For those in Sydney, world-class fishing is just around the corner. Sydney Harbour offers a surprising variety of fish species right in the city’s heart. From kingfish to bream, the diverse angling opportunities make Sydney Harbour an accessible and rewarding fishing spot.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Lake Burley Griffin, Australian Capital Territory: Urban Fishing Oasis In Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin is an unexpected urban fishing gem. This man-made lake offers a serene setting for catching golden perch, Murray cod, and trout. Take a break from the city’s hustle and enjoy a day of fishing from the lake’s shores or on a rented boat.

Exmouth, Western Australia

Exmouth, Western Australia: Where the Desert Meets the Sea Conclude your fishing journey in Exmouth, where the desert meets the sea. Located on the Ningaloo Coast, Exmouth is famous for its game fishing, including marlins and sailfish. The clear waters of the Coral Coast offer an unmatched fishing experience, making Exmouth a must-visit for serious anglers.

Additional Fishing Hotspots

• Brisbane, Queensland: Diverse Waters

  • Brisbane offers a range of fishing experiences year-round, from freshwater native bass to Pink Snapper in Moreton Bay. Key fishing seasons include:
    • Summer: Target pelagics like Mackerel, Tuna, Trevally, Kingfish, and Cobia. The rivers are prime for Mangrove Jacks, Bass, Bream, Whiting, and Flathead. Threadfin Salmon are often found in the deeper holes of the Brisbane River.
    • Winter: Focus on reef fishing for Pink Snapper, Grassy Sweetlip, and Tailor. Jewfish are also a prized catch during this season.
  • Brisbane River Fishing: This river holds Bream, Flathead, Threadfin Salmon, Tuna, Snapper, Sweetlip, Cod, Jewfish, Tailor, and Mangrove Jack. Upstream fishing is best in summer, while winter fishing targets spawning Bream, Snapper, Tailor, and Jewfish.
  • Moreton Bay Offshore Fishing: Moreton Bay offers diverse fishing spots, with Snapper, Sweetlip, and other species around rocky/pebble bottoms. Best fishing times are around dawn and dusk.

• Broome, Western Australia: World-Famous Fishing

  • Broome attracts anglers from around the world, known for sailfish and a variety of other species. Best times for fishing:
    • Summer: Active Barramundi and Mangrove Jack, with Threadfin Salmon and Jewfish also around.
    • Winter: Barramundi are less active; however, Bream, Flathead, Whiting, Trevally, and Queenfish are abundant year-round.
  • Land-Based Fishing Spots: Roebuck Bay, False Crab Creek, Broome Jetty, Broome Jetty Rocks, Gantheaume Point, Coconut Wells, Willie Creek, and Willie Creek South.
  • Offshore Fishing: Includes Dampier Creek, Disaster Rock, Jewie Holes, Gantheaume Point, and Willie Creek.

• Caloundra, Queensland: Sunshine Coast Gem

  • The Pumicestone Passage is home to Dusky Flathead, Bream, Whiting, Mangrove Jack, Trevally, Cod, Mulloway, and Tailor. Best times and spots include:
    • Pumicestone Passage: Big Flathead in spring, Bream and Whiting on the surface in summer.
    • Moffat & Shelley Beach: Good for Tailor and Mulloway in winter-spring.
    • Dicky Beach: Target Jewfish in winter, with Bream, Dart, and Whiting year-round.
    • Kings Beach: Access deeper water for Bream, Squire, Mulloway, and Tailor.
    • Caloundra Offshore: Includes Raper Shoal, Moffat Head, Brays Rock, and Bribie Island Coffee Rock.

Coral Bay, WA

• Overview: Coral Bay is a popular destination for tourism and fishing, supported by a wind-diesel hybrid system.
• Shore Fishing: Queenfish, Trevally, Threadfin Salmon, Dart, Bream, Whiting, Spangled Emperor, Coral Trout, Mangrove Jack.
• Reef Fishing: Poppers for Queenfish, Trevally, and Emperor; Tuna from the North Reef; inshore lagoons for Emperor, Pelagics, Bonefish.
• Offshore Fishing: Trevally, Queenfish, Spanish and Shark Mackerel, Tuna, Dolphin Fish, Sailfish; bottom bouncing for Coral Trout, Emperor, Cod, Trevally.
• Notable Spots:
  • Warroora Station: Various camping spots with excellent fishing opportunities for Trevally, Emperor, Whiting, and Bream. Note sanctuary zones.
  • Five Finger Reef: Accessible via 4WD; known for squid, Trevally, Emperor, and Bream.
  • Mauds Landing: Reefy outcrops are good for Trevally, Emperor, and small Queenfish.
  • South Coral Bay: Points for Emperor, Coral Trout, and Trevally.
  • Bruboodjoo: Popular for snorkeling and remote beach fishing.

Darwin, NT

• Overview: Known for its Barramundi fishing; the fishing scene has improved since gill-net bans.
• Land-Based Fishing:
  • East Arm: Barramundi and Mangrove Jack around mangroves.
  • Bayview Marina: Mangrove Jack, Golden Snapper, Barramundi around the lock and rock wall.
  • Dinah Beach: Barramundi, Threadfin Salmon; best after rain.
  • Fishermans Wharf: Barramundi, Bream, and small fish around the rock wall.
  • Stokes Hill Wharf: Barramundi, Black Jewfish, Queenfish, Trevally, Cod; Longtail Tuna in winter.
  • Mindil Beach: Whiting, Barramundi near rocks.
  • East Point: Barramundi, Trevally, Queenfish around rocky outcrops.
  • Sand Fly Creek: Barramundi, Threadfin Salmon, Trevally.
  • Buffalo Creek: Barramundi, Bream, Flathead; strong current considerations.
• Lure Tips:
  • Reidy’s Lures: Local favorites for Barramundi.
  • Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow: Good for Barramundi.
  • Soft Plastics: Effective in clearer waters; use light jig heads.

Margaret River, WA

• Overview: Known for surf breaks and wine, Margaret River also offers excellent fishing.
• Beach Fishing: Tailor, Mulloway, Herring, Australian Salmon.
• Offshore Fishing: Queen Snapper, Pink Snapper, Harlequin, Samson Fish, Blue Groper, Dhufish.
• Notable Spots:
  • Sugarloaf Rock: Kingfish, Samson Fish, Bonito, Southern Bluefin Tuna.
  • Yallingup: Australian Salmon, Herring, Mulloway, Tailor.
  • Torpedo Rocks: Salmon, Herring, Pink and Queen Snapper.
  • Smiths Beach: Australian Salmon, Mulloway, Tailor.
  • Canal Rocks: Dhufish, Pink Snapper, Queen Snapper, Bonito.
  • Wyadup Rocks: Bonito, Southern Bluefin Tuna.
  • Injidup Point: Herring, Skippy, Tailor, Mulloway.
  • Moses Rock: Herring, Tailor, Skippy, Mulloway.
  • Cowaramup Bay: Whiting, Skippy, Salmon; offshore fishing for Dhufish, Pink Snapper.
  • Margaret River Mouth: Mulloway, Tailor, Herring, Australian Salmon.
  • Redgate Beach: Salmon, Herring, Tailor, Mulloway.
  • Boranup Beach: Salmon, Herring, Tailor, Mulloway.

Wrapping Up Australia’s fishing spots range from tranquil lakes to stunning coastal islands, each offering its own unique angling experience. Whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater fishing, there’s a perfect destination waiting for you. So grab your gear, put on your favorite fishing shirt, and embark on your next adventure. Explore our collection of fishing shirts to find one that combines style with comfort for your journey.

Ready to cast your line? Explore Australia’s best fishing spots and make your angling dreams a reality.