14 Must-Visit Fishing Destinations in Australia

When searching for the best fishing spots in Australia, you are generally spoilt for choice.

Australia is one of the best fishing locations anywhere in the world. Nestled between no less than 3 different oceans that host a myriad of different conditions. Whether you are offshore fishing in tropical waters or fly fishing in the rugged wilderness, you will find a rich abundance of species to catch when out on the water.

But just which are the best locations to go fishing? We have done our research to bring you the best fishing destinations in Australia.

1. Lake Eucumbene, NSW

You will be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular setting for fishing than a crystal-clear lake right in the heart of the Snowy Mountains. Yet, Lake Eucumbene provides just that and is also a haven for catching trout.

The large expanse of water is home to multiple trout species. This includes Brown, Rainbow and Brook Trout giving you plenty of chances to make a great catch. Fishing is allowed most of the year apart from during the winter months. Winter is the natural breeding season for trout and other species within the region.

2. Queenscliff, VIC

Nestled on the end of the Bellarine Peninsula, Queenscliff is naturally suited for water activities and fishing is no exception. With Port Phillip on one side of the town and the Bass Strait on the other, there are dozens of fish species just waiting to be caught.

Heading out into the Bass Strait, you might find yourself snagging a mako shark. Or a bronze whaler if conditions are favourable. Alongside that, you can also quite easily catch many of Victoria’s regular residents. Including snapper, whiting, trevally or swordfish whilst relaxing on the town’s famous wooden pier.

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3. Tiwi Islands, NT

Out beyond Darwin lies the Tiwi Islands – a remote cluster of islands that were seemingly forgotten by civilization. This tropical haven is a literal paradise for fishing enthusiasts. With crystal clear lagoons and warm water providing the home for many exotic species.

It’s teeming with regular residents such as barramundi, Saratoga and golden snapper. As well as bigger trophies such as grouper and marlin.

The area is only accessible by plane meaning that overcrowding isn’t a problem. And the local Indigenous residents will help you avoid any lurking threats such as crocs or stingers. A real fishermen’s paradise.

4. Derwent Valley, TAS

Heading inland from Hobart, the rolling hillsides of Tasmania provides access to numerous lakes. And also channels that are the perfect place for fly fishing. The rivers and lakes around the small town of Maydena are teeming with both trout and salmon just waiting to latch onto your bait.

As many of the lakes stretch out into the Tasmanian Wilderness, rivals will be few and far between. Leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the serene settings.

Throw in easy access to the lakes via many small campgrounds and you have the perfect weekend retreat to get away from everything and enjoy the peace and quiet.

5. Lake Macquarie, NSW

Very few places offer a habitat quite like Lake Macquarie – one of the world’s largest saltwater lagoons. There are small ports and jetties scattered across the lake for you to access the water. And there’s dozens of different fish to try and catch.

Whiting, salmon, bream and blackfish are all found in abundance throughout the water. It’s a great place to cast your rod no matter if you are a seasoned pro or a first-time novice.

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6. Cairns, QLD

Benefiting from the warm waters of the Coral Sea, Cairns is a fantastic place to try and catch some exotic fish. The region is known for attracting huge marlin. And they can give even the hardest fishermen a hard time before getting caught.

Away from the bigger fish, the close location to the Great Barrier Reef means that more tropical residents such as mahi-mahi, wahoo or even barracuda are up for grabs when you go out on the water. A treat for anyone looking to get something a little different for the camera!

7. Exmouth, WA

With the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef on its doorstep, Exmouth has slowly gained a reputation for becoming one of Australia’s greatest fishing spots.

The vast selection of fish found in the stunning clear waters of the Indian Ocean is quite astounding. With queenfish, sailfish, spearfish just a few of the varying species found amongst the crystal waters.

If you head to the area between March & October, you will also be lucky enough to spot whale sharks swimming in the area. This has become a main attraction in recent years. The area is a 2.5 hour flight from Perth. The trip to Exmouth is a must for any serious fishing fanatic.

8. Port Lincoln, SA

Advertising itself as the Seafood Capital of Australia, Port Lincoln has been drawing in fishing fanatics from every corner of Australia. The mix of conditions from both the Bass Strait and The Great Bight means that there are plenty of fish types to be found in the waters. None more so than the Bluefin tuna.

The Bluefin can be found in abundance from January through to May in droves. Giving you plenty of opportunities to catch a surprisingly large and colourful fish.

Tuna isn’t the only big draw though. Kingfish are also plentiful during the later months of the year. You will have something to look for all year round no matter the conditions.

9. Hervey Bay, QLD

Arguably the best fishing spot on Australia’s East Coast. Hervey Bay has fast grown a reputation for being the place to go tropical fishing. The rich waters between the town and Fraser Island are teeming with wildlife. These waters attract species of all sizes giving you the chance to catch plenty or aim for just one big trophy.

Golden trevally, marlin, cobia and tuna are all found within a short boat trip from the town. Meaning that there is always something to look for when heading out on a trip. During the cooler months, you may be lucky enough to spot humpback whales calving in the area. Which in itself makes for a pretty unique sight.

10. Busselton, WA

Home to the world’s second-longest wooden jetty, Busselton is now thriving as a fishing haven for enthusiasts across Australia.

The 1.8km jetty gives plenty of access to the water which houses no less than 150 different species of fish. The likes of Pink Snapper and Dhufish are some of the favourite residents to catch. Whilst some more exotic guests that occasionally reside in the waters include grouper and lionfish.

Improvements to the local airport have made access to the region much easier than ever before. Busselton is one of the fastest up and coming fishing destinations anywhere within Australia.

11. Warrnambool, VIC

If you are looking for a vastly underrated area for fishing, try Warrnambool at the end of The Great Ocean Road. The tourist town is a great place to be based from. With access to the water extremely easy to come by.

A trip into the Bight or the nearby Hopkins River estuary can be highly rewarding. With mulloway, short-finned eel or even estuary perch all calling the waters around the area home.

The waters around the town are also known during the winter months to be birthing grounds for Southern Right Whales too. Proving just how rich the waters are in this corner of Victoria.

12. Inneston, SA

Located at the end of the Yorke Peninsula, the crystal clear waters of Inneston are a great place for fishing fanatics to go for a rewarding trip. Inneston Lake and the adjacent Stenhouse Bay areas vary from shallow reefs to saltwater lagoons and eventually deeper and blue waters.

The mix of conditions allows for a variety of fish to be discovered. This includes spangled perch, salmon, the Port Jackson Shark and large calamari. A quiet but rewarding expedition for keen fishing enthusiasts.

13. Kakadu, NT

Generally thought to be Australia’s purest wildlife area. Kakadu National Park provides a host of options for fishing fans to try out. The vast amounts of billabongs and river estuaries to explore is mind-boggling. Providing no shortage of fish species to try and discover.

The area is best known for its barramundi. With some of the biggest and best examples of its type found here. There is a big push for sustainable fishing in the area. So take note of the regulations before setting off on your journey. Taking note of this gives both yourself and the locals a big reward working to keep the area bountiful.

14. St Helen’s, TAS

A small spot tucked away in the north-east corner of the island. St Helen’s is an excellent fishing spot for anyone looking for somewhere under the radar.

The area around St George’s Bay features a range of marine environments from seagrass beds to rocky lagoons. This attracts plenty of different species to catch: Yellowfin Tuna, Flathead, Garfish, or even the occasional Striped Marlin.

With the area relatively quiet compared to other fishing hotspots, checking out this part of Tasmania is a must for any keen fisherman.