Hooked on Adventure: Must-Visit Fishing Locations in Australia
1. Cairns, Queensland
Known as the “big game capital of the world,” Cairns is famous for record-breaking Black Marlin over 1,000 pounds. Nearshore, you can target Wahoo, Spanish Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, and Sailfish, while estuaries like Trinity Inlet teem with Barramundi and Mangrove Jack. Prime time for Black Marlin is September–December, with Barramundi best in September, October, February, and March.
2. Darwin, Northern Territory
Darwin is a Barramundi hotspot, with seasons split into the build-up, wet, run-off, and dry periods. The wet season (Dec–Feb) is unpredictable but productive with a guide, while the run-off (Feb–May) offers prime Barramundi action. Offshore, fish for Queenfish and reef species like Golden Snapper during the dry season (May–Sept).
3. Exmouth, Western Australia
Exmouth boasts world-class Billfish fishing, including Black, Blue, and Striped Marlin. Bonefish attract fly anglers year-round, while dinner catches like Snapper, Coral Trout, and Wahoo await. Multi-day charters are a popular way to explore these waters.
4. Port Lincoln, South Australia
Bluefin Tuna reigns supreme from December to May, while Kingfish and Sharks thrive in summer. Year-round catches include Snapper, Nannygai, and Whiting. Crabs and Lobsters are plentiful in summer. Port Lincoln offers excellent beach, rock, and charter fishing options.
5. Lakes Entrance, Victoria
Gippsland Lakes, the largest inland water system in the Southern Hemisphere, are rich with Bream, Flathead, Mulloway, and more. Offshore, anglers can target Gummy Sharks, Tuna, and Swordfish during specific seasons. Victorian fishing licenses are required.
6. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
The Alligator Rivers are top Barramundi fisheries, especially during the wet season and run-off. Reefs near river mouths hold Golden Snapper and Black Jewfish. Sustainable fishing practices and NT regulations are essential here.
7. Gold Coast, Queensland
December and January offer peak offshore action for Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna. Cooler months bring Cobia, Kingfish, and Snapper. Inshore, catch Trevally, Flathead, and Whiting at iconic spots like the Sand Pumping Jetty.
8. Queenscliff, Victoria
Queenscliff’s Port Phillip Bay offers King George Whiting, Snapper, and Calamari, while Bass Strait’s offshore waters deliver Mako Sharks, Bluefin Tuna, and Swordfish. Most offshore species are best from December to February.
9. Merimbula, New South Wales
On the Sapphire Coast, Merimbula offers lake, beach, and offshore fishing. Marlin and Tuna are seasonal highlights, while inshore fishing for Bream and Flathead is great year-round. The continental shelf is just 25 km offshore.
10. Noosa, Queensland
Noosa offers diverse fishing opportunities, from river catches like Bream and Flathead to offshore targets such as Marlin and Snapper. Surf fishing at Laguna Bay is popular, while reefs like Jew Shoal yield Mackerel and Yellowfin Tuna.
