Fly Fishing, Tasmania © Tom Rafalovich
Top fishing experiences in Australia
From fly-fishing for trout in alpine streams to duelling with blue-water giants in the tropics, Australia offers some of the best fishing in the world.
Bag a barra in the Top End
Bag a barra in the Top End
At up to 1.4 metres (more than 55 inches) long and weighing more than 40 kilograms (90 pounds), the barramundi is one of the world’s most exciting sport fish. Catching a big barramundi is top of the bucket list for many anglers, and the tidal estuaries and rivers of the Northern Territory are among the best places to do it. Set up camp in a fishing lodge in Arnhem Land or even jump aboard a helicopter to go heli-fishing – whatever floats your (fishing) boat.
Ride a chopper in the Kimberley
Ride a chopper in the Kimberley
If you thought arriving at a new fishing spot by car or boat was exciting, heli-fishing will blow your mind. Western Australia’s rugged Kimberley region, with its outback waterfalls, gorges and dramatic coastline, is home to plenty of barramundi. But where are the best spots to catch them? Just ask your helicopter pilot, who will whisk you off to fishing hotspots from billabongs to coastal flats in search of big, beautiful barra as well as mangrove jack, archer fish, grunter, catfish and more.
Fish the Great Barrier Reef
Fish the Great Barrier Reef
It’s one of the natural wonders of the world, the only living organism visible from space and home to more than 1,600 species of fish. Who could resist a fishing trip to the Great Barrier Reef? Black and blue marlin, sailfish, dogtooth tuna, giant trevally and wahoo are among the incredible creatures that call this marine paradise home. Operators up and down the reef include East Coast Angling, Far North Sports Fishing, Quest Angling Expeditions and the luxury live-aboard Elizabeth EII.
Fly into Tassie
Fly into Tassie
When you think of Australia, fly-fishing for trout in highland lakes may not be the first image that springs to mind. But Tasmania offers a superb array of fly-fishing options — everywhere from lakes to rapids to serene rivers — and arguably the purest strain of wild brown trout in the world. Beginners and experts alike are welcome on one-day or multi-day wilderness fly-fishing adventures in search of brown or rainbow trout with Rainbow Lodge Tasmania. Wade fish or soak up the serenity in a drift boat with Driftwater, or take your pick from one thousand lakes during a stay at Thousand Lakes Lodge.
Nip offshore at Ningaloo
Nip offshore at Ningaloo
World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is home to an incredibly diverse array of life and has one great advantage over it’s great eastern counterpart: sections of it are so close to the shore that you can wade to it from the beach. Stay inside the reef for sport or saltwater fly fishing, or head beyond the reef to tackle a bigger catch. From the coastal town of Exmouth you can join a Fly Fishing Frontiers or Ningaloo Fly Fishing charter to cast flies for bonefish in lagoons or seek sailfish out in the blue water.
Catch some city slickers
Catch some city slickers
It may be more famous for its Opera House and Harbour Bridge, but Sydney also happens to be a pretty special fishing destination. Sydney Flyfishing runs cruises through the waters of Pittwater, Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River, as well as Sydney Harbour itself, in search of kingfish, Australian salmon, small tuna such as bonito, mackerel tuna and mulloway (jewfish). From Botany Bay to Sydney Harbour, you’re fishing in destinations not only brimming with life, but history and beauty, too.
Toss a line in the Mornington
Toss a line in the Mornington
Built during the Second World War, the stately vessel “Plover” represents the perfect platform for a wonderful half or full-day of fishing out on the expansive Port Phillip Bay. Located on the Mornington Peninsula just over an hour from Melbourne, Bay Fish N Trips’ Plover provides the space and comfort necessary for a day out on the water catching pink snapper, King George whiting, flathead and gummy sharks.
