Ah, fishing – is there a better way to unwind on a lazy afternoon? (Or morning, or evening – the fish aren’t fussy.) Australia’s East Coast is blessed with some of the most divine, fish-abundant coastlines the world has to offer.
Whether you’re looking for some time to yourself or to share with family, a fishing trip is the perfect outing. To avoid coming home empty handed, these are the best fishing spots on the East Coast of Australia to catch your dinner. They are not too far from our caravan parks!
The only question left is: steamed, baked or fried?
The Noosa River – Sunshine Coast, Queensland
There’s nothing quite like sharing your favourite fishing destination with the kids (even if their technique isn’t quite up to your standard yet). Whether you’re fishing for fun or determined to catch dinner, the Noosa River is a great place to show your kids the ropes.
Meandering for over 70 kilometres through the Sunshine Coast, the banks of the river are filled with prime fishing spots for families. From secluded and peaceful areas to more popular locations like the Noosa Marina, it has fishing destinations to suit every angler.
Good to know:
- 5-minute drive from Ingenia Holidays Noosa
- Hot fishing tip: The Noosa River is filled with coral trout during summer.
Fingal Headland – Kingscliff, Queensland
Located on a narrow stretch of coast in Kingscliff, Fingal Headland is surrounded by a surf beach on one side and the Tweed River on the other. Its facilities include a boat ramp, a lagoon bay, a BBQ area and a playground. You can either fish from the headland’s rock wall, or cast your line out from the beach. Your kids will love splashing around in the shallows of the lagoon while you try your luck at snapping up some bream or tuna.
If you’re on your own and just want to enjoy a quiet day of fishing, simply set up your folding chair, cast your bait and relax under the sunny blue skies.
Good to know:
- 10-minute drive from Ingenia Holidays Kingscliff
- Hot fishing tip: The southern end of the headland has several gutters where large fish like to hide.
Urangan Pier – Hervey Bay, Queensland
Internationally known for its incredible fishing locations, Hervey Bay is practically a seafood buffet. Fancy some mackerel or tuna? Or how about some whiting or bream? Even sizable sailfish and marlin aren’t out of reach for offshore fishers.
For land-based fishing, there’s no better place to be than the Urangan Pier. As one of the longest piers in Australia, it’s the perfect spot to snag a treasure brought up by one of the deep-water channels that run below it.
Good to know:
- 5-minute drive from Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay
- Hot fishing tip: Spanish mackerel, school mackerel, queenfish and golden trevally are among the species that can be found swimming around the pier.
Mannering Park – Lake Macquarie, New South Wales
Lake Macquarie is right up there as one of the best places to take a fishing trip in Australia. The pristine waters hold a wide variety of fish species including bream, blackfish, tailor, whiting and salmon.
There’s an abundance of fishing destinations to choose from in Lake Macquarie, but Mannering Park is one of the best for amateur anglers. Surrounded by clear, tranquil waters, it has a pier and plenty of space for picnics.
Good to know:
- 10-minute walk from Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie
- Hot fishing tip: Commercial fishing was banned in Lake Macquarie back in 2002, so it’s a haven for recreational fishers.
Bonny Hills Beach – Bonny Hills, New South Wales
Bonny Hills has idyllic conditions for family fishing trips. Known for its laidback vibe and scenic waterways, this seaside town is located 25 kilometres south of Port Macquarie.
If you’re into rock fishing, large sections of Bonny Hills Beach are covered in rugged rock formations. Just watch out for waves, as the swell can get pretty big in the right weather conditions.
Good to know:
- 3-minute walk from Ingenia Holiday Bonny Hills
- Hot fishing tip: In addition to rock fishing, it’s also possible to fish straight from the beach at Bonny Hills.
Have we inspired you to take a fishing trip? Turn your holiday into the ultimate outdoorsy getaway and opt to camp out with the family. These tips for first-time campers will ensure everything goes off without a snag.