Charter Fishing in Australia
Australia offers outstanding fishing across offshore waters, inshore coasts, and freshwater rivers, lakes, and billabongs.
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Australia Fishing Guide
Australia’s fisheries are defined by its vast coastline, tropical northern reefs, temperate southern waters, and countless inland rivers and lakes. The Great Barrier Reef is the most famous zone, producing giant trevally, coral trout, and marlin, while the Coral Sea and East Coast current lines see black and blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and mahi-mahi. In the south, waters off Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia bring snapper, kingfish, and southern bluefin tuna. The west coast near Perth and Exmouth produces sailfish, marlin, and a variety of reef species, while the Top End and Northern Territory rivers are renowned for barramundi and threadfin salmon.
Seasonal bite patterns are pronounced. Summer brings warm currents with marlin, tuna, and mackerel on the east coast, while barramundi feed aggressively in the tropical north before the wet season. Autumn continues the offshore pelagic bite while southern fisheries peak for tuna and snapper. Winter sees reef fishing dominate, with cod, emperor, and dhufish strong across the north and west, and bream, salmon, and whiting active down south. Spring is transitional, with pelagics returning to northern waters and barramundi feeding hard during runoff periods.
The charter industry is strong nationwide. Cairns is the global hub for heavy-tackle black marlin fishing, with multi-day liveaboard motherships running during peak season. Day trips for reef fishing are common from ports like Townsville, Port Douglas, Darwin, Perth, and Sydney. Styles range from half-day inshore outings for flathead, bream, or whiting, to full-day reef and offshore trips, and extended safaris in the north targeting barramundi and bluewater gamefish.
Techniques vary widely. Offshore boats troll lures and skip baits for marlin and tuna, while jigging, popping, and live baiting are popular for reef and pelagic species. Inshore, soft plastics and hardbaits are cast for flathead, trevally, and bream, while bait fishing remains effective for whiting and snapper. Fly fishing is growing, particularly for barramundi, queenfish, and bonefish in northern flats. Inland rivers see classic bait fishing, lure casting, and fly fishing for cod, yellowbelly, and trout depending on the region. Australia demands versatility and an ability to adapt to vastly different ecosystems across the continent.
Fishing Seasons in Australia
Spring
Warmer water begins pushing pelagics south, bringing mackerel and tuna to northern coasts and early marlin activity on the east coast. Barramundi in the north become aggressive with rising temperatures, especially during runoff periods. Southern rivers see trout and Murray cod pick up after winter dormancy. Offshore reef fishing remains steady, with jigging and bait rigs effective.
Summer
This is prime offshore season. Black marlin arrive off Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, joined by yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and Spanish mackerel. Northern rivers see barramundi at their most active before the rains peak, while southern coasts produce bream, flathead, and whiting. Western Australia offers sailfish and marlin offshore from Exmouth. Charters are busiest, with many full-day or multi-day offshore runs.
Fall
Southern bluefin tuna begin their run off Victoria and South Australia, providing one of the country’s best game fisheries. Snapper and kingfish also peak in temperate southern waters. Barramundi fishing continues strong in the north after rains ease, with swollen rivers producing good bites. Offshore pelagics remain in play, though activity shifts southward. Anglers use a mix of trolling, jigging, and bait fishing depending on location.
Winter
Cooler waters slow pelagic activity, shifting focus to reef and bottom fishing. Coral trout, emperor, dhufish, and cod dominate catches in the north and west. In southern rivers, bream, salmon, and trout are prime targets. Offshore marlin are scarce, but charters focus on bottom species. Northern rivers still provide barramundi, though activity slows with cooler conditions. Light tackle and bait rigs are the main approach across much of the country.
Top Fishing Regions
Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)
The Reef is the crown jewel of Australia’s fishing, with black marlin, giant trevally, coral trout, and mackerel. Cairns and Port Douglas are hubs for offshore charters, including heavy-tackle marlin expeditions. Reef fishing is productive year-round, with jigging and live baiting standard.
Northern Territory (Darwin & Top End)
This region is famous for barramundi, threadfin salmon, and reef fishing in the Arafura Sea. The Mary and Daly rivers host world-class barramundi fishing, especially during runoff season. Charters range from small-river skiffs to mothership trips.
Victoria & South Australia Coasts
The southern states are home to the southern bluefin tuna run, snapper, and kingfish. Portland and Port Lincoln are major tuna ports, with charters trolling deepwater grounds. Snapper fishing in Port Phillip Bay is a seasonal highlight.
Western Australia (Exmouth & Perth)
Exmouth is a hotspot for marlin, sailfish, and reef species, while Perth waters provide dhufish, snapper, and kingfish. The Ningaloo Reef offers topwater action for GTs and mackerel, with charters focusing on jigging and trolling.
Tasmania
Tasmania’s cool waters host southern bluefin tuna, striped trumpeter, and rock lobster. Inland rivers and lakes are famed for trout fishing, with fly fishing popular year-round. Offshore charters target tuna and deepwater reef species.
New South Wales (Sydney & South Coast)
Sydney and surrounding coasts offer a mix of kingfish, snapper, marlin, and mahi-mahi. The continental shelf is within reach of day charters, while inshore waters produce bream, flathead, and whiting. Both light tackle and offshore trolling are common.
Top Gamefish in Australia
- Black Marlin – 200 to 1,200 lb. Found off Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, peak September to December, targeted by trolling skip baits and heavy tackle.
- Southern Bluefin Tuna – 40 to 200 lb. Concentrated off Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, best from March to July, taken by trolling and live bait.
- Barramundi – 5 to 40 lb. Iconic in northern rivers and estuaries, prime during runoff and summer months, caught with lures, flies, or live bait.
- Snapper – 2 to 20 lb. Common along southern and eastern coasts, best in spring and fall, taken with baits, soft plastics, and jigs.
- Spanish Mackerel – 10 to 60 lb. Found along northern and eastern coasts, peak summer months, targeted by trolling baits and lures.
- Kingfish (Yellowtail Kingfish) – 10 to 80 lb. Active in southern and eastern waters, summer through fall, caught by jigging, live bait, and topwater lures.
- Coral Trout – 5 to 25 lb. Common across the Great Barrier Reef and northern reefs, year-round with peaks in summer, caught with live bait and jigs.
- Murray Cod – 10 to 80 lb. Inland rivers of New South Wales and Victoria, most active spring and summer, targeted by lures, flies, and bait.
Australia Fishing FAQs
Do I need a license to fish in Australia?
Yes, most states require a recreational fishing license for freshwater and saltwater, though regulations vary by state. Charters often include coverage.
What is the best time to fish in Australia?
Summer is prime for marlin, tuna, and barramundi, while fall is peak for southern bluefin tuna and snapper. Winter and spring favor reef and bottom fishing.
Where are the most popular fishing destinations in Australia?
The Great Barrier Reef, Northern Territory rivers, Victoria’s tuna coast, and Western Australia’s Exmouth are top destinations for different types of fishing.
How long are typical fishing trips?
Half-day trips target inshore species, full-day trips cover reef and tuna grounds, and multi-day liveaboards are common on the Reef and in the Northern Territory.
What gear should I bring for fishing in Australia?
Most charters provide tackle, but anglers bring jigs, poppers, or fly gear depending on the target. Heavy trolling gear is standard for marlin, while lighter setups suit inshore and freshwater.
Are there regulations on keeping fish?
Yes, size and bag limits are enforced nationally and by state, particularly for barramundi, snapper, and tuna. Always check local rules before keeping fish.
Is fishing in Australia family-friendly?
Yes, many charters offer beginner trips targeting reef fish, flathead, or whiting, and freshwater fishing in rivers or lakes is ideal for families.
Can I fish from shore in Australia?
Yes, shore and jetty fishing are very popular, producing species like bream, whiting, flathead, and tailor. Access varies, and some areas are marine parks with restrictions.
How much does a fishing charter cost in Australia?
Inshore half-day trips often start around AUD $150–$250 per person, while full-day reef or tuna charters run AUD $300–$500. Multi-day marlin trips can exceed several thousand dollars.