Is it any surprise that along a coastline filled with great diving locations and the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll also find some of the world’s best fishing destinations? Marine life swarms Australia’s waters, creating the perfect environment for a day spent out on the boat.
Load up your Sydney airport hire car with your favourite fishing equipment, and make your way up the East Coast of Australia checking out these top spots.
Sydney Harbour, New South Wales
Australia’s largest city might not feel like the place to go for a spot of saltwater fishing, but you’ll find that Sydney harbour teems with great sport fishing opportunities. Plus, it’s a great chance to see some of the city’s iconic features from a fresh new angle!
Some of the fish you can expect to reel in include:
- Bonito.
- Australian Salmon.
- Yellowtail kingfish.
- Tailor.
- Mulloway.
Port Stephens, New South Wales
You know a location is great for a day out on the boat when it holds a massive game fishing tournament every year in February. Between the months of December and May, Port Stephens has a southern current coming from the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef. With the flow comes a mass of different tropical and sub-tropical fish species, such as the striped, black and blue marlin.
However, it’s not just a spot for game fishers – anglers can also find their spots in a range of places around Port Stephens. Just note where the designated sanctuary zones are located before heading out.
The Noosa River, Queensland
If you’re looking for somewhere less intensive, or a spot that you can share the joys of fishing with your family, jump in your hire car and drive up to Queensland’s Noosa River. You’re likely to find a myriad of spots along its banks that’ll offer up a great afternoon’s fishing, or you can head to the popular Noosa Marina.
The best part is that this river meanders through the Sunshine Coast, meaning you’re never far from beaches or unique food markets should your line come up empty.
Hervey Bay, Queensland
Your next stop on your East Coast road trip has to be Hervey Bay, which is only a short drive from Noosa River. Here you’ll find a seafood buffet awaiting you. Just take a look at the following species you can hope to hook at this abundant location:
- Threadfin salmon.
- Snapper.
- Queenfish.
- Tuna.
- Trevally.
- Barramundi.
- Mackeral.
- Whiting.
- Bream.
Cairns, Queensland
Travel up along the rest of the East Coast for this final stop. It’s worth the journey in your hire car, however. Not only will you have the option to make stops at Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll arrive at the world capital for black marlin fishing. Just make sure you time your journey so you’re in Cairns in the months from September to December, which is the best season for catching these mammoth fish.
If a road trip of beaches, fishing and time spent out on the water sounds ideal to you, make sure you book your East Coast hire car today.