Fishing in Australia: Top-Level Overview

From reef flats on the Great Barrier Reef to remote Top End estuaries and cool mountain streams in Tasmania, fishing in Australia is one of the most varied experiences any angler can chase. This overview gives you a clear snapshot of saltwater and freshwater opportunities, the key species anglers target, the best seasons to plan trips, and what makes Australia a bucket-list fishing destination.

Saltwater Fishing: Coastline, Reefs and Offshore

Australia has more than 25,000 km of coastline and vast offshore grounds, which translates to incredible saltwater fishing variety. You can cast for estuary classics like bream and flathead, chase pelagics like tuna and kingfish from the boat, or head offshore for world-class game fish—black marlin and yellowfin tuna are top draws.

Where to go

  • Great Barrier Reef & Queensland coast: reef fish, coral trout, black marlin in season.
  • West Coast & Kimberley: giant barra in tidal rivers, monstrous barra and GT-style reef fishing.
  • Southern waters (Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania): southern bluefin tuna, kingfish, salmon and shore-based rock fishing.

Freshwater Fishing: Rivers, Lakes and Mountain Streams

Australia’s freshwater scene may be smaller by area than its saltwater, but it’s diverse and often hugely rewarding. Target species range from ancient natives like Murray cod to introduced trout in cold upland waters.

Main freshwater hotspots

  • Murray-Darling Basin: Murray cod, golden perch (yellowbelly), and quality river fishing.
  • Tasmania & alpine rivers: brown and rainbow trout in crystal-clear mountain streams.
  • Top End freshwater: barramundi in rivers and billabongs—epic barramundi sessions are unique to northern Australia.

Key Species Recreational Anglers Target

Whether you’re tossing lures from a kayak or trolling offshore, these are some of the most sought-after species:

  • Barramundi (barra)
  • Black marlin & blue marlin
  • Yellowfin and southern bluefin tuna
  • Snapper
  • Kingfish (yellowtail kingfish)
  • Murray cod & golden perch
  • Brown and rainbow trout
  • Flathead, bream, tailor
  • Australian salmon & reef species

Best Seasons at a Glance

Australia’s seasons vary widely by region. Here’s a quick seasonal guide to help plan trips:

  • Summer (Dec–Feb): prime for offshore pelagics like marlin and tuna in tropical and subtropical waters; great for estuary fishing in temperate zones.
  • Autumn (Mar–May): excellent snapper and reef fishing as waters cool; many southern species feed heavily.
  • Winter (Jun–Aug): trout season in mountain regions heats up; southern tuna fisheries (like southern bluefin) can peak in winter/spring.
  • Spring (Sep–Nov): barra fishing builds in the north and many species move into inshore waters for feeding—spring can be a sweet spot for mixed-bag outings.

What Makes Australia a Special Fishing Destination?

In short: variety, scale and quality. Australia packs tropical big-game waters, temperate reefs, long estuaries and inland rivers into one country. You can go from chasing world-class marlin one week to fly-fishing for wild trout or hunting giants like Murray cod the next. Add easy access to remote, untouched fisheries and a fishing culture that loves sharing knowledge, and you’ve got a destination that appeals to anglers of every style and skill level.

East Coast & Capital

From tropical Queensland to temperate New South Wales and the inland waters of the ACT, the east coast offers everything from reef and offshore game to productive estuaries and stocked reservoirs. Expect year-round opportunities—tropical species up north, temperate snapper and flathead in the south, and great freshwater spots around the capital.

  • State of Queensland

    Reef and tropical game fishing dominate—coral trout, mahi, tuna and mangrove jack in the north, with barramundi in rivers. Best in the dry/winter months for access and big game, while the wet season concentrates barra in river mouths.

  • State of New South Wales

    A mix of surf, estuary and offshore fishing—flathead, bream, snapper, kingfish and estuary species plus Australian bass in rivers. Spring and summer bring the best estuary and game fishing, while autumn often fires up snapper in coastal waters.

  • Australian Capital Territory

    Inland reservoirs and rivers like Lake Burley Griffin and Googong offer trout, redfin and occasional Murray cod. Cooler months favour trout fishing, with spring and autumn providing reliable freshwater action.

Southern & Inland

Victoria and South Australia deliver classic temperate fishing—trout and freshwater lakes, productive estuaries and gulf/coastal reef grounds. Expect excellent snapper, kingfish, and salmon runs along with strong freshwater river and lake options.

  • State of Victoria

    Trout streams, impoundments and coastal bays like Port Phillip offer trout, snapper, Australian salmon and estuary species. Spring and summer are prime for snapper and pelagics; cooler months suit trout and freshwater angling.

  • State of South Australia

    Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent give great snapper, kingfish and offshore tuna, while the Murray River supplies freshwater species like mulloway and Murray cod. Summer favours reef and pelagic action; spring and autumn can produce large snapper.

Northern & Top End

The Northern Territory is classic tropical fishing country—big barramundi, estuary predators, mudcrabs and strong offshore game on offer. Dry season is the prime time for predictable access and spectacular catches.

  • Northern Territory

    Iconic barramundi in rivers and billabongs, giant trevally and tuna offshore, plus mudcrab in mangroves. The dry season (May–October) is peak—easier access, clearer water and consistent barra fishing.

Western Australia

WA’s massive coastline covers tropical north and cool temperate south—trophy barra and threadfin in the Kimberley and world-class reef, plus dhufish, pink snapper and bluewater game in the south. If you want variety and big fish, WA delivers.

  • State of Western Australia

    Northern WA is barra, threadfin and tropical reef species; southern waters offer dhufish, pink snapper, salmon and big offshore tuna. Dry season up north is best for barra; spring–summer sees southern pelagic runs peak.

Tasmania

Cold-water fishing paradise—renowned trout streams and lakes, productive coastal reefs and seasonal pelagics. Tasmania delivers technical freshwater fishing and rewarding ocean trips for bluefin, salmon and reef species.

  • State of Tasmania

    World-class trout waters for brown and rainbow trout, plus sea-run trout and estuary species; offshore sees bluefin tuna and southern pelagics in season. Trout fishing peaks in spring and autumn, while summer is best for ocean trips.