Mackay and Airlie Beach, the gateway to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands in central Queensland have a diverse fishery with excellent holiday options for the whole family or small groups escaping the cooler months in the southern states of Australia from May to September each year.
The appeal of the region is the excellent saltwater and freshwater fly fishing options, set in warm and comfortable sub-tropical climates, with stunning beaches, secluded islands and fantastic accommodation options. Private Yacht charters are also available, which allows you to sail throughout the islands at your leisure or with a group of friends to share the experience.
This includes secluded freshwater impoundments, rivers and creeks for Barramundi, Saratoga, and Sooty Grunter or inshore flats systems where you can sight cast Tusk Fish, Bastards, Permit Golden Trevally and Queenfish in the shallows.
With over 70 coral islands and sand cays nearby that make up part of the Great Barrier Reef system, you can also head out wide on dedicated liveaboard trips to very remote coral cays, and target pelagic species such as Longtail Tuna and Giant Trevally on Fly.
Some of Australia’s finest resort accommodation is located amongst the Whitsundays Islands including Hamilton, Hayman, Long and Daydream Islands which have great access to a range of activities including fly fishing, Sportfishing, scuba diving, sailing, Whitehaven beach and various walking tours set amongst acres of National Parks.
Luxury crewed yacht charters are available including self-sail arrangements, or you can join one of the group liveaboard superyacht experiences to the remote outer barrier reef islands and coral cays for a week of fly and Sportfishing.
On the mainland, Airlie Beach also has a good range of lower budget options if you are on a self-drive itinerary along the Queensland coast with access to both daily saltwater and freshwater fly fishing opportunities with local guides.
The Whitsunday region including the Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach and Mackay further south is a large area on the central Queensland coast with an excellent variety of species to target on Fly.
Weather on a self-drive itinerary along the coast, on holidays in the Whitsunday Islands or on a dedicated liveaboard fly fishing trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, Fly Odyssey has a good range of local, professional guides that will look after you both on and off the water.
Perfect for family or couples’ holidays to the region, travelling to the Whitsundays is a great excuse to pack a fly rod and enjoy a few days on the water or in a large group on one of the select mothership superyachts that will provide everything from great fishing to fine dining and hospitality.
Like many locations on the Queensland coast, there is great variety with the usual inshore flats species to target including Queenfish, Barramundi, Permit, Tuskfish, Blue Bastards, Golden Trevally and Threadfin Salmon. Longtail Tuna and Mackerel are available in the Bluewater and occasionally near the flats while Giant Trevally are also throughout.
Flights direct to Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays are available from Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane daily.
If arriving by car, you can get a ferry which takes 60 minutes from the Port of Airlie Marina or Shute Harbour with over a dozen services each day to any of the major islands nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fish around the islands?
Yes, the fishing here is excellent. The 74 islands sit inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, so fishing is permitted in the general use zone, but you must follow the zoning map and fishing rules set by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Reef fin fish bag limits apply, and some green zones around the islands are closed to fishing.
Tips for fishing: the best fishing grounds and fishing spots
Top spots include the fringing flats, drop-offs along the reef, and the deep channels between islands. Hayman and Hook Islands hold good fish species including coral trout and cod, the outer reef offers big fish, and the Proserpine River is a short drive from town for estuary species such as mangrove jack.
Which is the best month to book a trip?
The warmer months from October to April are the peak season for Spanish mackerel, tuna, queenfish and other game fish, while winter offers clearer water for reef fishing. High tide around the islands brings fish onto the flats, so most charter boat skippers plan trips around the tides.
What is the best bait and tackle for reef fishing?
Live bait such as a pilchard works for coral trout and reef fin fish, while bait fishing with soft plastics suits the flats. Bottom fishing around bommies with a swivel rig is productive, and offshore fishing for tuna and mackerel uses trolling lures. Local fishing charters cover most types of fishing, which supply fishing gear, bait and tackle.
What fish species live on the coral and reef grounds?
The variety of fish is huge: red emperor, sweetlip and nannygai around the coral reef; Spanish mackerel and trevally offshore; barramundi and queenfish in the estuaries; and squid on the weed beds. Boats range from a small boat to a full charter vessel, and island-hopping trips are popular with anglers.
What types of fishing suit every angler?
Anglers can choose reef fishing for nannygai, game fishing for mackerel and tuna, estuary fishing for barramundi and mangrove jack, beach fishing for whiting and bream, spear fishing (in permitted zones) and fly fishing on the flats. A fishing charter is the easiest way to sample several styles in one day, and booking a fishing charter with an experienced skipper means the best spots are never far away.
Where can you stay while fishing the Whitsundays?
The mainland hub has backpackers, apartments and resorts, while Hamilton Island, Hayman Island and Daydream Island offer resort stays with direct access to the reefs. Liveaboard options let you fish the remote corners of the marine park at first light, when the flats fishing is at its best.
Do you need a recreational fishing licence?
No licence is required for recreational fishing in the state, but fishing rules and size limits set by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries must be followed to protect fish stocks. Spear fishing is restricted in marine park zones, and fishing from rocks should be done with care.
Can you fish from the beach or by boat?
Yes, beach fishing around Shute Harbour and the local beaches produces a variety of fish, including bream and tailor. A small boat, bareboat charter or private charter will reach the offshore grounds around the islands, making the Whitsundays a premier fishing destination within the Coral Sea and the 100 Magic Miles.