Fishing

land-based + offshore

North West Island

Gladstone and Gladstone Harbour

Known in the fishing fraternity as a seafood smorgasbord, the Gladstone Region provides a plethora of places to fish all year round for all skill levels; from beaches to islands, reefs, estuaries and creeks. You’ll be blown away by the range of fish species which include Sweetlip, Coral Trout, Tuna, Mackerel, Barramundi, Bream, Grunter, Trevally, Jewfish, Queenfish, Saratoga, Finger Mark Perch, King or Threadfin Salmon, and Mudcrabs. Gladstone is also the main departure point for charter boats to the Swain and Saumarez Reefs, and beyond. If you need time out from fishing there are a variety of popular attractions, accommodation and dining options.

Gladstone is located 550 kilometres by road north of Brisbane and 100 kilometres southeast of Rockhampton between the Calliope River to the north and Boyne River to the south. Between the two river mouths lies the deepwater harbour for which the city owes its existence. The harbour is protected by a low island to the east called Facing Island and to the north by Curtis Island. The waters in and around the harbour are a transitional zone where the warm waters of the tropical north meet the cool of the south and explain the large variety of fish species.

Estuaries

The Gladstone Region is home to a multitude of easily accessible estuary fishing spots, all of which offer a wide variety of fishing, crabbing and prawning experiences including The Narrows and Calliope River Mouth.

LAND BASED

NRG Power Station Hot Water Outlet South Trees Jetty Bray Park Boat Ramp Turkey Beach Agnes Water/Town of 1770 Baffle Creek Lake Awoonga

OFFSHORE

North West Island Mast Head Island Rock Cod Shoals Facing Island Curtis Island Fitzroy Reef Boult Reef Lady Musgrave Island

TO ACCESS THE GBRMPA ZONING MAPS, SCAN HERE OR VISIT

gbrmpa.gov.au/access /zoning/zoning-maps

Surrounding Islands and Reefs

Across the harbour from Gladstone lies a number of islands, most notably Curtis and Facing Islands where the scattering of rock and reef outcrops around the islands are a fisherman’s paradise.

The region is the gateway to the heart of the Southern Great Barrier Reef where you will find a number of islands with camping spots such as North West Island, Mast Head Island and Lady Musgrave Island. More distant reefs such as Swain and Saumarez Reefs can be accessed by charter boats departing from Gladstone.

Boyne Island and Tannum Sands

Located about 20 minutes south of Gladstone, Boyne Island and Tannum Sands boast an array of beach fishing spots and are the launching spots for accessible reef fishing.

Lake Awoonga

Located just eight kilometres off the Bruce Highway with spectacular lake and mountain views, Lake Awoonga is a magnet for enthusiastic anglers to catch the famed Barramundi, over two million of which have been released into the lake. Approximately 300,000 fish are released each year, including 200,000 Barramundi, 100,000 Mullet and some Mangrove Jack. Not a keen angler? Then slip into the cool waters for a relaxing dip, leisurely kayak or try your hand at stand up paddle boarding.

Agnes Water and 1770

Easily accessible by bitumen road, these idyllic communities are situated on a pristine stretch of beach and headlands. The area is well serviced, has an array of accommodation and camping facilities, and an astounding choice of fishing locations from beach and rock fishing to creek, estuary and offshore fishing. The Discovery Coast is an access point to the Southern Great Barrer Reef and locations such as Fitzroy Lagoon, Boult and Lamont Reefs as well as the wellknown Lady Musgrave Island.

Turkey Beach

Under an hour’s drive from Gladstone you’ll find the peaceful surrounds of Turkey Beach. Sheltered in the waters of Rodds Bay, Turkey Beach and the surrounding tidal creeks are home to many aquatic treasures.

Baffle Creek

Located just over 100 kilometres to the south of Turkey Beach is Baffle Creek which is one of the few remaining unspoiled estuary systems in Queensland. This 120 kilometre pristine waterway is protected on both sides by conservation parks and boasts over 77 fish species, 10 crustacean species, turtles and dolphins, and a prolific bird life just adds to the magnificence. IN THE GLADSTONE REGION

BOYNE TANNUM HOOKUP

Australia’s Biggest Family Fishing Competition

May Day long weekend boynetannumhookup.com.au @TheBoyneTannumHookUp @BoyneTannumHookUp

TANNUM CRAB CLASSIC

Supporting local families in need of medical equipment March tannumcrabclassic.com @tannumcrabclassic

BAFFLE CREEK

FAMILY FISHING FESTIVAL September – QLD school holidays bafflecreekfishing.com @BaffleCreekFishingFestival

North West Island Reef