Take your line on a tour of the top fishing spots in the Central Queensland and the Southern Great Barrier Reef region – a treasure-trove of unparalleled experiences for the discerning angler. The city centres of Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton are all easily accessible by air, road and rail.

The region is home to a vast range of freshwater, reef or offshore fishing experiences. Whilst touring the area, the natural iconic wonders of Carnarvon Gorge National Park, Queensland’s Sapphire Gemfields, Agnes Water and the Town of 1770, Lady Elliot Island, Heron Island, Great Keppel Island and the Capricorn Coast will tempt you to stay a little longer.

The Town of 1770 and Agnes Water are the closest mainland access point to the reef when planning your day’s offshore fishing or simply throwing in a line in the protected waters of the 1770 Inlet. Other exciting locations along the Southern stretches of the Great Barrier Reef include: Woodgate Artificial Reef, Four Mile Reef, Cochrane Artificial Reef or take part in fishing, sailing or bareboat yacht chartering from Rosslyn Bay on the Capricorn Coast (just a short drive from Yeppoon). Other chartered fishing services depart regularly from the marinas in Gladstone and Bundaberg.

For a taste of inland fishing at the dams and lakes around the region, take a leisurely 4-7 hour drive north from Brisbane, and travel the ‘Bass to Barra Trail.’ The trail links the pick of freshwater fishing spots, taking you to some of the best impoundment fishing anywhere.

Lake Cania is located a short drive from the Cania Gorge Picnic area which boasts spectacular scenery. The lake is most noted for saratoga catches and each year in March the dam plays host to the Lake Cania Fishing Classic.

Lake Monduran is now regarded as a major barra capital, with good catches recorded year-round and holds a family fishing tournament each October. Although offering its own facilities, the country town of Gin Gin is a great location to base yourself while fishing in the area.

Lake Awoonga, just 30km from Gladstone, offers striking views. Enthusiastic anglers come here to catch the famed barramundi, of which over two million have been released into the lake.

Lake Callide is a short drive from Biloela. The Lake offers recreational facilities and rewarding fishing for a variety of freshwater species, most notably golden perch, barramundi and red claw.

Situated just north of Eidsvold, Lake Wuruma stocks a well maintained variety of fish. One of the few bass/barra lakes, it’s a great location for anglers wanting to tangle with two of Australia’s premier sportfishing targets. The lake holds recreational fishing competitions in the last weekend of February each year.

Fairbairn Dam (Lake Maraboon) is one of the largest lakes in Queensland, situated in close proximity to Emerald. Here, golden perch spawn in feeder-rivers and keep the lake well stocked. Alternatively, join in the annual Rocky Barra Bounty which is now one of Australia’s most popular tag-and-release contests held in the heart of Rockhampton each year.

The region offers both day and extended touring, helping you to make the most of your time out on the water. Whatever your preference, there is a wide range of accommodation options available throughout the region – everything from lake and beachfront camping, comfortable cabins, beachside holiday homes and self-contained apartments to luxury resorts for the five-star angler!

For more information about your next fishing adventure or to order your Free Holiday Fishing Pack call 1300 761 721 or visit www.southernbarrierreef.com.au. – Tourism Queensland