Top 10 Places to Camp and Fish in Australia

Do you enjoy fishing? It’s a great activity to do (and with the kids too!) when you’re out on a road trip. So we’ve put together a selection of great camping spots where you can throw in a line and fish. Just remember to check the local fishing regulations and do some research about the area before heading out on your fishing adventures.

1. Lake Callide Retreat, Biloela QLD

Lake Callide is located in rural Queensland, approximately two hours south of Rockhampton. The Lake Callide Retreat offers affordable accommodation with self-contained cabins, and a family friendly caravan park with powered and unpowered sites.

Out on the Lake, you’ll have the opportunity to catch Barramundi, Yellow Belly, Saratoga, Redclaw, and Sleepy Cod. If you’re needing tackle, head to the Retreat’s kiosk which is open 7 days a week. You can also enjoy other recreation activities out on the dam, like water skiing, swimming, stand up paddle boarding, or kayaking.

Photo Credit – Banana Shire Council

2. NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park, QLD

The NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park is located in Queensland, approximately two hours’ drive north-west of Brisbane. The Park has powered and unpowered sites, and is “recognised for its high quality of bass fishing, often described as some of the best in Australia.”

You can fish from the shore or on the dam, and have the chance to catch Saratoga, Silver Perch, Golden Perch, Mary River Cod, and Australian Bass. You can also enjoy other water activities like wakeboarding, water skiing, jet skiing, and tubing.

3. Fishing Haven Holiday Park, Palmers Island NSW

The Fishing Haven Holiday Park is located near the coastline of New South Wales; it’s approximately halfway between Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour. The Park itself is situated adjacent to the Clarence River, which means you have fishing options right on your doorstep!

The Park has both powered and unpowered sites, and is pet friendly. It also has its own pontoon, a couple of jetties, and the option to hire a boat or kayak. Fishing licences can be acquired through reception and the Park has ice, bait, and tackle. Some of the types of fish you may catch are Jewfish, Bream, and Flathead.

Photo Credit – Fishing Haven Holiday Park NSW

4. Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park, Lake Macquarie NSW

The Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park is located in Swansea that abuts the shores of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales. The Park offers powered, unpowered, and ensuite sites, and with the lake on your doorstep, there’s lots of things to see and do.

The Lake itself is known to be a “Recreational Fishing Haven” and is “the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia” (NSW DPI). The Lake has a wide variety of fish like Bream, Tailor, Mulloway, Flathead, Yellowtail Kingfish, Sand Whiting, and Luderick.

5. NRMA Echuca Holiday Park, VIC

The NRMA Echuca Holiday Park is located right on the banks of the Murray River in Victoria. The Park has both powered and unpowered sites, and the opportunity for visitors to go fishing right on the doorstep!

Echuca is known to be “a fishing haven” so you’ll have lots of opportunities to catch fish. Some of these species include Silver Perch, Murray Cod, and Yellowbelly. There are also other exciting activities you can do in the area, like going for a ride on a paddle steamer, exploring the iconic town, or enjoying water sports such as kayaking.

6. Killarney Caravan Park, VIC

The Killarney Caravan Park is a hidden gem located along the coastline of Victoria, approximately 10 minutes’ drive from Port Fairy. It has both powered and unpowered sites, is pet friendly, and is a fantastic place to go fishing!

Whiting, Flathead, and Snapper are the main types of fish you’ll come across on your fishing adventure at Killarney Beach. The beach actually “boasts Victoria’s best whiting fishing”! You can also go swimming, snorkelling, paddling, and surfing.

Photo Credit – Killarney Beach Caravan Park VIC

7. Vivonne Bay Campground, Kangaroo Island SA

Looking to visit one of the best beaches in Australia? Then make sure to add the Vivonne Bay Beach to your itinerary! It’s located on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and “is a fantastic location for fishing (jetty, beach or boat), swimming, beach combing and surfing”.

The Vivonne Bay Campground has powered and unpowered sites, is pet-friendly, and there’s access to a general store on the main road. You can go fishing at the Bay via the river, jetty, rocks, or beach. There’s an array of fish you can catch, including Snapper, Swallowtail, Blue Groper, Flathead, and Tommies. Find out more about the different types of fish you can catch here.

8. Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort, Exmouth WA

The Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort is located in the coastal town of Exmouth in Western Australia, and is only a short drive to the world heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. The Resort offers powered and unpowered sites, pet-friendly options, and many things to see and do in the area.

Exmouth is a must-visit destination for those who really enjoy fishing. Some of the species you may catch include the North West Snapper, Blue Bone, Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Spanish Mackerel, and Mahi Mahi. There are many great fishing spots in the area, but just keep an eye out for the sanctuary zones where you’re not able to fish.

9. Murchison River Caravan Park, Kalbarri WA

Kalbarri is located in Western Australia and is listed as one of the state’s “best tropical and temperate fishing spots”. So we had to make sure this place made our list (even though we may be slightly biased with the location – we love our Kalbarri vans that are named after the Kalbarri National Park)!

The Murchison River Caravan Park is located in Kalbarri, just across the road from the Murchison River. The Park is home to one of Australia’s largest drive through sites, and offers both powered and unpowered sites. For your fishing adventure, you can fish from the beach, boat, or book a charter boat tour. The types of fish you may come across in the River include Small Tailor, Mangrove Jack, Soapy Mulloway, Black Bream, Yellowfin Bream, Giant Herring, and Whiting.

Photo Credit – Murchison River Caravan Park WA

10. Shady Camp, Mary River National Park NT

Located in the Northern Territory in the Mary River National Park, “Shady Camp is a popular spot for anglers”, and a great place for nature lovers. The campground is open to caravans, and has a nice picnic area and a scenic lookout.

Barramundi is the main fish you’ll catch, especially between March-April which is during the ‘run-off’ season. Just make sure to book your campsite online before visiting, and watch out for the local crocs!

And here’s one more just for good luck… 

11. Bay of Fires Conservation Area, TAS

If you’re going for a hop, skip, and a jump over the water to visit Tasmania, there’s a number of popular and free campsites to stay at in the Bay of Fires Conservation Area. This area is located along the east coast and is world-renowned for the striking orange boulders and clear blue waters.

There are a number of campsites to choose from with no bookings required, including Policemans Point, Grants Lagoon, Cosy Corner North and South, and Swimcart Beach which are suitable for longer caravans. Along the coastline, you’ll have the opportunity to catch Bream, Australian Salmon, and Flathead.

There it is, our top 10 (or 11!) places to camp and fish in Australia! If you have a photo of your recent camping/fishing trip, we’d love for you to share it with us on our Facebook page.

And if you’re needing a service for your van before heading away on your next road trip, make sure to book in now.

Please contact us direct at Winjana RV, and we will be very happy to assist and answer any questions.

Winjana RV (Adventure RV P/L)
Contact: Andrew Brennen on (07) 4638 3576