Ahhh the tall tales that are shared after a fishing expedition from the ones that got away, to the reason that the ones that were caught aren’t bigger. There is nothing more relaxing (some may say frustrating) than dropping in a line and watching the world go by as you wait for the fish to bite.
See what’s biting off the breakwater, fish from the beach or maybe try the fresh waters of the Hopkins or Merri Rivers. For boat fishing, launching ramps are available at the Breakwater, Hopkins River or Merri River.
If you are lucky (or skilled) enough you may hook some of the seasonal favourites like Snapper, Salmon, Mulloway, Bream, Mullet, Brown Trout, Whiting, Yellowtail King Fish, Blue Fin Tuna, Trevally and Estuary Perch. When you tell your story, feel free to embellish. It wouldn’t be a true fishing tale otherwise!
Fishing is about so much more than catching a fish. While it is certainly the main aim of the activity, the experience offers so many other benefits.
It is a great way to spend a day in the fresh sea air and take in the spectacular coastal scenery. Whether you chose the freshwater of the lakes and rivers or the expanse of the ocean, you can take in the beautiful landscapes and maybe spot some wildlife while you wait. Some of the popular spots include the Hopkins river for mulloway, bream and mullet and Logans Beach for snapper and gummy shark.
Fishing is a fantastic opportunity to spend time with the family, teaching the kids a new skill. Everyone can have a go at fishing at just about any age — be it a hand line or a massive surf rod, there is something that suits all sizes. Take a picnic, grab something at a local eatery or cook your catch on the public BBQs located in some of the local parks.
Even if you don’t hook a fish, the adventure and fun had over a fishing line will long be remembered — along with the stories of the one that got away!
All fishers, fresh and sea, need licences, even for collecting bait. Licence must be carried and produced on demand.
$6.00 for 48 hours
$12.00 for 28 days
$24.50 for 1 year
$66.00 for 3 years
Under 18, seniors card holders, 70+ years, carers, pensioners free
Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre, 89 Merri St (Licence only)
East Warrnambool Milkbar (O’Leary’s), Cnr Flaxman & Nicholson Sts (Licence & Bait)
K-mart, 150 Raglan Parade (Licence Only)
Hopkins River Caravan Park, 125 Jubilee Park Road (Licence & Bait)
Hopkins River Milk Bar, 8 Hopkins Road (Licence & Bait)
Warrnambool Holiday Park, Cnr Raglan Parade & Simpson Street (Licence & Bait)
Ray’s Outdoors, Raglan Parade (Online fishing Licence only & Bait)
Daktari Dive Shop, 453 Raglan Parade (Licence only)
Apco Service Sttion, 485 Raglan Parade (Bait only)
Department of Primary Industry (Online Licence only)
Download your Guide to Fishing in Warrnambool here.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
