Five catch-your-own fish farms to hook into this weekend
Maybe you’re not a keen angler and don’t have all those rods and tackle, much less a boat or clue where to go.But the idea of sitting by the water, perhaps with the kids or Grandpa and hooking a big one appeals, so what to do? You could always try a fish farm where the equipment is supplied, the dams are stocked with fish and catching something for dinner is pretty much guaranteed. Better still, these catch-your-own fish farms also include a nice drive in the countryside.
Old Vasse Trout and Marron Farm, Pemberton, Western Australia
WA’s south-west is a beautiful part of the world. Much of the area around Pemberton is national park and you can bet the waters are clear and the air is pure. Here, under spreading Karri trees, Old Vasse has a string of breeding ponds for rainbow trout and visitors who book ahead are welcome to throw in a line. The fishing and rod-hire fees are modest, and while you can’t catch the marron grown there, you can buy a few for a yummy entrée.
Tuki Trout Farm, Smeaton, Victoria
Once you discover Smeaton near Ballarat you’ll probably wonder why a place so accessible to Melbourne isn’t on everyone’s must-visit list. There’s the beautiful old 19th century bluestone mill and Tuki Trout Farm, which over the years has grown into a destination in itself with its cute cottage accommodation, restaurant and catch-your-own trout fishing. Borrow a rod and bond with the kids, then take home a stout trout for dinner and it’s a great day out.
Barramundi Adventures Darwin, Howard Springs, Northern Territory
They don’t do trout in the Northern Territory but if you feel like landing a big barra then Barramundi Adventures is perfect for the part time fisherman. Howard Springs is only 30 minutes out of Darwin and, if you brought the caravan, there’s a Big 4 holiday park nearby. The ponds are stocked with barra, mangrove jack and golden snapper so you can throw in a line, kick back at the bar and ice cream stand, and even barbecue your catch on-site.
Bli Bli Barra Fishing Park, Queensland
If you’re visiting Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast and all those beaches and waves are getting just too much, head inland to Bli Bli and practise your fishing skills at the Barra Fishing Park. It’s part of the local watersports complex (so boat-less water skiing is also an option) but the waters also contain some very decent sized barra. Hire a rod, set one up for the kids, hook a feed for dinner and you’ll feel like a king.
Eucumbene Trout Farm, Rocky Plain, NSW
So you’re in Canberra, or maybe exploring the mountainous Snowy River area on the NSW-Victorian border and looking for something different. Drop in to the Eucumbene Trout Farm at Stoney Creek where the trout are fattened for commercial sale and you catch one yourself. You’ll have to hire one of their rods so as not to contaminate the pristine waters and if you don’t want to fish, a tour of the farm is just as interesting.
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