Fishing
Hinchinbrook Way
The Hinchinbrook Shire offers a full spectrum of world class fishing opportunities within an hour’s drive of Ingham.
Experience beach fishing off the pristine Hinchinbrook coastline, jetty fishing from Lucinda and Dungeness fishing wharfs, freshwater fishing in the rugged Herbert River Gorge, Barramundi fishing in the tranquil waters of the Hinchinbrook Channel, or classic blue water game and/or reef fishing on the Great Barrier Reef.
Coveted the world over, Hinchinbrook offers arguably some of the best fishing experiences set amongst picture postcard scenery.
Throw a line casually from a secluded beach, or from a tinny in a tranquil sheltered creek, or get adventurous and discover the wide-open waters of the Coral Sea; Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Coral Trout, Red Emperor and Mud Crabs… the rewards are bountiful! Discover Hinchinbrook Island, Australia’s largest Island National Park and also the meeting place of two of Queensland’s unique natural features; The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage areas. This means the surrounding estuaries and creeks are protected from commercial net fishing.
Before heading out on the water, ensure you are aware of transit lanes, fishing zones in the Marine Park, Dugong protection areas, size and bag limits and seasonal closures for some fish species such as Barramundi.
The must do fishing experiences in Hinchinbrook
- Catching the iconic Barramundi
- Chasing Mangrove Jacks through the mangrove lined inlets of the Hinchinbrook Channel
- Heading out for a day on the Great Barrier Reef for some classic blue water fishing
- Setting pots for delicious local mud crabs
- Casting from a tinny around the piers of Lucinda Jetty for Queenfish and Giant Trevally
- Taking a Heli-fishing tour up into the rugged Herbert River Gorge for some remote area sweet water fishing
Dungeness
Live Stream
Fishing Charters
IN Hinchinbrook
Hinchinbrook boasts a number of excellent local fishing charter operators who can offer you a variety of first-class guided fishing experiences that may be tailored to your specific requirements. Local charters depart from Dungeness Boat Ramp Facility, a two-minute drive from Lucinda.
Crackajack Sportfishing Charters
Address: Dungeness Road, Lucinda
Phone: 07 4777 2968
Mobile: 0417 192 318
Email: barra@crackfish.com
Website: www.crackfish.com
Hinchinbrook Adventures
Address: Hanger 2 Airport, Ingham
Mobile: 0409 206 686
Email: heli@hinchinbrookadventures.com.au
Website: www.hinchinbrookadventures.com.au
Zeikel Tours
Address: 66 John Dory Street, Taylors Beach
Mobile: 0424 666 883
Email: bill@zeikel.com.au
Website: www.zeikeltours.com.au
Fishing Lodges
IN Hinchinbrook
Hinchinbrook boasts some of the most conveniently located Fishing Lodges for your stay here with us. When you stay in the Hinchinbrook Region, you’ll get more than just comfortable accommodation; you’ll get genuine local insights, advice, and recommendations to make your fishing trip a memorable one! Be ready to go at the crack of dawn for your daily fishing expeditions in the Hinchinbrook Channels, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Palm Island Group of Islands.
Hinchinbrook Marine Cove Resort
Address: 54 Dungeness Road, Lucinda
Phone: 07 4777 8395
Email: stay@hinchinbrookmarinecoveresort.com.au
Website: www.hinchinbrookmarinecoveresort.com.au
Hinchinbrook Resorts
Address: 1 Denney Street, Lucinda
Phone: 1800 002 338
Email: res@hinchinbrookresorts.com.au
Website: www.hinchinbrookresorts.com.au
Lucinda Fishing Lodge
Address: 3 – 7 Denney Street, Lucinda
Mobile: 0477 999 900
Email: fish@lucindafishinglodge.com.au
Website: www.lucindafishinglodge.com.au
Zeikel Lodge
Address: 66 John Dory Street, Taylors Beach
Mobile: 0424 666 883
Email: bill@zeikel.com.au
Website: www.zeikeltours.com.au
Boat Ramps in Hinchinbrook
Dungeness Boat Ramp
Dungeness Boat Ramp is one of the most popular and easily accessible boat ramps within the region.
The boat ramp is perfectly located, a two-minute drive from Lucinda, providing a gateway to the Hinchinbrook Channel, Hinchinbrook Island and Great Barrier Reef and access to some of the best fishing in North Queensland. The facility includes a four-lane concrete boat ramp, boat wash down area, vessel servicing pontoon, large parking area in close proximity to the ramp, security lighting and toilets.
Mona Landing Boat Ramp
Mona Landing Boat Ramp is situated in Halifax, right on the Herbert River.
The boat ramp is a single lane gravel ramp with a small gravel car park conveniently located adjacent to the ramp. The positioning of Mona Boat Ramp is well sheltered and is accessible in all weather. Once you are launched and ready to go, you will cruise the Herbert River for 15 minutes before reaching the Hinchinbrook Channel.
Taylors Beach Boat Ramp
Taylors Beach Boat Ramp is situated on the sandy Victoria Inlet.
Facilities include a double lane concrete ramp, wash down facilities for boats, security lighting and toilets.
The launch site is ideal for fishing and crabbing on the beach and in the estuary.
Taylors Beach Boat Ramp is only accessible during high tides.
Forrest Beach Boat Ramp
Forrest Beach Boat Ramp is situated on the beachfront andgives access to the nearby Great Barrier Reef and islands of the Hinchinbrook region.
Facilities provide a single lane concrete ramp, large bitumen carpark in close proximity of the ramp, security lights, toilets and boat wash down facilities. As the ramp is exposed to weather, rough waves, and tides, you must monitor the weather and tides before launching. The ramp puts you in close proximity to the Palm Island Group, including Orpheus Island and Pelorus Island.
Cassady Beach Boat Ramp
Cassady Beach Boat Ramp is located on a small tributary just south of Forrest Beach and offers easy access to estuary fishing.
Facilities include a single lane concrete ramp, boat wash down facilities and a small direct carpark.
Please be aware, the ramp is not accessible at low tide.
Boat Transit Lanes in Hinchinbrook
Transit lanes and speed limits give boaters the opportunity to help protect Hinchinbrook’s marine species and habitats from the effects of boating activities. The Hinchinbrook waterways are home to one of the largest remaining Dugong populations as well as both Flatback and Green Turtles. We need to be aware of these and many other animals that call Hinchinbrook home.
Missionary Bay Transit Lanes: These transit lanes encourage boaters to use specific routes and travel at slow speeds when travelling over seagrass beds where Dugongs and Marine Turtles regularly visit to graze.
Hinchinbrook Channel Transit Lanes: Hinchinbrook Channel transit lanes encourage boating to take place in deeper waters, away from our friendly marine life and seagrass.
Boat Speed and Boat Strikes in Hinchinbrook
The use of transit lanes reduces the risk of boat strikes and habitat displacement, protecting animals such as Dugongs and Marine Turtles.
Boaters are asked to adhere to the following boat speeds when travelling through transit lanes to reduce the chance of a boat strike and to aid in the protection of marine creatures.
- 25 knots or less is encouraged along the transit lanes
- Reduce speed to below 10 knots in Dugong Protection Areas and over seagrass beds, or upon seeing a large marine animal close by.
FIshing supplies
IN Hinchinbrook
Halifax Home Brew and Tackle
Located on Macrossan Avenue, the friendly staff at Halifax Homebrew and Tackle provide a large range of supplies for when you’re out on the water, along with extensive local knowledge. When it comes to fishing in the Hinchinbrook Area, Halifax Homebrew and Tackle want to ensure you have the greatest experience possible.
On Offer:
- Fishing Tackle
- Boating and Trailer Accessories
- Camping Supplies
- Bicycle Parts
- Dive Gear – Goggles and Fins
- Spearfishing Supplies
Address: 32 Macrossan Street, Halifax
Phone: 07 4777 7234
Mobile: 0419 375 620
Lucinda Bait and Tackle
The Tackle Shop on the Boat Ramp! Located right next to the Dungeness Boat Ramp, you will find good quality tackle at affordable prices, and everything else you might need for your fishing adventure. Open every day and No Boat Ramp Tax!!
On offer:
- Bait
- Ice
- Tackle
- Fishing apparel
- Snacks
- Gifts
Address: 54 Dungeness Road, Lucinda
Phone: 074 4777 8395
Mobile: 0477 999 900
Taylors Beach Holiday Park
Apart from being a fisherman friendly Caravan Park, you can head to the Taylors Beach Holiday Park and find a one-stop shop that will provide you with everything you require for a successful fishing day!
On offer:
- Bait
- Tackle
- Fishing apparel
- Rods & Reels
- Ice
- Gifts
Address: 87 – 99 John Dory Street, Taylors Beach
Phone: 07 4777 8560
Email: taylorsbeach@bigpond.com
Sportspower
The friendly team at Sportspower Ingham, located on Herbert Street, are happy to share their local knowledge as well as cater to your active outdoor needs, including all your fishing necessities!
On offer:
- Bait
- Tackle
- Fishing apparel
- Eskies
- Gifts
Address: 2/57 Herbert Street, Ingham
Phone: 07 4776 2929
Boating around the Islands within the Hinchinbrook region
Hinchinbrook Island: Hinchinbrook Island rises from the sea to incredible heights, with a stunning peak of over 1100 metres at Mt Bowen. It also forms the eastern boundary of the Hinchinbrook Channel, a unique feature of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The island, Australia’s largest Island National Park, is surrounded by a diversity of marine habitats including mangroves, fringing reef and seagrass beds. These habitats provide food and shelter to a variety of animals including dugongs, turtles and estuarine crocodiles.
Brook Islands: The Brook Islands boast sand beaches fringed with rainforest amongst a landscape of nationally significant appeal.
An extensive network of fringing coral reefs links the three northern islands, and provides excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. These vulnerable reefs are protected by “No Anchoring” zones. The Reef Protection markers, which are white pyramid-shaped marker buoys, help to identify these locations.
Public moorings are also available for public use at Brook Island and should be used whenever possible, instead of anchoring to avoid causing damage to coral.
In order to protect nesting birds, you are not permitted to land on the islands of North, Middle and Tween. Access to South Island is permitted between 1 April and 30 September.
For further information about the management plans for each of these islands, please contact EHP.
Goold and Garden Islands: The tall, densely forested cone of Goold Island, located in the centre of Rockingham Bay, is an impressive sight from all directions. Dugongs and turtles can be seen surfacing as they graze on the extensive seagrass beds in the shallow water to the south and west of Goold Island, and also in areas near Garden Island.
Palm Islands: Most of the beautiful Palm Islands are managed under a Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) to the Palm Island Aboriginal Community. The Palm Islands (except Pelorus and Orpheus) should only be visited with agreement from the Palm Island Council, who can be contacted on (07) 4770 1177. Orpheus Island and Pelorus Island offer sheltered bays with coral reefs for snorkelling and diving, and camping is permitted in Orpheus Island National Park. Orpheus Island also hosts a scientific research station, run by James Cook University.
Marine Wildlife in Hinchinbrook
When heading out for a day on the water, whether you are out for a scenic cruise or to hunt down the biggest catch of the day; keep an eye out for marine life, you never know what you might see!
Dugongs and Turtles
Dugongs are the only fully vegetarian marine mammal. Herds of Dugong can be seen grazing on the extensive seagrass beds around the Hinchinbrook group of islands. Dugongs can grow up to 3 metres long and weigh up to 400 kilograms.
Six of the seven species of Marine Turtles inhabit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and all six are protected. Marine Turtles are regularly encountered throughout the Hinchinbrook region.
Whales and Dolphins
Humpback whales are regularly sighted in the Hinchinbrook region from May to September. Having spent the summer feeding in Antarctic waters, they migrate north to breed. As their population grows, many more people are encountering these magnificent creatures when boating around Hinchinbrook waters. The Hinchinbrook region is home to a variety of dolphin species, including the rarely seen Australian Snubfin dolphin, which can be spotted inshore.
Off Beach Fishing in Hinchinbrook
Set yourself up in front of the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal, and you will find yourself a perfect quiet spot alongside the locals. If you’re lucky, you may be able to snag a Golden Trevally or Tuna, just to name a few.
Keep your eyes out for Pelican Bob, the local who has a special knack of chatting to the local pelicans who cruise this area of the beach!
Keep an eye out for crocodiles in this neighbourhood and avoid going into the water, remember you’re in Croc Country!
The convenience of BBQ’s, shelters, a playground and public toilets are a short stroll away.
Head to Dungeness where you will find some great spots to drop a line. Set up camp on the floating pontoons or find a secret spot near the boat ramp. This area has a playground, BBQ area and toilets conveniently close by.
Taylors Beach is a peaceful coastal village centrally positioned between Forrest Beach and Lucinda and is regarded as an angler’s paradise by locals. Taylors Beach, with Orpheus Island and the surrounding reefs only a short distance away, offers a diverse range of fish. When you visit Taylors Beach, bring your fishing rod and get ready for some serious relaxation.
Grab yourself a beach chair, sun umbrella and esky and make your way down to Forrest Beach. Head towards the Forrest Beach Boat Ramp and you will spot the locals dotted along the beach front casting off a line. You could snag a Giant Herring, Silver Trevally, Skippy or Whiting. After some heavy rain you will find some great spots near the mouth of the creek, which leads to the ocean. Mulloway, the king of all beach fish, may be found in this area.
Fishing off Lucinda Wharf
Adjacent to the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal, you will find the Lucinda Fishing Wharf located within prime fishing real estate.
An idyllic fishing jetty, jutting out into the Hinchinbrook Channel and offering spectacular views of Hinchinbrook Island and the surrounds. Just by dropping a line from this wharf, you can be in for an exciting catch of Barramundi, Fingermark, Grunter, Trevally, Mackerel and Queenies.
Be Croc Safe in Hinchinbrook!
Estuarine Crocodiles inhabit coastal waters within the Hinchinbrook region and are a protected species. Visit www.ehp.qld.gov.au for information on how to be ‘Croc wise’.Marine Stingers in Hinchinbrook
- Marine Stingers including the Box Jellyfish and Irukandji frequent the Hinchinbrook region waters.
- Stingers are most likely to be present between November and May, but can be found at any time of the year.
- Always wear protective clothing such as stinger suits when entering the water.
- Fatalities have also occurred at boat ramps — make sure you protect your legs when treading water.
Zoning in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is divided into zones to ensure the protection of the flora and fauna that call it home, and to enable activities to take place in a sustainable manner. Before you go boating or fishing, make sure you pick up a free Zoning map. These are available from:
- Halifax Homebrew and Tackle
- Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Website – GBRMPA – Maps and free app
Another great tool is downloading the Eye on the Reef App where you will have access to zoning maps on your device and understand zone rules in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. GBRMPA – Eye on the Reef zoning app
Fish Size, Possession Limits and Closures in Hinchinbrook
A number of fish species are protected (e.g., Queensland Grouper, Barramundi Cod and Maori Wrasse), which means they cannot be harmed or taken. Some seasonal closures are in place to protect species during spawning. These closures prohibit the taking of specific species during a particular time of the year.
DAF have successfully created an app called QLD Fishing 2.0 that will clearly show you:
- Fish species
- Queensland fishing rules
- Possession limits
- Size limits
- Closures
For further information, head to Recreational fishing rules | Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland (daf.qld.gov.au)
IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS
IN Hinchinbrook
Ingham Coastguard: 0429 778 110 or VHF Channel 16 & 81
Cardwell Coastguard: 0427 668 556 or VHF Channel 16 & 82
Tully Coastguard: 0427 669 300
Innisfail Coastguard: 0448 130 075
Injured, sick, orphaned or stranded wildlife: 1300 ANIMAL (26 46 25)
Fish kills, oil spills or pollution: 1300 13 03 72
Search and Rescue: 1800 64 17 92
Girringun Aboriginal Corporation: 07 4066 8300
Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre: 07 4776 4792
Rainforest & Reef Information Centre (Cardwell): 07 4066 8601
Environment & Heritage Protection (EHP): 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA): 07 4750 0700
ILLEGAL FISHING
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (Ingham): 07 4776 1611
GBRMPA Compliance Hotline: 07 4726 0588 Fish Watch: 1800 017 116