Carnarvon Fishing and Boating
It’s said that there are more boat owners in WA than anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere, and with fishing and boating conditions as good as you’ll find off the Coral Coast, we’re not surprised. The ocean is teeming with fish just waiting to be caught, and you don’t even need to head out to sea to land a beauty. Join the locals and fish off the footbridge in town or head to Miaboolya Beach for a spot of crabbing and fishing for Tailor, Western Yellowfin Bream, Mulloway or Mangrove Jack.
FISHING AROUND CARNARVON
Dwyer’s Leap is a great little spot on the Gascoyne River mouth, you can catch Mangrove Jack, Bream, Whiting, Flathead. Best on incoming tide. Located on Babbage Island Road, approximately 3 km drive from town centre.
Town Beach is where you will catch Flathead, Bream and Whiting. Further on, you will find Pelican Point at the end of Pelican Point road, you can catch Bream, Whiting and Flathead in shallows and Tailor, Shark and Trevally in deeper parts of the channel.
North of Carnarvon, you will find Miaboolya Beach. The nearshore waters of Miaboolya Beach are the only known nursery for Tailor in the Gascoyne. At Miaboolya, you may also see Mulloway, Flathead, Giant Threadfin, Goldspotted Rockcod, Mangrove Jack, Western Yellowfin Bream, Dart, Yellowfin Whiting and Goldenline Whiting – as well as crustaceans such as crabs, prawns and mantis shrimp.
Boating Around Carnarvon
Carnarvon Boat Harbour is an important hub for the commercial fishing industry and recreational boating community.
The boat harbour facilities include Bickley Wharf, a boat ramp, and two service jetties. There is also a range of boat pen and mooring options for recreational and commercial vessels.
The Fascine mouth has recently been reopened to vessels allowing clear passage to the calm waters of the Fascine and Carnarvon Yacht Club.
Carnarvon is centrally located between the Shark Bay Heritage area and Ningaloo Reef, making it a great place to rest before continuing your journey north or south. It is also home to the world's largest sea grass bank, and the nearby Gascoyne River mouth is popular for fishing, swimming, wind surfing and kite surfing.
Bernier and dorre ISLAND FISHING
Bernier and Dorre Islands are located some distance off the coast of Carnarvon and are accessible by boat. These islands are one of Carnarvon’s best kept fishing secrets. Fish such as Pink Snapper, Spangled Emperor, Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Groper, Cod, Spanish Mackerel & Cobia are just a few of the fish species caught in the area. The best time to visit the islands is from April to October. Bernier Island allows access during the day only and no camping permitted on the island.
Dorre Island is an A1 class reserve meaning access onto the island is prohibited at all times, however there are many bays around both islands in which you can anchor and sleep on your boat overnight. During the months of May to November it is common to spot whales frolicking in the crystal-clear waters during their migration period.
For tide times and fishing tips contact the Carnarvon Visitor Centre or drop by Telomac Tackle and Camping for some inside information. Please be mindful that there are a number of sanctuary zones along the coast where fishing is not permitted.
WANT TO CATCH A CRAYFISH?
An Australian first, Heli-Crayfish Adventure with Coral Coast Helicopter Services. Depending on the weather, your pilot will take you on helicopter flight over to a secret spot off the coast of Carnarvon. Don't panic, if you're thinking 'I've never caught a crayfish in my life', this is what your experienced helicopter pilot and snorkel guide are here for. The day wouldn't be completed without lounging around on the pristine beaches, where you will cook up your freshly caught crayfish for lunch.
If we haven't convinced you yet, this definitely will. Watch Young Bloods legend Brodie Moss on board Coral Coast Helicopter Services on their Heli-Crayfish Adventure.
This is a remote destination, and you will be required to travel on unsealed roads. Weather events may impact road conditions.
Please check the road safety reports and ensure your vehicle is adequately equipped prior to commencing your journey.
We have provided the following links for your convenience.