Article by Jane Hillsdon
Port Macquarie is close to two great river systems (the Hastings and the Camden Haven), a coastal national park and offshore reefs. No wonder the region is a fisherman’s delight. Port Macquarie holidays can be all about a rod and reel, if you’d like them to be.
Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve
This nature reserve occupies a position right on the New South Wales coast, less than an hour’s drive north of Port Macquarie. The Pacific Highway may be the longer but faster way to get there, with local roads being the physically shorter route, but maybe a marginally longer route timewise. The local route, using Maria River Road skirts and crosses the Hastings river, and then runs along the edge of the Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve for much of its path. With the reserve occupying the coast, an interesting mix of vegetation co-exists, with the coastal heathlands and blackbutt forest giving way to the also present rainforests. With the beach here providing good fishing, in such a tranquil environment, everything is in readiness for a great day.
Hastings River
The Hastings River reaches the sea at Port Macquarie. Conveniently, several of its best fishing opportunities are very close to town. Several wharves in town, including the aptly named “Town Wharf” are decent spots to throw a line in. Holiday makers and families looking for a convenient spot to relax with a casual line in the water may find these locations well suited. Catches of whiting, bream and flathead are sure to bring a bit of excitement to a pleasant day outdoors at Settlement Point picnic area, also a popular fishing spot.
Camden Haven River
With the imposingly Buy cheap clomid online beautiful North Brother Mountain looking down upon Camden Haven, one can already appreciate the serene calm of the area, before one has even thought about moving attention to the serious business of catching some fish! Several different sections of the river are popular with anglers, and each can yield different varieties of fish. Mullet, bass and catfish can be caught in the upper part of the Camden Haven River, while bream, flathead and luderick make the lower estuarine reaches their home. A mixed bag of fish can be caught at the estuary mouth.
Watson Taylors Lake and Queens Lake
Running off Camden Haven River, these two lakes are the best spots to catch prawns and blue swimmer crabs. Night owls will be pleased – when conditions are right, the best catching is at night.
Deep Sea Fishing
If you have your own boat, there are several ramps to get you on the water. If not, several deep sea fishing charter operators work out of Port Macquarie. Offshore reef areas can yield kingfish, perch and snapper. Game fishing options are available to the north of Port Macquarie, where one can catch marlin, mackerel, tuna, wahoo and dolphin fish.
Where to Stay
Port Macquarie has a fantastic location, right on the Hastings river. Staying in town places one on the doorstep of the Hastings’ great fishing opportunities. With other good fishing options on Limeburgers Creek to the north, and Camden Haven River to the south, one really is centrally located. With 4.5 stars, the Mercure Centro Hotel offers luxury accommodation, right in the heart of Port Macquarie town.
Port Macquarie hotel staff may be able to give you a few little local tips about how to snare a great fish around Port Macquarie.
About the Author
4.5 star Mercure Centro Hotel Port Macquarie is the ideal accommodation and function venue choice, conveniently located in the heart of the Prot Macquarie CBD. For more information or to make a booking, visit Port Macquarie Accommodation.
