Fishing

Hervey Bay Fishing Charters. This family-run business caters to all levels of experience with its half- and full-day fishing trips through the waters off Fraser Island. Morning tea, lunch, refreshments, bait, tackle, and fish cleaning is all included. Private and overnight charters are also available upon request. 51 Tristania Crescent, Urangan, Queensland, 4655. 07/4125–3958; 0427/621–623; www.herveybayfishingcharters.com.au. From A$150 .

Offshore, Fraser Island. All freshwater fish are protected on Fraser Island, so you can't fish in lakes or streams, but just offshore is one of Australia's richest, most diverse fishing areas, with whiting, flathead, trevally, red emperor, snapper, sea perch, coronation trout, cod, and, in summer, mackerel, cobia, amberjack, and more. This is partly due to the diversity of habitat; choose between estuary, surf beach, reef, sport, and game fishing. On reef-fishing trips dolphins are commonly sighted, as are whales in season.

When angling off Fraser Island beaches and jetties, follow NPRSR guidelines. To discourage dingoes and other undesirable visitors, clean fish away from campsites and dispose of scraps carefully (bury fish scraps at least a foot below the tide line). Some beaches are closed to fishing during August and September, and bag and size limits apply to some species: for details, go to www.nprsr.qld.gov.au. Fraser Island, Queensland. www.nprsr.qld.gov.au.