Learning to fish with the whole family is a rite of passage for many young Aussies. When it comes to family-friendly fishing spots, Victorians are spoilt for choice. From freshwater to saltwater and surf fishing, whatever fishing gear you prefer to use, the state has got you well and truly covered.
Just before the start of the second and third term school holidays, over 60 Victorian lakes are stocked with 180g rainbow trout, making it even easier for kids to discover the joys of fishing for themselves.
Other types of fish you can expect to find in Victoria's family fishing locations include Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Redfin, Roach, Snapper, Short-Finned Eels, Perch, Whiting, Tench and Shark.
Remember: before you head off on your fishing expedition, you'll need a recreational fishing license for most spots, which you can buy here. You'll also need to make sure you have all of your gear ready, of course.
We've also curated a selection of four must-visit family-friendly fishing spots we think will have you hooked:
- Eildon Pondage, Eildon
Head northeast of Melbourne for a little over an hour and you’ll discover Lake Eildon – the majestic High Country’s jewel in the crown for fishing. Eildon Pondage is one of Victoria’s fishing meccas. It’s a trendy sport fishing area where you can cast your rod or fish landing nets and hook redfin, brown and rainbow trout, golden perch and the iconic Murray cod. Ten thousand yearling trout are seeded annually into the Pondage each year, during the school holidays and the last week of October. There's also an easy access jetty and playgrounds nearby (if the kids lose interest).
- Anglesea
No saltwater fishing list would be complete without Anglesea, located at the entrance of the Great Ocean Road. You can hire a boat at the estuary entrance or set a line along the superbly scenic beach while the non-fishing members of the family have a swim or sunbake. You'll find one of Victoria's most extensive varieties of saltwater fish here, including Snapper, King George Whiting, Flathead, Kingfish, Salmon, Squid, Tuna and Shark. And there’s plenty of tourist parks, motels and rental beach houses nearby to make an extended holiday of it.
- Jubilee Lake, Daylesford
Daylesford is a lovely little rural village set in spa country at the edge of the Wombat Forest. Just an hour from Melbourne, there's plenty to do and see for all the family. Jubilee Lake is close to the town centre, featuring hiking trails, a mineral spring, canoes, paddle boats and more. You could even rent a lakeside cabin from the holiday park and make it a proper fishing vacation. The lake is well stocked with 200 Rainbow Trout during the second and third term holidays plus Redfin and Tench, so it's easy to give your little ones a taste of fishing in a safe environment. An extra sweetener is that you can clean and cook your catch at the nearby BBQ facilities for the freshest seafood dinner imaginable.
- Albert Park Lake, Albert Park
In the heart of Melbourne lies Albert Park Lake, home of the Grand Prix and stocked with one thousand rainbow trout three times annually. You might also be lucky enough to bag a golden perch after the lake was stocked with thousands of sizeable yellow belly ten years ago. Surrounded by 560 acres of parklands, playgrounds, BBQ areas and recreational and sporting facilities, it’s the perfect place to set up your rod holder and watch the world go by.