12 Fishing Spots Sydney 2025: A Fisher’s Guide
Sydney is known not just for its sparkling harbours and iconic skyline, but also for being a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner casting from a wharf or a seasoned angler heading out to sea, Sydney offers a diverse range of fishing locations.
In this guide, we dive into the best fishing spots Sydney to help you plan your next outing. Aside from listing the best fishing locations, we’ll also explore the common fish species you might encounter and outline important licensing regulations. Dive in now and get ready for your next fishing adventure!
Top Fishing Spots in Sydney
Here are the curated good fishing spots in Sydney, offering diverse environments from estuaries to rocky headlands and freshwater reserves.
1. Clifton Gardens
Nestled in Mosman, Clifton Gardens boasts a scenic jetty that's especially active at night. Anglers often target squid, yellowtail, leatherjackets, and even kingfish during the warmer months. The surrounding waters are calm, making it an ideal location for beginners and seasoned fishers alike.
2. Cooks River
Winding through Sydney’s inner suburbs, Cooks River delivers surprisingly rich fishing opportunities in an urban setting. Around the Tempe area, bream, mullet, and flathead are common catches. The riverbanks are accessible and ideal for short, spontaneous sessions without needing to leave the city.
3. Hornby Lighthouse, Watsons Bay
Perched at the South Head entrance of Sydney Harbour, this iconic spot draws rock fishing enthusiasts targeting tailor, kingfish, and bonito. The panoramic ocean views are stunning, but the rocky terrain requires caution and proper gear for safety.
4. Parsley Bay
A picturesque inlet in Vaucluse, Parsley Bay blends fishing with family leisure. The wharf provides access to trevally, leatherjackets, and the occasional squid. It’s a peaceful setting that works well for relaxed fishing days.
5. Hawkesbury River
This vast river system stretching into the Central Coast is a paradise for boat anglers. It’s home to mulloway, Australian bass, flathead, and bream.
For extended trips, a backup lithium battery or a boat dual battery setup is crucial to power your trolling motor for quiet navigation, run GPS, lighting, or charge devices.
A highly recommended combo is the EcoFlow 12V 100Ah Lithium Trolling Motor Battery, delivering 1280Wh capacity, 1280W continuous output, and an IP65 waterproof rating, perfect for rugged marine conditions.
To power fridges, electronics, or even a small electric grill onboard—ensuring you stay comfortable on longer fishing adventures—opt for a portable power station offering around 1,000–1,500Wh of capacity paired with a 200–300W solar panel. This setup lets you recharge throughout the day, keep your gear running, and focus on catching fish without worrying about running out of juice.
EcoFlow 12V 100Ah Lithium Trolling Motor Battery
6. Beulah Street Wharf
With sweeping views of the Harbour Bridge, this Kirribilli gem offers kingfish, bream, and trevally. It’s well-lit for night fishing and easily accessible, making it one of the most convenient spots for a quick session after work.
7. Browns Rock
Located near La Perouse, Browns Rock is a go-to for serious rock anglers. Deep water close to shore means access to species like drummer, bonito, and kingfish. The environment can be challenging, so it’s best suited for experienced fishers with appropriate safety gear.
8. Manly Dam
For freshwater fans, Manly Dam is a peaceful haven. Stocked with Australian bass, it’s a favorite among kayak anglers. With no motorised boats allowed, it offers a quiet, undisturbed fishing experience.
9. Camp Cove, Watsons Bay
Camp Cove is a well-known spot for beginner anglers and families. You can catch bream, flathead, and whiting close to the shore. The beach setting makes it one of the more comfortable and scenic spots for casual fishing.
10. Grays Point
Situated in the Royal National Park, Grays Point is excellent for estuary fishing. Flathead, tailor, and mulloway are common here. It’s ideal for kayak or bank fishing, with expansive shallow flats and tidal flows that make for productive sessions.
11. Huntleys Point Wharf, Parramatta River
A quieter wharf tucked along the Parramatta River, Huntleys Point delivers solid action with bream and flathead. It’s particularly good for night fishing due to minimal foot traffic and decent lighting. Locals appreciate its consistent performance year-round.
12. Botany Bay
Botany Bay is one of Sydney’s premier boat fishing locations, featuring deep channels, sand flats, and rocky reefs. Anglers can expect to catch flathead, bream, whiting, trevally, and even the occasional kingfish while trolling, drifting, or anchoring with ease.
To make the most of your day on the water, also remember to take a dependable marine battery, like the lightweight EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station featuring a 245Wh capacity in a compact, portable design, perfect for shorter trips or minimalist setups.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station
Common Fish Species in Sydney Waters
Now that you know the great fishing spots Sydney offers, let’s look at what you can catch. Sydney’s waters are home to a wide variety of popular and rewarding fish species. Here are some examples.
Bream
One of the most popular targets, bream are found year-round in estuaries, rivers, and bays. They’re known for their fight and taste. Best caught using prawns, worms, or soft plastics around structures like pylons and rocks.
Flathead
Easily recognizable and abundant, flathead are a favorite for both beginners and pros. You'll find them in the sandy bottoms of rivers and estuaries. Trolling or drifting works well for this ambush predator.
Kingfish
These powerful fish are often found around deeper waters near wharves, reefs, and rocky outcrops. Live bait and surface lures work best. Kingfish are a challenge due to their size and strength but offer a rewarding fight.
Australian Bass
A freshwater species often found in rivers like the Nepean and parts of the Hawkesbury. They’re especially fun to catch on surface lures in the early morning or late evening. Great sport fish for kayak anglers.
Fishing Regulations and Licensing in NSW
For any fishing beginner, it's helpful to know some fishing regulations before you kickstart your fishing.
In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, recreational fishing is regulated to ensure sustainable practices and the conservation of aquatic ecosystems. Key regulations and licensing requirements include:
Recreational Fishing Fee: Individuals aged 18 and over must pay this fee when engaging in activities such as spearfishing, hand lining, hand gathering, trapping, bait collecting, prawn netting, or when in possession of fishing gear near NSW waters. The fees are: $7 for 3 days, $14 for 1 month, $35 for 1 year, and $85 for 3 years.
Exemptions: Certain groups are exempt from paying the fee, including:
Children under 18 years of age.
Adults assisting a child under 18 using a single rod or dip/scoop net.
Aboriginal persons fishing in accordance with cultural practices.
Holders of specific concession cards, such as the Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card endorsed 'Totally and Permanently Incapacitated' or 'Extreme Disablement Adjustment'.
Fishing Rules: Regulations include size and bag limits to protect fish populations. For example, sand whiting have a minimum legal length of 27 cm and a daily bag limit of 20.
Protected Species: Certain species, like the Eastern Blue Groper, are protected. As of March 2025, a prohibition on line fishing for Eastern Blue Groper is in effect to allow for further research and monitoring.
In some areas, closed seasons and gear restrictions also apply, such as limits on the number of rods or types of nets used. For comprehensive information on regulations, licensing, and updates, refer to the NSW Department of Primary Industries' official website before each trip to avoid penalties.
Conclusion
Sydney is an angler’s paradise with fishing opportunities as diverse as the city itself. Whether you prefer tranquil bays, estuaries, freshwater lakes, or daring rock platforms, the fishing spots Sydney get you covered. With the right gear, knowledge of top fishing spots and regulations, and smart battery planning for your boat, you’re set for success. So grab your tackle box and head out—Sydney’s waters are calling!
FAQs
Where can I fish in Sydney?
You can fish in Sydney’s rivers, bays, wharves, and dams. Popular spots include Clifton Gardens, Hawkesbury River, and Cooks River. Options range from inner-city locations to scenic coastal and freshwater areas, catering to all skill levels.
Is Sydney good for fishing?
Absolutely. Sydney offers year-round fishing with a wide variety of species like bream, flathead, and kingfish. From rock fishing and estuary casting to freshwater kayak fishing, the city provides something for every angler, beginner or expert.
Do you need a fishing licence in Sydney?
Yes, adults aged 18 and over need to pay the NSW recreational fishing fee. The licence covers freshwater and saltwater fishing and must be carried as proof. Some exemptions apply, including children, Aboriginal people, and private dam anglers.
Are you allowed to fish in Sydney?
Fishing is allowed in most public areas of Sydney, but you must follow NSW regulations. These include licensing rules, bag limits, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions. Always check the latest local guidelines before heading out to fish.