Travelling by caravan allows you to truly immerse yourself in everything Western Australia has to offer. Some of WA’s top caravan destinations have access to incredible fishing, and you could reel in an awesome catch before continuing along in your luxury off-road caravan. Here are five must-see fishing sights to add to your itinerary on your next caravan trip.
MARGARET RIVER
Margaret River has more than just world-class wines, but also amazing fishing opportunities. Situated 277 miles south of Perth, you can make it to the river in just a few hours, especially when behind the wheel of a safe and reliable folding camper trailer. This is a hotspot for snapper, as well as tailor, abalone, and crayfish. Sugarloaf Rock is one of the best areas to try and accessible by all 4WD vehicles, but make sure it’s calm outside. Otherwise, try Yallingup, Torpedo Rocks, or Smiths Beach nearby.
FITZROY RIVER
They may be on opposite ends of the state, but both the Margaret and Fitzroy Rivers are in demand for memorable caravan trips and fishing experiences. You’ll have to embrace the camping lifestyle for a few days to reach the Fitzroy River from Perth, as it runs through the West Kimberley with 20 tributaries and a catchment area spanning 93,829 kilometres. It drains into the Canning Basin and Timor Sea, and water levels rise significantly during the wet season. You can camp and hook Barramundi at the same time, or test your luck at salmon, catties, and mud crabs. Keep in mind the Fitzroy River is a protected area for endangered sawfish, so if you hook one you must release it straight away.
SHARK BAY
Would an all-out Australian fishing adventure be complete without a visit to Shark Bay? We don’t think so. After winding along the stunning scenery of WA’s rugged highways in one of the best hybrid caravans, arrive in the Gascoyne region for an unforgettable day of Shark Bay fishing. It’s about 832 kilometres from Perth, so you could do it in a day if you’re in a hurry, or take your time travelling through farming and wildflower country. It’s a worthwhile trip once you’re casting a line in Shark Bay, where 320 fish varieties live among a wide range of reptiles and birds. Flathead, Grass Emperor, and Pink Snapper are a few great options to fish for.
Montebello Island Finally, make sure you add Montebello Island to your list of must-try fishing spots for your next caravan trip. It’s a bit of a journey, but nothing an Australian adventurer caravan can’t handle. Montebello means “beautiful mountain” in Italian and there’s certainly no shortage of gorgeous elevation throughout this archipelago of 174 tiny islands. Located 130 kilometres off the coast of Pilbara in the far northwest part of the state, this is a great spot to finish off your caravan fishing trip. Find the best place for caravan camping in Karratha and charter a boat to get you out to this crayfish, marlin, and Spanish mackerel hotspot.
