You’re guaranteed to catch a fish at Port Douglas – just as you’re guaranteed to get seasick on a game fishing boat. This is unquestionably one of the best sport and game fishing locations on the planet.
Port Douglas is nestled between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. It offers hundreds of popular reef and estuary fish species for both sport and table fishing.
The best time of year for game fishing is between October and December. You can expect to see Tuna, Sailfish, Dolphin Fish, Wahoo, Giant Trevally and of course, the formidable Pacific Black Marlin.
Reef fishing is best around June to October. You can expect to catch Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Nannygai (Sea Perch), Cobia, Cod and Mackeral. The charter boats usually go out about 15 – 25 miles off shore for a full day at sea. (Note: some reef areas have fishing restrictions).
River/Estuary fishing has the longest season from October to April. Expect to pull in a barramundi or two (but be warned, there are bag limits). Estuary fishing is calm and relaxed which makes it more suitable for the inexperienced angler and kids.
If you still want more after a long successful day at sea you can fish from the shore. Just follow the locals to their favourite haunts and only use live bait such as prawns, squid and pilchards.

Hidden away a short 35km from Brisbane is one of Australia’s natural jewels, one of the world’s largest sand islands. The destination, spectacular Moreton Island, is an interesting 75-minute ferry ride from the Port of Brisbane but ultimately worth the journey. This is truly one of nature’s most stunning wonders.

Formed over approximately 6000 years ago, Moreton Island is a natural sand island located in the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Recognized as an ecologically sensitive area, The Moreton Island National Park was created in 1966 and encompasses 98% of the island.

A wide variety of vegetation, wildlife and marine life call the island, and its surrounding waters home. This diversity makes the virtually untouched island an extremely popular destination for those seeking to be close to nature. There are four “towns” or settlements on the island therefore there are accommodations and tours available.

One of the most delightful activities that you can participate in occurs in the evening at the Tangalooma Resort. Wild dolphins come in to a feeding area in order to get fish from hands of guests. The experts determine how many people can take part in the feeding and the others watch from the jetty. Although the time that you get to spend with the dolphins is short, it is an exhilarating interactive experience.

Whale watching tours are becoming increasingly popular in this area. Tour companies take you out to see the majestic humpback whales at play during “whale season”, May to October. During the tours, a knowledgeable commentator will inform you about these amazing mammals. If you are fortunate, the whales will be performing their aquatic aerobics near the boat. The sight of a monstrous creature rising out of the ocean with apparent ease leaves you in awe of their power and grace.

You will see 4WD vehicles on Moreton Island and there are some great opportunities to see the island that way. The vehicles must have a permit before they are allowed on the island and there are areas where they are not allowed. If you drive, do remember that this beautiful area should be treated with respect and refrain from traveling off-road with wild abandon.

Camping on Moreton Island and hiking through the wonderful terrain is an excellent vacation. Permits for camping are available only on the mainland so be sure to get the permit before heading off on your vacation.

This island has so much to do and see that a day trip just won’t allow you to see it all. It is home to Mt Tempest, which at 280m, is reputed to be the world’s highest sand dune; Cape Moreton lighthouse constructed in 1857; the Blue Lagoon, the most accessible perched lake on the island; and about 40km of incredible beaches that tantalize and beckon to those that see them.

More than a half million visitors a year flock to this gorgeous coastal area. Surfers, wine aficionados, cave explorers, whale watchers and eco-tourists alike are drawn like moths to a flame by the incredible opportunities offered in this region. An easy three-hour drive from Perth brings you to this breathtaking region with its Mediterranean type climate.

This surfer’s paradise stretches over 130 km of incredible coastline and produces some of the most consistent, high quality waves found anywhere. Thirty years or so ago, this area was mainly dairy farms that were struggling. Once the surfers discovered the magnificent breaks offering a range of difficulty from novice to advanced, they started coming to the area in droves.

As wine growing techniques and knowledge got more advanced, a substantial planting was done in 1967 and the wine business has grown steadily ever since. This region is the largest geographic wine area in Australia with more than 5500 ha planted in vines. The 120+ wine producers in the Margaret River Wine Region account for about 20% of Australia’s premium wines however just 3% of the country’s wine is produced here. That is quite an accomplishment for one of the newer wine regions.

For those that are staying for an extended period and are looking for a variety of things to do, whale watching in this area is spectacular. From June to September, Augusta’s Flinders Bay provides an excellent opportunity to experience the unique opportunity of watching Humpback whales and South Right whales interacting. Geographe Bay in the north of the region offers great whale watching between September and December. Blue whales, another endangered species, have been seen visiting these waters. Watching these graceful, endangered mammals is truly magical.

Exploring caves is another activity that will captivate you. More than 150 stunning caves lie under towering Karri forest. These cave develop with the rapid drainage of underground water. Many of the caves have an almost mystical quality. Mammoth Cave, Jewel Cave and Lake Cave are just three of the caves that will transport you into a magical world that exists only in each cave. In each of these caves, the name is very appropriate. The incredible size of Mammoth Cave and the presence of so many fossils will astound you. Lake Cave’s lake, amazing light and the calcite formation called Suspended Table will take your breath away. Jewel Cave has stunning formations and it is a rare jewel among tourist caves.

Margaret River has all of this and so much more. A holiday destination that is well worth a visit, you will find your days filled with wonder and awe as you enjoy all that the region offers.