The Coffs Coast is truly a fisher’s paradise — with calm estuaries, sheltered creeks, bustling marinas, and ocean beaches offering diverse fishing experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing that next big catch or a family teaching the kids to cast their first line, you’ll find plenty of great spots near BIG4 Park Beach, BIG4 Sawtell Beach, Woolgoolga Beach, and Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Parks.
Creek & Estuary Fishing – Easy, Family-Friendly Fun
One of the joys of fishing on the Coffs Coast is the number of calm, sheltered spots that are ideal for families and beginners:
🎣 Boambee Creek Estuary (near Sawtell) – A short drive from BIG4 Sawtell Beach, this estuary is a favourite for catching whiting, flathead, jewfish and bream. The fishing platforms at Boambee Creek Reserve (often called the “jewfish hole”) are perfect for novice anglers and make great picnic stops.
Coffs Coast
🎣 Bonville Creek (Bongil Bongil National Park) – This saltwater estuary near Sawtell offers peaceful surroundings, picnic areas, and sheltered water that’s perfect for fishing from the banks or a small boat. You might hook flathead, mullet or mangrove jack while surrounded by birdlife and nature.
🎣 Coffs Creek (near Coffs Harbour) – Ideal for families staying at BIG4 Park Beach, this calm waterway is great for casting a line for bream, whiting, and flathead. Local anglers love fishing under the bridge and along the shallows here.
Beach & Shore Fishing — Cast from the Sand or Rocks
If you’re more into beach or shore fishing, there’s plenty to explore along the coast:
🐟 Park Beach & Boambee Beach – These wide, sandy beaches offer access to deeper gutters close to shore. Target species like tailor, bream, whiting, and even mulloway when conditions are right.
🐟 Rocky Headlands & Breakwalls – Fishing from Gallows Beach, the Northern Breakwater, or from the iconic Coffs Harbour Jetty can yield a variety of fish including bream, trevally, and whiting. This is also a lovely way to combine a beach walk with a fishing trip.
🐟 Sawtell & Woolgoolga Headlands – Nearby rocky points around Sawtell and north towards Woolgoolga provide excellent shore fishing opportunities with the right tide and weather. Local anglers report catches of flathead, bream and other coastal species at these spots.
Offshore & Deep-Sea Fishing Adventures
For experienced anglers or those wanting something more adventurous, the waters off the Coffs Coast are rich with life thanks to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, where cool and tropical currents meet. While fishing in marine park zones requires awareness of local rules, charter boats out of Coffs Harbour offer half- or full-day trips targeting species like tuna, snapper, mahimahi and kingfish.
Fishing Tips for Coffs Coast Visitors
✔ Timing matters: Early mornings and late afternoons are often the most productive times.
✔ Tides count: Estuary and creek fishing tends to improve around tide changes.
✔ Licences: A valid NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required for most fishing across the coast – easy to organise online or before you head out.
✔ Gear up locally: Tackle shops in Coffs Harbour stock rods, reels, bait and advice – perfect for visitors needing equipment or local tips.
✔ BIG4 Park Beach and BIG4 Sawtell Holiday Parks sell bait and ice in the park shop.
Plan Your Fishing Holiday with Us
Whether you’re casting from a calm creek near, dropping a line off Park Beach, or exploring estuaries around Woolgoolga, the Coffs Coast has fishing experiences for all ages and skill levels. And when you’re ready to relax after a day on the water, return to your comfortable park site or villa – where good food, family-friendly facilities, and ocean views await.
Call 1800 200 555 or visit coffscoastholidayparks.com.au to plan your next fishing getaway on the Coffs Coast!
