More than 2000 kilometres of coastline, the Australian Alps and other natural attractions draw visitors from all around the world to Victoria. But it’s not just the diverse landscape and the bustling city of Melbourne that are great for a visit. For an aspiring angler, Victoria has a lot to offer. But before you can cast your line, you’ll need to buy a Victoria fishing licence.
If you’re planning to fish in Victoria but are unsure how to go about getting the right licence for you, there’s no need to worry! We’ve gathered all the information you need in one handy article. After reading this, you can get out on the water without having to worry about the proper papers. So let’s get started.
Who needs a fishing licence in Victoria?
This first question is a very important one, and thankfully easily answered. Anyone between 18 and 70 years of age will need a valid fishing licence. The licence allows you to fish in public waters using any method. This includes line fishing, bait or shellfish collection, yabby fishing, prawning and spearfishing.
You’ll also need a valid licence if you’re just carrying fishing equipment in, on or next to public Victorian waters.
Who can fish without a licence?
As with any rule, there are exceptions. Some anglers are exempt from having to purchase a fishing licence in Victoria. Those are:
- Children under the age of 18
- Adults over 70 years of age
- Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal people or Torres Strait Islanders)
- Victorian Seniors Card or interstate equivalent cardholders
- Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner cardholders
- Veterans’ Affairs Repatriation Health cardholders (coded TPI)
- Commonwealth Pensioner Concession cardholders (coded DSP, DSP Blind, AGE, AGE Blind, or CAR)
You can find a detailed list with more information on the website of the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA).
How much does a Victoria fishing licence cost?
The price of your licence depends on how long you want to fish and where you buy it. There are four different categories to choose from: 3 days, 28 days, 1 year and 3 years. If you buy your licence online, the 1-year and 3-year licences are cheaper than if you buy them through other methods. Both of those licences are also available as a physical plastic card.
| Licence Type | Cost | Cost online |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Licence | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| 28-Day Licence | $23.40 | $23.40 |
| 1-Year Licence | $41.00 | $38.50 |
| 3-Year Licence | $111.00 | $105.20 |
Where can you buy a Victoria fishing licence?
You can get your licence through two different methods. No matter whether you’d like to speak to someone in person or if you prefer to handle things online, the VFA has got you covered.
- Online: The easiest and – for longer fishing licences – cheapest way of getting a Victoria fishing licence is to buy online. Simply access the Service Victoria website, put in your information and pay the fee. Payment options include credit card (Mastercard and Visa) as well as PayPal. You’ll receive a confirmation email which works as proof of payment and evidence of a valid licence. You can also create an account with Service Victoria and download their free mobile app. The app lets you share your licence with Fisheries Officers via bluetooth!
- From a licence outlet: If you’d rather handle your purchase in person, you can do so at any agent authorised to sell Victoria fishing licences. You can find the full list of licenced agents on the VFA website, sorted alphabetically by the name of the town. Keep in mind that, as we mentioned before, 1-year and 3-year licences are cheaper when bought online, whereas the 3 day and 28 day licences have no price difference.
Anything else you need to know?
Licence prices are subject to change and are updated on a yearly basis. The update happens on July 1st every year, so make sure to check back to make sure you have the correct information.
The Recreational Fishing Guide on the VFA website offers information on bag limits, permitted equipment, and anything else you might need to know if you’re heading out on your own. If English is not your first language, there are other language options available, too.
Do you have any further questions about getting a Victoria fishing licence? You can reach the VFA via phone at (03) 8392 6867 or send an email to [email protected]. For other fishing-related questions, or if you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can find further contact information on the VFA website here.
What happens if you lose your licence?
Should you happen to lose your licence, you can request a new one by sending an email to the VFA at [email protected]. You’ll get your replacement licence within two days via email — if you purchased the original licence online. If you bought your licence at a retail agent, you’ll receive either an email or a letter with your new licence (depending on the method of sale) within five days. Lost or stolen plastic cards are not replaced.
If you crave more information on how to fish in Australia, take a look at our Australia fishing guide and learn about fish species, hotspots, angling techniques, and regulations.
If you have any further questions regarding your Victoria fishing licence, you can get in touch with the VFA at the above-mentioned phone number and email address. Or drop your question in the comments below. Then it’s time to get your licence, find a fishing guide near you, and enjoy your time on the water!
