Wollongong Fishing Charters

Located 80 km south of Sydney, Wollongong (casually known as “the Gong”) is a great place to experience fishing in NSW. Visitors flock to this renowned destination to take in the stunning scenery, Nan Tien Temple–the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere–and of course, the fishing. The Gong may be bustling with tourists, but it also has loads of secret fishing spots where you can cast a line all on your own. On the other hand, you can escape the city altogether aboard a selection of Wollongong fishing charters. The choice is yours!

Known For

Deep Sea Fishing

Wollongong has access to some spectacular big game fishing. You’ll have to book a 10-hour trip to make the most of local opportunities, but the journey 30km offshore is worthwhile for anglers who want a chance to catch trophy-sized fish. Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin can be found swimming along the continental shelf here in summer, accompanied by Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and Mako Sharks. In cooler months (May-September), Yellowfin and Albacore Tuna make an appearance. Below, these deep waters are inhabited by the likes of Bluesnore Warehou and Gemfish.

Reef Fishing

Reef fishing is popular year-round, with no shortage of Snapper, Morwong, Flathead, Trevally, Australian Salmon, and Kingfish (Yellowtail Amberjack). Trips to the reefs are likely to keep you within a 15km radius of the harbor and usually last around 6 hours. Many Wollongong charter operators offer shared trips, which can be a great way to experience local reef fishing without flexing your wallet.

Shore Fishing Spots in Wollongong

Wollongong City Beach

There’s also plenty of opportunity to spend some time in Wollongong fishing from shore. You can hook into Salmon, Tailor, Bream, and even the odd Mulloway or Kingfish from the Wollongong City Beach. The Wollongong Harbour also offers productive shore fishing (especially off the northern wall), where you can catch Trevally, Bream, Tailor, and Salmon. Parking on a side street is recommended, since it can be hard to find a spot nearby.

Warilla Beach

Warilla Beach is about a 15-minute drive south of the Wollongong City Beach and can be a great alternative for shore fishing. You’ll find similar species here, in addition to Flathead, Whiting, Rays, and small Sharks.

Lake Illawarra

Just west of Warilla Beach sits Lake Illawarra, a shallow body of water separated from the the waters of the South Pacific by a thin strip of land. Though it’s called a lake, this fishery actually offers excellent saltwater fishing while shielding anglers from the open seas and winds. Flounder, Tailor, Whiting, Bream, and Flathead are a few of the species you can catch while fishing Lake Illawarra. Recommended spots include Purry Burry Point, Wegit Point, Hooker Park, Lacey Park, and Kanahooka Point–to name a few.

Need to Know

Regulations

Wollongong fishing charters usually include bait, tackle, and fishing licenses for their customers. It’s always wise to confirm that a license is included ahead of time.

Anglers planning to fish on their own, whether in freshwater or saltwater, must pay a NSW recreational fishing fee and carry the receipt as proof. Be sure to read local regulations or consult a local tackle shop ahead of time so you know where it’s legal to fish from shore.

Budget

Fishing charter prices in Wollongong are largely dependent on whether you plan to go reef fishing or deep sea fishing. Private reef trips cost AUD $950-1,350, while shared trips are usually AUD $120-135 per person. Most trips to the reefs last 6-7 hours, but some skippers run 8-9 hour trips, as well.

Deep sea fishing trips are typically restricted to private charters, for AUD $1,200-2,000. These trips last 9-10 hours minimum.

Getting There

The Gong is conveniently located less than 2 hours outside of Sydney. If you’re up for a scenic drive through coastal rainforests and seaside villages, take the Grand Pacific Drive. If you would rather get to town in a pinch, take the M1 Motorway and you’ll be there in 80 minutes!

Anglers traveling without a car can board a train in Sydney, instead. Sydney Trains operate South Coast Line commuter trains to Wollongong at regular intervals. You can connect to the South Coast Line at Wolli Creek Station if you catch a train directly from the airport. 

There’s no shortage of opportunity around here, and you’ll be spoiled for choice when you get to town! Whether you spend a day on the reefs, sailing high seas, or casting a line from the beach, your Wollongong fishing experience will be one to remember.