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The Hinchinbrook region is home to a number of recreation opportunities including a range of activities to entertain both the individual or the entire family. Whether you enjoy more active sports like horse riding, prefer the company of the great outdoors through activities such as fishing and reef tours, or simply want to relax with a leisurely round of golf, the Hinchinbrook region has something for you.
| | | FISHING |
The Hinchinbrook region offers a range of fishing to cater for every angler's tastes including freshwater, estuary and blue water fishing.
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Freshwater fishing within the region is mainly in the Herbert River for Sooty Grunter, Tarpon, Barramundi and the elusive Jungle Perch. The local Fishcare Group have released about 30,000 Barramundi fingerlings into the Herbert River and - along with commercial netting closures throughout the Hinchinbrook Channel (pictured right) and Herbert River system - the number of fish caught on lure, bait and fly tackle have increased in both size and numbers. | 
The scenic Hinchinbrook Channel - a fishing enthusiast's dream
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The protected waters of the Hinchinbrook Channel contain Fingermark, Barramundi, Javelin Fish, Salmon, Mangrove Jack, Estuary Cod, Bream and Flathead, while succulent mud crabs are also plentiful. Several world records and numerous Australian National Sportfishing Association records have been claimed in this area. For anglers who enjoy blue water fishing, the Palm Island Group offers excellent sport, with billfish, pelagic and reef species such as Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Nannygai, Sweetlip and Crayfish commonly being caught. Swimming and diving are also a popular pastime in this area. For the more adventurous, the Great Barrier Reef is within easy cruising distance for day trips.
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Boat Ramp at Dungeness, Lucinda - easy access to the Hinchinbrook Channel
| Land based anglers are also catered for through the popular Lucinda Wharf, Dungeness Wharf, Forrest Beach and Taylors Beach - all of which are easily accessible and within walking distance of amenities. The freshwater system however, offers anglers the opportunity for hiking and fishing along the beautiful Herbert River. Boating access to this angler's paradise is available through a number of well-kept boat ramps. The ramps - located right throughout the district - are situated at a number of easily accessible locations including Mona Landing, Lucinda, Taylors Beach, Forrest Beach and Cassady Creek. Not only do they provide anglers with easy passage to a number of top fishing spots around the region but are also close to facilities. |
When fishing in either freshwater or estuaries in the Hinchinbrook Shire, please be aware that crocodiles do inhabit these waters. A number of precautions can be taken however, to help avoid contact with crocodiles while fishing in the region. Be sure to stand at least a few metres back from the water's edge, don't stand on logs or branches overhanging deep pools, never clean fish or dispose of fish scraps near the water's edge or at boat ramps, and never, ever dangle your arms or legs over the side of a boat. The waters of the Hinchinbrook Shire provide great fishing opportunities for anglers of all tastes and ages. A visit to the area can be a truly rewarding experience - not only for the great fishing holes, but also for the beautiful scenery that surrounds them. The Hinchinbrook region offers a range of fishing to cater for every angler's tastes including freshwater, estuary and blue water fishing. A number of fishing clubs have been established within the region including the Hinchinbrook Sportfishing Club and the Ingham Rod and Reel Club. The Hinchinbrook Sportfishing Club meets on the last Sunday of every month at the Showgrounds Club House at 5.00pm. Contact Scotty's Sportscene for more information or contact Ray Hoon (secretary) using the details below. The Ingham Rod and Reel Club meets at Lee's Hotel on the second Wednesday of every month. For more details contact Gordon Hodgetts or Alan Borello using the information below. Sportfishing tours also operate throughout the Hinchinbrook region and provide visitors with the chance to fish the channel, guided by the some of the district's most experienced fishermen conduct tours along the Hinchinbrook Channel where guests can bait, fly, or lure for Barramundi. Tackle, lunch and light refreshments are supplied. For more information on fishing in the Hinchinbrook region contact: |
BIRD WATCHING |
Few districts in Australia can boast the number of bird species found in the Hinchinbrook region. Due to numerous types of habitat, including some of the best rainforest in Queensland, the district has more than 350 recorded bird species.
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Photo courtesy of John Young Wildlife Photography
| All Australian species of Rafton (Hawks, Eagles and Falcon) have been recorded here, even Australia's rare Grey Falcon. The majority of Australian owls can also be found in the area, with the Southern Sooty Owl and the Powerful the only two species absent. Further, the Hinchinbrook region is home to one of Australia's species of Birds of Paradise, the beautiful Queen Victoria's Riflebird, which inhabits the Wallaman Falls area and which, between the months of August and December, does its incredible courtship dance high up in the canopy. |
If one is lucky enough, the large flightless Cassowary can also be seen on the way to Wallaman Falls. (Warning - if one is fortunate enough to come across this bird on the road, it is not advisable to feed them, as they become dependent on handouts, and often get run over by cars.) Hinchinbrook Channel is a further asset to keen bird watchers. Little Kingfishers, Mangrove Robins and the largest Australian Heron, the Great Billed Heron, are residents and breed there. Rainforest areas surrounding Ingham boast numerous species of plants - Tassel Ferns and Orchids for the plant enthusiast. Numerous species of insects, particularly butterflies, can be seen here due to the diversity of the habitat. In all, the Hinchinbrook region is a wildlife paradise for those wishing to explore it. See also Tyto Wetlands. For more information on bird watching in the district contact: John Young - Wildlife Consultant
Tel: (07) 4777 1271 www.johnyoungwildlife.com.au
John is available for private bird watching tours throughout Queensland. He also consults with photographers and the media who are interested in working on projects with wildlife.
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