Tips on actually catching fish not included.
Tips on actually catching fish not included.
Standing on the banks of a body of water for hours on end can either be the most relaxing time of your life or hell on earth depending on several factors.
These include but are by no means limited to:
In the name of diversity, we’ve compiled a list of five local fishing spots and you can thank us by bringing the fish you catch for our dinner, because we are not fishing people (fisherfolks?).
Here you go (from north to south).
Paradise Point Foreshore
The prettiest of spots and perfect fishing for everyone from beginners to old hands. Pack your deck chairs, an esky and your favourite fun time friends and spend the day throwing in lines and reeling in your catch. There’s flathead, bream, mangrove jack, all the usual suspects and plenty of scenery to scope out should they not be biting.
Where: The Esplanade, Paradise Point
The Seaway
Makes sense, since this huge, very fast moving body of water joins right up to the big old ocean (as do most, but you know what we mean). There are many a fishy to be caught off the rocks here including yellowtail, jewfish, kingfish, flathead, the list goes on. It’s not for the faint of heart though, you’ll need to learn to master the tides.
Where: The Spit, Main Beach
Broadwater Jetty
Southport’s new(ish) jetty quickly became a fave fishing spot amongst locals. Perhaps because there are a few different ocean dwelling types on offer there. Rays are plentiful, as are squid (by night) and you can sit back and gawk at all the fancy boats whose inhabitants are probably stealing your fish.
Where: Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Pine Lake
In Elanora, this particular body of water is fed by Currumbin Creek and you can fish there pretty much anytime of the day or night. Seems there’s lots of potential in here including mullet, herring, trevally, mangrove jack, bream, flathead, whiting and crabs (if that’s the kind of thing you’re keen to catch).
Where: 22 Araucaria Way, Elanora
Tweed River Bar
The Tweed River doesn’t get enough props if you ask us. So blue and expansive and all those pretty trees and good times to be had. Just lovely. Anywho. You can also fish there of course. From the banks and in the weedy areas flathead are plentiful, there’s also mangrove jack around the rocky areas.
Where: Tweed Heads, NSW
Words by Kirra Smith.
As the year draws to a close, any break from the daily routine is a welcome one. In today’s economic landscape, opting for budget-friendly getaways is the trend, and camping emerges as the perfect choice, my friends.
Luckily for us, there are numerous beautiful spots nearby to satisfy your wanderlust, and the best part is, all you need is a tent, some two-minute noodles, and a keen sense of adventure.
Bigriggen Park
Nestled in the breathtaking Scenic Rim, Bigriggen Park is incredibly family-friendly, and your furry companions are welcome to join, providing them a reprieve from their routine of napping and eating. Just an hour and a half from the Gold Coast, it’s just far enough to feel like you’ve escaped the city. Spanning 55 hectares, the park offers abundant spaces for hiking, exploration, and simply basking in the serenity. If you fancy fishing and watersports, the nearby Maroon Dam lake is a short drive away.
Get there: Head out toward Beaudesert and follow the signs toward Rathdowney and onto Bigriggen from there.
The Settlement
Another immerse-yourself-in-nature gem, The Settlement is the only place you can camp in the Springbrook National Park. There’s no electricity or WiFi so you will certainly be escaping all the creature comforts you know and love (RIP Insta stories). Never fear though, you can amuse yourself by trekking to Purling Brook Falls and sizzling some snags at the BBQ area. Take a book or get involved in a good old-fashioned conversation.
Get there: Head towards Mudgeeraba and follow the signs to Springbrook then follow the signs to Carricks Rd.
Binna Burra
Found in the Lamington National Park, it’s only an hour but it feels like a lifetime away. There are full shower and toilet facilities, coin-operated washing machines and dryers, barbeque stoves and hotplates, plus milk and ice available at the on-site Lamington Teahouse. It’s an eco-friendly spot and you can spend as much time as you please exploring the surrounding national park. There are stunning views of the hinterland and the Tweed region beyond and you can choose from two and four-man tent sites, unpowered and powered drive-on sites, two, four and six-bed permanent Safari Tents and brand new Tiny Wild Houses. So all the things.
Get there: Find it on Binna Burra Rd, out toward Beechmont.
Mount Barney Lodge Campground
Here you’ll get full creek frontage, a swimming hole, open campfires (love) and a kid’s holiday adventure program. How good. Mount Barney Lodge Campground is a grassy and shaded spot complete with stunning views of Mt Barney, which is just across the road should you wish to embark on a climbing adventure. You can drive directly onto shady, unpowered and grassed campsites with designated fire circles. Camper trailers, motorhomes, RV’s and caravans are welcome. There is also a non-vehicle area that is suitable for tents and families with children.
Get there: Pop Upper Logan Rd into your GPS and head toward the big old mountain.
Thunderbird Park
Adventure is the name of the game at Thunderbird Park with plenty of activities for the kids both big and small. Play laser skirmish in the jungle, tackle the high ropes course at TreeTop Challenge, boost the adrenaline with a thrilling ride on the Canyon Flyer, enjoy a horse trail ride or play a round on the championship mini golf course. See, adventure. It’s not a quiet camping adventure but it’s definitely a fun one. If you want a bit more glamp in your camp the Woodlands Tents are calling your name.
Get there: Head on out to Mount Tamborine and you’ll find Thunderbird Park on the corner of Cedar Creek Falls and Tamborine Mountain Roads
South Stradbroke Island
The wild southern sibling of far-more-populated North Stradbroke Island (name creativity is off the charts), South Straddy is always a good time. Getting there is an adventure in itself and the campground is surrounded by scrub so you’ll need to be self sufficient (you can’t drive on the island either). There are bathrooms and the like at Tipplers Kiosk so don’t despair but it’s definitely a down and dirty nature-lovers paradise.
Get there: By private boat or water taxi or hire a seaplane if you’re not short of a dollar.
Canungra
The Sharp Park Bush Camping is strategically nestled on the scenic banks of the Coomera River. It’s a big old grassy area with plenty of blessed shade (how’s the heatwave) and enough river for swimming, fishing, canoeing and whatever else floats your boat. Oh AND, you can bring your doggo (or cat if you must) and open fires are permitted because these good people understand the magical allure of toasting marshmallows under the starlit sky. If you’ve got a family, this spot might be your best bet.
Get there: Drive to Nerang and follow the signs to Canungra then turn off onto Beechmont Rd toward Witheren.
Nightfall Camp
Okay so this place definitely doesn’t qualify as camping but diversity is key right. Nightfall Wilderness Camp is a five star glamping (best word) experience found in the Lamington National Park and it is F A N C Y. There’s bathtubs, food cooked over coals, comfy beds and the prettiest of furnishings. Also, the crew at Nightfall are dedicated to ecotourism so they protect the local wildlife and watch the creeks water quality. It’s an absolutely beautiful place and you should definitely spend some hard earned pennies here.
Get there: Head out toward Canungra then Beaudesert and follow the signs to Lamington National Park.
O’Reilly’s Campground
Nestled in the lap of nature within the lush World Heritage Lamington National Park at O’Reilly’s, this camping haven is the ultimate getaway. Your camping facilities include an open space communal camp kitchen with stunning views overlooking the McPherson Range, a fire-pit and gathering area and an amenities building – with pathways and ramping to enable accessibility for all guests. There are 24 campsites featuring Altitude and Basecamp sites, but 17 powered safari tents are also available if that’s more your jam.
Get there: Head out toward Canungra, once you reach The Canungra Hotel, turn onto Kidston Street off the main road in Canungra (Nerang-Beaudesert Road) as it turns into Lamington National Park Road. If you pass O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards you’re heading the right way (may as well pick up a bottle too!).
Words by Belinda Symons.
How good is a Sunday arvo by the water as the sun sets with a cold beer and/or rosé in hand, some delicious lemon laden fish and chips and a few of your favourites by your side? So good is how good.
Imagine then, if said lemon juice-laden fish and chips were actually healthy (as opposed to the usual greasy, finger-lickin kind) and you could add a crisp, tasty side salad AND you knew were eating fresh, Aussie fish cooked to perfection. What an absolute time.
So surprise, all that is now available for your fish and chip loving selves in Miami thanks to the opening of The Jolly Roger on Mountain View Ave where you can also find That’s Amore (excellent Italian eats) and Little Itoshin (excellent Japanese eats).
It’s a nicely decked out little space with just the right amount of ocean paraphernalia and a rustic, relaxed vibe that makes it a sweet spot to spend a bit of time in. Which you should because there are a couple of Black Hops beers on tap which are served in giant skull glasses (that’s our fave thing) plus a range of wines and a little piccolo should you wish to partake in a tipple while awaiting your eats.
As mentioned the seafood is as fresh as fresh can be with all the Aussie fish, prawns, squid etc. brought in a few times a week to ensure max flavour and goodness. All batter, crumbs, salads and sauces are made in house, so again with the freshness.
On the menu are all your usual favourites including yes fish and chips of the Hoki (the only non-Aussie one on the menu), Flake, Barramundi and Tofish plus calamari, prawns, scallops, fish bites, potato scallops (hand cut YUM), coconut prawns and seafood sticks.
There are also burgers including the Cow Shed Beef Burger with a premium Angus Beef patty and all the burger things (for just $12 guys), a Soft Shell Crab Burger with a whole crab and a Fish Burger that is also just $12. So that’s cool.
On the little Street Grill section there’s Baby Squid and Trawler Prawn Skewers and they are very delicious and your choice of regular potato or sweet potato chips.
Now all of those things are made with health in mind, they’re as good-for-you as possible and far more so than the regular BUT the piece de resistance of healthiness at The Jolly Roger comes from their Keto section.
That’s right folks, Keto fish and chips are a thing now meaning there’s no carbs and no sugar and they’re high in fat which is very good for you. The crumbs are made from almond meal as opposed to flour and you can have those on fish and calamari and also zucchini chips. Which is so great even if you’re not a Keto person and want to eat fish and chips but be good about it.
Either way, it’s all very tasty and you actually feel good after eating it so that’s a big old yes from us.
LOCATION: 3/110 Mountain View Ave, Miami
HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday 11am until 8pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
