Dropping a line

They don't call this region 'Northern Rivers' for nothing! Between the Queensland border at Tweed Heads down to Yuraygir National Park south of Grafton, four major rivers empty into the Pacific Ocean and the hinterland is criss-crossed with a network of tributaries.

Needless to say, fishing is a major drawcard throughout the region. Deep sea, beach and estuary fishing is the choice du jour in towns like Wooli, Yamba, Iluka, Evans Head, Ballina, Brunswick and Tweed Heads. Everything you need from hooks and lines through to tinnies and ocean-going charters are available for hire or sale.

Inland, you can virtually pull up by the side of the road and drop a line wherever you see good water. The Tweed, Richmond , Evans and Clarence Rivers are the main thoroughfares but tributaries and smaller waterways like the Rous, Oxley, Mann and Nymboida, plus the hundreds of smaller creeks will bring their own rewards.

For stillwater shore or boat fishing, try Clarrie Hall Dam (electric motors only), just west of Uki or Toonumbar Dam, west of Kyogle, which has an excellent camping area and boat ramp and plenty of bass, thanks to a stocking program by the local fishing club.

Similarly, Wave Hill Station has facilities for camping and fishing (not to mention, swimming, horseriding, 4WD-ing, bushwalking and canoeing) in the spectacular Clarence River Gorge country, where the waterfalls and rapids thunder through a breathtaking rock canyon.

NB. Fishing licences are required for recreational angling in NSW. Licences are available at local bait shops or inquire at the Visitor Information Centres.