Fishing Spots ＞ Australia E (QLD)
GT/Dogtooth tuna/Grouper/Billfish/Spanish mackerel
2 captains listed · casting available · sea category. A spot in Port Douglas (QLD) (Australia E (QLD)) targeting GT/Dogtooth tuna/Grouper/Billfish/Spanish mackerel. Check the tide, captains and recent catches, then contact them directly via public social accounts. Access, climate and lodging are in the details below.
Book / contact the captain directly Nomad Sportfishing ›The gateway is Cairns Airport (CNS). From Japan, take a direct flight or connect via Brisbane/Sydney. From the airport to Port Douglas, head north on the Captain Cook Highway (State Route 44), about 1 hour by car. Shuttle buses also run several times a day, going directly to your accommodation. Fishing charters depart from Port Douglas marinas (Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina / Reef Marina).
| From | Route | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns Airport (CNS) | Head north on Captain Cook Hwy (State Route 44) by rental car/taxi | About 60-70 minutes | Distance is about 66km. A scenic coastal route. |
| Cairns Airport (CNS) | Shuttle bus (direct to accommodation) | About 60-70 minutes | Several services a day. Advance booking required. The one-way fare is roughly AU$34-60. |
Coordinates: -16.48, 145.46（Open in Google Maps）
GT/Dogtooth tuna/Grouper/Billfish/Spanish mackerel
The best time for bluewater (heavy tackle) is Sep-Dec. From early September each year, large giant black marlin migrate along about 250km of the Great Barrier Reef to spawn, with mid-September to early December the peak for targeting granders (over 1,000 pounds). October-November is the peak, and the Lizard Island Classic is also held in October. Light/heavy tackle for GT (giant trevally), tuna, Spanish mackerel, wahoo and the like can be enjoyed year-round around reefs such as Batt Reef. Reef fishing is best in the dry season (May-Oct), when sea conditions are also more stable.
○ in season: Sep–Dec
See what else is in season now →
The stage is the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Heavy-tackle giant black marlin are the main event when they gather to spawn from Sep-Dec, with the overall marlin run running roughly Oct-Mar. Dogtooth are targeted on jigs and peak in the warm season. Reef species such as GT, Spanish mackerel, coral trout, and red emperor also come into the mix.
Full how-to & tackle on each species page：GT Dogtooth tuna Grouper Billfish
*Official embeds of each channel's public videos. Click to play on YouTube.
Tropical climate, warm year-round. The dry season (May-Oct) has little rain, low humidity and is pleasant. The wet season (Nov-Apr) is hot and humid with frequent squalls, with rainfall heaviest in February. Annual precipitation is about 1800mm.
| Month | Avg ℃ | High ℃ | Low ℃ | Clothing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 32 | 25 | Short sleeves and shorts. Hot and humid in the wet season; bring rain gear and sun protection. | |
| 28 | 31 | 25 | Short sleeves and shorts. The rainiest period, rainwear essential. | |
| 28 | 31 | 24 | Short sleeves and shorts. Muggy with lingering rain. | |
| 26 | 29 | 23 | Mainly short sleeves. The end of the wet season; becoming more comfortable. | |
| 25 | 28 | 22 | Short sleeves. The start of the dry season, comfortable. A light layer for mornings and evenings. | |
| 23 | 26 | 20 | Short sleeves during the day, long sleeves/light jacket in the mornings and evenings. Comfortable in the dry season. | |
| 23 | 26 | 19 | Short sleeves during the day, long sleeves/light jacket in the mornings and evenings. Coolest and driest. | |
| 24 | 27 | 20 | Short sleeves during the day, light jacket in the mornings and evenings. Comfortable in the dry season. | |
| 25 | 28 | 21 | Short sleeves. Mostly clear and comfortable in the dry season. Use sun protection. | |
| 26 | 30 | 22 | Short sleeves and shorts. Starting to get hot. Use sun protection. | |
| 28 | 32 | 24 | Short sleeves and shorts. Muggy as the wet season begins. Bring rain gear. | |
| 28 | 32 | 24 | Short sleeves and shorts. Hot and humid; bring rain gear for squalls. |
| Class | Property | Price (approx) | Highlights | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-end | Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas | From about AU$238 per night (varies by season) | The only beachfront five-star resort on Four Mile Beach. Features an approximately 2ha saltwater lagoon pool, 18-hole golf and a spa. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| High-end | Niramaya Villas and Spa | About AU$693 per night (average) | A luxury resort in a private villa style. Each villa has its own plunge pool, with a day spa on site and a quiet, hideaway atmosphere. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| High-end | Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas | About AU$348 per night (average) | A beach club-style resort near Macrossan St. With a lagoon pool, spa and restaurant, conveniently located for exploring town. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Standard | Mantra Portsea Port Douglas | About AU$122-195 per night | A mid-range apartment-style resort. Rooms with kitchen, pool. Within walking distance of Macrossan St and the beach, family-friendly. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Standard | Mantra Aqueous on Port | From about AU$94 per night | A modern mid-range resort very close to Macrossan St. With a swimming pool, BBQ area, free parking and balconies. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Standard | Mantra in the Village Port Douglas | About AU$130-194 per night | An apartment-style lodging in the town centre. With a pool, just a short walk to restaurants and shops, a convenient location. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Budget | Dougies Backpackers Resort | Dormitory from about AU$30 per night | A backpacker resort with pool, bar and garden. Options from tents to dormitories. Lively and sociable atmosphere. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Budget | Port Douglas Backpackers (Youth Hostel) | Dormitory from about AU$23 per night | An affordable hostel in the town centre. Dormitory and private rooms, well-equipped shared facilities for budget travellers. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Budget | Port Douglas YHA / Coral Beach Lodge | Dormitory from about AU$25 per night (private rooms extra) | An affordable YHA-affiliated lodging. With dormitory and private rooms, shared kitchen and lounge; a classic budget option. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Name | Cuisine | Budget | Highlights | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc Restaurant | Modern Australian / cocktail bar | Dinner on the higher side (around AU$40+ per main) | An award-winning venue on Macrossan St. Awarded a Good Food Guide chef's hat. Local ingredients such as fresh oysters, Moreton Bay bugs and barramundi. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Nautilus Restaurant | Modern Australian / seafood | Higher-end (for special occasions) | A lush open-air venue on Murphy St (accessed from Macrossan St). Dishes such as seafood chowder and crab lasagne. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Sassi Cucina e Bar | Italian / seafood | Mid to high | On the inlet side of Macrossan St, overlooking Anzac Park. A popular venue serving authentic Italian cuisine and seafood. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| The Court House Hotel | Pub | Affordable (casual) | A wide range of pub fare using fresh local ingredients. Open from 10:00 until late, year-round (except Christmas and Good Friday). | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Grant Street Kitchen | Bakery / cafe | Affordable (breakfast and light meals) | A small owner-run bakery. House-made bread and pastries, handmade pies and specialty coffee. All-day breakfast menu. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Whileaway Bookshop & Cafe | Cafe / bookshop | Affordable (coffee and cake) | A casual cafe for book lovers. Good coffee and cake, and an extensive selection of books. A relaxed atmosphere to linger in. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
Nearby spots easy to combine into one trip (straight-line distance). See the map above for locations.