Shallow Sydenham Inlet forms the lower Bemm River, part of a prime estuary perch, bream and bass fishery.

The river sits at the boundaries of Cape Conran Coastal Park, Croajingolong NP and Bemm State Forest.

The Bemm is 60km long, with the upper section running through rainforest, much of it in rugged country, before reaching Sydenham Inlet, a tidal estuary.

The inlet’s sea entrance opens only occasionally.

When the inlet is closed the water tends to be slightly deeper.

The inlet is known for quality bream and flathead, as well as estuary perch, tailor, whiting, mullet and luderick.

Salmon are caught in the entrance channel when it opens, with a chance of mulloway.

The river is deeper than the inlet.

There is some bankside access, but most of the many fishable snags can only be exploited by boaters.

The flats in the inlet have useful bait-pumping areas.

The upper Bemm is isolated and difficult to access.

Bass exist in the upper reaches, and in the Genoa River.

Bream and estuary perch are also found in Swan and Mud Lakes on the east side of the inlet.

Surf beaches can be accessed by taking a boat to near the lagoon entrance and walking.

To the west there is a 4WD track leading to beach fishing at Pearl Point, with salmon and sharks, and snorkelling for abalone and crays.

To reach Bemm River township, take the turn-off on the Princes Highway between Cann River and Orbost.

There are two boat ramps in the inlet.

Bankside access for fishing is limited.

Bemm River township has Telstra mobile coverage, a bottle shop, general store, boat hire, fishing platforms, and some sports facilities. There was no fuel outlet at the time of writing.

Here is a list of recommended tackle for Victorian waters.

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Bemm River entrance tides
Bemm River coastline
VIC fishing regulations
VIC marine parks
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The Barwon River flows for 160km from the Otway and Brisbane Ranges, through Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula, entering the sea at Barwon Heads.

It is part of the Murray–Darling basin and is considered to be a perennial river, but in December 2018 it ceased flowing at Walgett, being reduced to a series of pools.

There are 36 tributaries, making it a significant coastal river system in Victoria.

Much of the river runs through muddy substrates, so it is quite turbid, and also quite saline.

The freshwater section of the Barwon contains mainly redfin, carp, trout, eels and tench. There are also native fish such as Australian grayling, river blackfish, smelt, galaxias, congoli, gudgeon, lamprey, hardyhead and pigmy perch.

The river downstream of Buckleys Falls fishes well for freshwater fish such as redfin, carp, eels and brown trout.

The three associated lakes Modewarre, Murdeduke and Wendouree are stocked with brown and rainbow trout when water levels are suitable.

Carp are easily caught on baits of worms, dough or even bread, and berley works well in bringing them around. Warm weather is best.

The estuarine section of the Barwon River at Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads produce plenty of whiting, flathead, bream, yelloweye mullet and salmon.

Mulloway and snapper are caught at times in the lower river. Fish at night for best results.

Estuary perch are a highlight of the Barwon River and respond well to small lures on ultralight tackle.

Barwon River fishing areas

Forrest to Birregurra – a 32km section of river with a channel averaging 5-9m in width and with pools to 220cm deep. Forrest and Birregurra have fishable areas with brown trout, redfin, river blackfish and eels.

Birregurra to Winchelsea – a 25km section of river flowing through farmland with an average width of 10-12m and pools to 150-230cm deep. Redfin, brown trout, eels and river blackfish can be caught. Access is difficult because of private property and dense vegetation.

Winchelsea to the Weir upstream of Buckleys Falls – this 35km section of river has good pools between Winchelsea and Inverleigh and between Ceres and the Weir. The width varies from 17-25m, with pools to 470cm deep. This stretch contains tench, eels, redfin, blackfish and brown trout.

Between the Weir and Buckleys Falls – this short 400m stretch of river is a deep pool surrounded by parkland. It has many eels, and a few brown trout and redfin.

Buckleys Falls to the lower breakwater 1.5km upstream of Lake Connewarre – this 18km section is up to 60m wide with pools 4-6m deep. There is good access via Queens Park in Geelong. Rushes along the banks restrict access but boardwalks through Geelong section allow fishing. Carp, eels, redfin, brown trout, tench and congoli are caught.

Lower Barwon downstream of Lake Connewarre – these are estuarine waters about 50m wide and 3-4m deep. This stretch is 10km. It shallows out to 1-2m at Barwon Heads. There is good bank and boat fishing. Expect salmon, sand mullet, yelloweye mullet, flathead, silver trevally, black bream and king george whiting. Fish an incoming tide in the early morning for best results.

Here is a list of recommended tackle for Victorian waters.

Book your fishing stay early at Booking.com

Barwon Heads tides
Barwon Heads coastline
VIC fishing regulations
VIC marine parks
Return to the VIC fishing map

Email corrections, additions, pictures or video here.