Port Douglas: Barramundi Fishing & Farm Tour with Lunch

Summary

Catch barramundi on a working farm then taste it fresh for lunch

You’ll get hands-on catching barramundi at a real working farm near Port Douglas, learn surprising local stories from your guide, and sit down to a fresh paddock-to-plate lunch overlooking the ponds. From casting your line to tasting what you caught (sort of), every part feels relaxed and welcoming — even if you’ve never fished before.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the light — that bright, almost-too-honest Far North Queensland sun flashing off the ponds as we rolled up to the Daintree Saltwater Barramundi Farm. Our guide, Mick, kept pointing out things through the bus window: sugarcane fields, a cockatoo perched like it owned the place. The bus smelled faintly of sunscreen and someone’s coffee in a keep-cup. I didn’t expect to laugh so much before we’d even started fishing.

Once we got to Hook-A-Barra’s entrance, there was this quick loop around the farm — not rushed but kind of loose, with Mick tossing out facts about how barramundi are raised here (he called them “barra,” which everyone else seemed to know). When it came time for the actual fishing session, they handed me a rod and showed me how to flick it out over the pond. My hands felt clumsy at first. The line made this soft whirring sound; there was a bit of mud under my shoes and I could smell something earthy and clean coming off the water. A kid next to me caught one straight away — I tried not to look too jealous.

Mick hovered nearby, giving tips but never hovering too much. At one point he told me how locals rate their barra recipes — “everyone’s got an opinion,” he grinned. After an hour (it felt quicker), we wandered over for lunch. That fish tasted different than any I’ve had — maybe because I’d just seen where it lived. There were salads from the garden and something pickled that I still can’t name. The breeze picked up then; you could hear distant birds instead of cars for once.

I keep thinking about that moment when I almost landed my second fish but lost it at the last second — nobody made fun of me, just cheered anyway. If you’re looking for some fancy Instagram-perfect day trip from Port Douglas, this isn’t really that vibe… but if you want to actually feel part of something local, with real people showing you their world (and feeding you well), this day sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic drive and barramundi fishing

• Scenic drive along the coast
• Visit Daintree Saltwater Barramundi Farm
• Tour the barramundi farm
• Arrive at Hook-A-Barra entrance
• Fishing induction by guides
• One hour catch and release fishing
• Paddock to plate lunch
• Return to start location

Top questions

Is fishing equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all fishing gear is included during your session at Hook-A-Barra.

How long is the fishing session at the barramundi farm?

You’ll have about one hour of catch-and-release fishing on site.

Is lunch included in the Port Douglas barramundi tour?

Yes, a paddock-to-plate lunch featuring farm produce is included after fishing.

Is this day trip suitable for beginners or kids?

Yes, it’s designed for all abilities and ages; guides help everyone get started.

Is transport included from Port Douglas?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your starting location in Port Douglas.

Can wheelchair users join this barramundi farm tour?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and prams/strollers are welcome too.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Port Douglas, an easygoing bus ride along the coast with local commentary, all fishing equipment provided for an hour’s catch-and-release session at Hook-A-Barra, a behind-the-scenes look at an award-winning barramundi farm with guided help around the ponds, plus your choice from their special tour menu for lunch before heading back into town.