Australian Rainbow Trout Farm is a catch-your-own fishing destination in Macclesfield, a short drive from Emerald. Stocked ponds, a larger challenge lake and picnic facilities let visitors combine fishing with an outdoor meal or take their catch home.
The cost has two main parts: admission and the fish you catch. All catches must be kept and paid for, so agree on a budget before starting rather than treating the ponds as catch-and-release fishing.
Choosing a Pond and Getting Started
Check in at the kiosk on arrival and tell staff whether you are new to fishing or hoping to try a particular pond. Admission includes the use of fishing rods and bait, making the farm a practical introduction for families without their own equipment.
The more heavily stocked ponds provide a different experience from the larger challenge lake, where the pace can involve more waiting. Ask staff which area suits your group’s experience and how to use the supplied equipment.
The farm lists rainbow trout, golden rainbow trout, brook trout and Atlantic salmon. Availability and the size of fish can vary. Choose from the ponds open on the day and ask about the catch price before fishing for a particular species.
Supervise children near the water and leave space between people using rods. Once you have caught enough fish for your meal or budget, stop fishing and enjoy the picnic setting instead. With several people sharing the outing, agreeing who will fish and how much you want to take home helps avoid more catches than the group needs.
Admission, Catch Prices and Processing
Admission is $16.50 for adults and $14.50 for children and pensioners. Children under three enter free. Rods, bait, basic fish cleaning, barbecues and park facilities are included in the entry charge.
Rainbow trout and golden trout are $34.90 per kilogram, while Atlantic salmon is $44.90 per kilogram. Fish are charged separately from admission and must be kept once caught. Ask staff about any species or service not covered by those listed prices.
Basic gutting is free. The processing list gives $7 for fillets, cutlets or butterfly preparation, and $10 for sashimi preparation. Confirm the applicable charge with staff before requesting a service.
For budgeting, a 1kg rainbow-trout catch adds $34.90 to your group’s admission charges. The final bill depends on total catch weight and any extra processing or kiosk purchases.
Cooking Your Catch or Taking It Home
Picnic grounds and barbecues provide the option to cook fish at the farm. Bring the ingredients, utensils and serving items you need rather than assuming the kiosk stocks a complete cooking kit.
Choose a meal plan before starting. That helps you judge how much fish to catch and leaves time for cleaning and cooking before the park closes. Ask staff for assistance with handling your catch and using shared facilities.
If taking fish home, bring suitable chilled storage for the journey. Ice is sold at the kiosk, and staff can keep fish refrigerated while you remain at the farm on a hot day.
Cold drinks, snacks and ice creams are also available. These are separate purchases, so a picnic brought from home can keep the outing’s overall cost more predictable.
Facilities and Group Visits
The farm provides toilets and playground facilities alongside the fishing and picnic areas. Children still need supervision around ponds, even when the group is moving between activities.
Schools and larger groups should call before visiting. Groups needing disability access can discuss their requirements with the operator, including the fishing area, surfaces and facilities they intend to use.
Contact the farm on (03) 5968 4711 or troutfarm@bigpond.com. A discussion about the specific visit is more useful than assuming every bank and activity is equally accessible.
Opening Hours and the Sealed-Road Approach
The farm opens daily except Christmas Day, with fishing from 10am to 4pm. Fishing finishes at 4pm and the park closes at 4.30pm, so allow time to have the catch processed and pack up.
The address is 26 Mulhalls Road, Macclesfield. From Macclesfield Road, use Mulhalls Road or Paton Road for a sealed approach. Navigation systems can suggest small dirt roads that are unnecessary for reaching the farm.
Pets are not permitted because the property has its own animals. Arrange care for pets before travelling, and follow staff directions around the farm’s animals and working areas.
Allow a few hours if combining fishing with a picnic or cooked meal. Arriving well before the final fishing time gives beginners more opportunity to settle in without rushing their catch or lunch.
Australian Rainbow Trout Farm FAQs
Do I need my own rod and bait?
Admission includes supplied rods and bait, so families can try fishing without buying equipment first. Check in at the kiosk and ask staff about getting started and which open pond suits your experience.
Does admission include the fish?
No. Adults pay $16.50 entry and children and pensioners pay $14.50, with children under three free. Fish are additional charges by weight, so agree on a catch budget before the group begins.
Can I release a fish I catch?
All catches must be kept and paid for, with no throwing fish back. Stop once you have enough for your meal or budget, then use the picnic setting instead of continuing to fish for entertainment.
What are the catch and processing charges?
Rainbow and golden trout are listed at $34.90 per kilogram and Atlantic salmon at $44.90 per kilogram. Basic gutting is free; fillets, cutlets or butterfly preparation are listed at $7 and sashimi preparation at $10, with the applicable service charge to be confirmed before requesting it.
Can I cook my catch at the farm?
Barbecues and picnic facilities let you turn the catch into a meal. Bring your preferred ingredients, utensils and serving items, and allow time for cleaning and cooking before fishing finishes and the park closes.
How do I take fish home?
Bring suitable chilled storage for the journey. Ice is sold at the kiosk and staff can refrigerate fish while you remain at the farm on a hot day; ask about handling the catch if other sightseeing will extend your trip.
When does fishing finish?
Fishing runs from 10am to 4pm, with the park closing at 4.30pm, every day except Christmas Day. Arrive well before the final fishing time so beginners can settle in and the group has time for processing and packing up.
Which approach should I use?
The address is 26 Mulhalls Road, Macclesfield. From Macclesfield Road, use Mulhalls Road or Paton Road for a sealed approach, avoiding unnecessary small dirt roads that navigation systems may suggest.
Can I bring a pet or arrange a group visit?
Pets are prohibited because the farm has its own animals. Schools, large groups and groups needing particular disability access should contact the operator before visiting to discuss facilities, surfaces and arrangements for the intended activity.
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