As Easter approaches, many families are seeking the perfect getaway to unwind and reconnect with nature. For fishing enthusiasts, Banana shire offers an ideal destination, with an array of great fishing spots set amongst flowing rivers and well stocked dams. From Lake Callide Dam in Biloela brimming with barramundi reaching as big as 130cm, golden perch and saratoga, to Glebe Weir outside Taroom with saratoga, golden perch and silver perch.  Each spot promises a unique experience surrounded by beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Mayor of Banana Shire Nev Ferrier said, "Easter in Banana Shire offers everyone a great opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life and immerse themselves in nature. We have so many great fishing spots all with family-friendly camping grounds, come and join us for a holiday you'll never forget!"

Easter in Banana Shire isn't just about fishing—it's also about creating lasting memories with family and friends. With spacious low cost and sometimes free camping grounds equipped with all the necessary amenities, including picnic areas, hot showers, and clean toilets, it's the perfect setting for a family-friendly camping adventure under the stars.

Explore the charming towns of Theodore and Baralaba, nestled along the banks of the Dawson River, where riverside camping and fishing await.

For birdwatching enthusiasts, Easter in Banana Shire offers a rare opportunity to observe over 150 bird species in their natural habitat. From colourful waterbirds to majestic birds of prey, the region's diverse avian population provides endless opportunities for birdwatching adventures along the Dawson River.

This Easter, trade the hustle and bustle of city life for the peaceful serenity of Banana Shire. Whether you're casting your line in search of the perfect catch or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, Banana Shire promises an Easter escape filled with adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments with loved ones.

For further information on Banana Shire’s tourism information, head to www.sandstonewonders.com.au

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Fishing Spots in Banana Shire:

Lake Callide Dam 

Lake Callide is only a few kays from Bilo, so it’s a good place to start a Banana Shire fishing adventure. Originally built as a water supply for the power station, the dam is a relatively small body of water (about 10-12km long), but thanks to an effective stocking program, the dam is well-populated by barramundi, golden perch (yellow belly), saratoga, silver perch, eel tailed catfish, sleepy cod, spangled perch, alligator gar, freshwater crayfish and red-claw. Best to plan your trips around the full moon, say seasoned anglers, and you can fish from the banks, or from a boat or kayak. The Mad Huey’s recently filmed at the dam, raving about it on Social media, and Andrew Ettingshausen’s fishing show, Escape with ET, filmed there recently, too. Take note, a Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is required to fish the dam, available from Fisheries Queensland. 

Glebe Weir 

This little gem is so picturesque it should have its own Instagram page. Located about 20 minutes outside Taroom it sits on a gentle sloping grassy foreshore with plentiful shade.  Glebe Weir offers spacious camping and exciting, accessible fishing, with feisty saratoga, golden perch, silver perch, catfish, sleepy cod and spangled perch, all capable of being caught from the banks. Great for kids, and dog-friendly, Glebe Weir has toilets, hot showers, drinking water, picnic tables and fire pits so your day finishes with a cold beverage around a crackling fire, with the smell of fresh fish cooking wafting under the canopy of a million stars. Heaven.  There are powered sites availalable – first come, first served -- and no fishing from 100 m upstream to 200 m downstream of the weir. Make sure you check it out. 

Junction Park, Theodore 

Theodore is a charming little town that that sits on the confluence of the Dawson River and Castle Creek and is home to the annual Hooked On Theodore fishing competition. Aptly named Junction Park, the campground sits at the point the two waterways meet, so is a great place to drop a line in for saratoga, golden perch, eel tail catfish, fork tail catfish, spangled perch, eel and banded grunter. With original architecture dating back to its boom days of the 1920s, when the Queensland government first proposed to dam the Dawson, the town echoes a bygone time and is easily walkable, with shops, cafes at the famed hotel, all close-by. Camping has toilets, hot showers (coin operated), barbeques, shelter sheds, picnic tables and town water on tap. 

Neville Hewitt Weir, Dawson River (Baralaba) 

This campground is located on the Dawson River at the southern end of Baralaba. It’s spacious and level and mainly grass with plenty of shady and sunny spots, should you wish to charge solar panels. The campground has 30 unmarked sites available, and no booking or fees are required. Hot showers (coin-operated) and clean toilets are available as are fire pits. Drop a line and you could get barramundi, saratoga, sleepy cod, eel tail catfish, fork tail catfish, yellow belly, smallmouth, Eel, spangled perch and banded grunter. A top spot. 

Apex River Park 

The Apex River Park is about 7km west of Moura along the Dawson Highway, and is home to Moura Fish Stocking Group, a group who do a fantastic job keeping the waterways stocked with fish. They run the Moura Muddy Water Classic fishing competition every year to raise funds for this purpose, so it’s no surprise that. Apex park sits smack bang on a part of the Dawson that thrives with yellowbelly. But you can also catch barra, saratoga, eel tail catfish, fork tail catfish, small mouth sooty grunter (black bream), sleepy cod, spangle perch, eel, banded grunter. There’s about 60 camping sites and no booking is required, and the fee is a donation to the park. A beautiful mural adorns the wall of the clean amenities block.