Guide to Magnet Fishing in Australia: Where to Go and Is it Legal?

Australia has more than 10,000 bridges and waterways, and its coastline stretches for more than 25,000 kilometers. The country’s extensive network of rivers and streams provides a vital link between the inland and coastal areas. In addition to their role in transportation, these waterways also support a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, and boating. 

Of course, plenty of people lose stuff in these vast waters, which is where we, magnet fishers come in! In this guide, we will show you where you can try magnet fishing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Tasmania and Darwin. We will also tell you what you can expect to find when magnet fishing in Australia (spoiler: A lot less rifles than in the U.S.!)

Is magnet fishing legal in Australia?

We have discussed the legal situation of magnet fishing before. In a nutshell: There are no national laws, but in the future, there may be individual laws set by cities and states. For example, what may be legal in Sydney may be illegal in Melbourne. Therefore, you should always double-check with local authorities to be safe.

Of course, what is legal isn’t always ethical. It would not be the first time repeated, reckless or inconsiderate behavior resulted in federal regulation. Please have a look at our magnet fishing etiquette!

What are the best places to magnet fish in Australia?

The Land Down Under is a veritable treasure trove for magnet fishing enthusiasts. With an abundance of waterways, including rivers, canals, harbors and beaches, there are plenty of opportunities to score a haul. Australian magnet fishers have reported finding all sorts of interesting objects, from coins and jewelry to tools and even antique objects!

Spots near Sydney

Sydney, for example, offers a wealth of options for those looking to cast their magnet. The city’s coastline is one of the most popular spots for magnet fishing, as there are plenty of nooks and crannies for objects to get lodged in. The harbour is also a good bet, as are the many rivers and canals that criss-cross the city. Lots of peculiar items ends up at the bottom of these waters and are waiting to be found by you!

• Sydney Harbour: The Sydney Harbour is one of the best places to magnet fish in Australia. There are also a lot of sunken ships and other objects that you can find when you’re magnet fishing.

• Cogee Beach: Lots of people there hang out and play with their phones while slouching over the wall. 
• Parramatta River
• George’s River
• Hawkesbury River
• Nepean River
• Woronora River
• Campbells River
• Coxs River
• Duck River
• Lachlan River

Spots near Melbourne

Melbourne is known for its iconic waterways, which are perfect for magnet fishing. The Yarra River, for example, is a popular spot for those looking to score a haul. Other great spots for magnet fishing in Melbourne include the Maribyrnong River and the Port Phillip Bay. These waterways offer plenty of potential for finding all sorts of interesting things, so be sure to give them a try!

• Yarra River: Flowing through the heart of Melbourne, the Yarra served as a key recreation and transport corridor for decades.
• Any of the big piers in Gippsland
• Underneath the bridge of the Princess Freeway
• Maribyrnong River
• Port Phillip Bay
• Epping Pond
• Koonung Creek
• Gardiners Creek
• Merri Creek
• O’Shannassy Reservoir
• Silverleaf Reservoir
• Yan Yean Reservoir

Spots near Brisbane

• The bridges between Maryborough to Hevery Bay:Instead of the main bridge on the Mary River, try some of the smaller ones.
• Urangan pier: Very close to the bridges mentioned above and definitely worth a try.
• Boatramps in Donnybrook: Some magnet fishers found crow bars, camping chairs, fishing rods, and plenty of fishing hooks there. Quite a lot of items with resale value.
• The Caboolture Quary in Donnybrook: A fantastic spot, but beware that it is a private property and there are “no trespassing”-signs, so you always need to ask for permission first.
• Bribie Island: This island is only a 2 km ferry ride away from Donnybrook. There are many coastal camping spots, that have proven to be exceptionally bountiful.
• Ipswitch: Ipswitch is an old mining town and a pretty historical place. So there is a likelihood of finding old industrial tools. One magnet fisher also found a set of traffic lights when they tried their luck at the large foot bridge of Albert River.
• Breakfast Creek: Lots of old boat parts and brass objects.
• City cat terminals along the boardwalk at south bank.
• Russel Island
• Brisbane RiverCorinda Pool
• New Farm Lagoon
• Centenary Lakes
• Enoggera Reservoir
• Oxley Creek
• Bulimba Creek
• Kedron Brook
• Jubilee Park Pond

Spots near Perth

• The stretch between Garret road bridge and west Swan road bridge
• Any of the jetties near that area
• Lilac hill bridge
• Ammo jetty
• Swan River
• Jandakot Regional Park Lakes
• Lake Joondalup
• Mindarie Marina
• Canning River
• Serpentine River
• Murray River
• Peel-Harvey Estuary
• Rockingham Lakes
• Cockburn Sound

Spots near Adelaide

• South road over the Torrens river
• Bonython Park
• The swaying bridge at Gilberton
• Port River
• Torrens River
• Patawalonga River
• Light River
• Glacial Lakes
• Tonsley Brook Reservoir
• Tea Tree Gully Golf Club Lake
• Onkaparinga River
• Sturt River
• Gawler River

Spots near Canberra

• The area around Lake Gin
• Lake Ginninderra police jetty: Plenty of shopping carts have been found there
• Boat ramp at McDermott Place
• Pine island
• In front of Water’s Edge Restaurant
•  Lake Burley Griffin
• Molonglo River
• Yerrabi Pond
• Jerrabomberra Creek
• Cotter River
• Murrumbidgee River
• Uriarra Crossing
• Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre Dam
• Googong Foreshores Park

Spots near Tasmania

Tasmania is a great place for magnet fishing, as there are plenty of waterways to explore. The Derwent River is a popular spot, as are the many lakes and rivers located in the Tasmanian wilderness. With so many potential spots to try, you’re sure to find some interesting things when you go magnet fishing in Tasmania!

• Under Batman Bridge
• Piers near Yacht clubs
• Bone Mill Ruins
• Derwent River
• Lake St Clair
• Lake Pedder
• Gordon River
• Franklin River
• Great Lake
• King River
• Macquarie Harbour
• North West Bay River
• Pine Rivers

Darwin

On 19 February 1942, the Japanese bombed Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory. This was the first time that Australia had been attacked by another country during wartime, and the bombing of Darwin caused widespread panic and confusion. The bombing of Darwin was a major turning point in the history of Australia, and it is still remembered today as one of the country’s most significant moments during WWII. Suffice to say, there is a good chance you might find some historical WWII artifacts while magnet fishing in Darwin.

• The area around Doctor’s Gully: Off the rocks at east point near the naval gun emplacements
• The WW2 wrecks in the harbour
• Larrimah Railway Bridge
• Old mine pits around Grove Hill
• Channel Island 

What can you find magnet fishing in Australia?

Who knows what you might find when you go magnet fishing in Australia? With so many waterways to explore, you could find all sorts of interesting things. Coins, tools, beer caps, safes, rims, railroad parts, and even antique objects have all been found by Australian magnet fishers!

You won’t find any Australian coins, as they are not magnetic, but you may catch some coins from New Zealand, Europe or coins from Asian countries as most of them are Ferromagnetic.

Additional Resources:

• With the help of this guide, you’ll find the perfect magnet fishing spot near you! 
• Facebook groups are a great way to connect with other magnet fishers and to learn about good spots to fish. This can be a great way to exchange tips and advice, and to make new friends who share your passion for magnet fishing! The two biggest magnet fishing groups are Magnet Fishing Australia (Private Group) and Magnet Fishing Australians (Public Group) 

Boat ramps are totally underrated, as they are often publicly accessible and are often home to plenty of lost everyday items. Here is a fantastic map, that shows most boat ramps all across Australia.