Lake Maraboon Fishing Classic
Lake Maraboon Fishing Classic is one of Emerald’s signature events, drawing visitors from across the Central Highlands and beyond. Annual fishing competition at Lake Maraboon targeting barramundi, bass, and other species.
About Lake Maraboon Fishing Classic
The Fishing Classic draws serious and social anglers to one of Queensland’s premier freshwater fishing destinations. Barramundi and golden perch are the main targets. The competition format varies but typically includes categories for different species, biggest catch, and junior divisions. Weigh-in events create a social atmosphere, and prizes are genuinely worth competing for.
The dam itself is spectacular — 10,000 hectares of water surrounded by Central Highlands landscape. Even if you’re not competing, the event is a great introduction to fishing at Fairbairn Dam.
The event typically attracts 300–600 anglers and supporters visitors.
When & Where
When: Annually, typically May–July (cooler months) Where: Fairbairn Dam / Lake Maraboon, 20 minutes from Emerald Expected attendance: 300–600 anglers and supporters
Why Attend
Combining competitive fishing with the social atmosphere of an organised event. Great way to discover Lake Maraboon’s fishing potential, meet local anglers, and potentially win prizes. The setting is hard to beat.
Getting There
Emerald is accessible via the Capricorn Highway from both Brisbane (9 hours) and Rockhampton (3 hours). Emerald Airport has daily flights from Brisbane via QantasLink and Alliance Airlines.
Emerald Inn — Pre-Dawn Starts for the Maraboon Classic
The Classic gets underway before sunrise, and there is nowhere at the lake to buy so much as a coffee. Staying twenty minutes away at 28–30 Esmond Street puts you next to the supermarkets the evening before and gets you on the water on time.
Our kitchens have full-size fridges and freezers for the esky and the catch, and every apartment has a washer-dryer for clothes that spent a day in sun, sunscreen and lake water. Larger boats and trailers use the street parking around the property.
Where to find us: 28–30 Esmond Street, Emerald QLD 4720. Check availability or call (07) 4980 0600. Compare the three apartment types.
The Lake Outside Comp Weekend
The Classic shows Maraboon at its busiest. It is worth seeing at its quietest too:
- Birdwatching at Fairbairn Dam — pelicans, brolgas and sea eagles on the reed beds
- Photographing the Central Highlands — where to be at first and last light
- Fairbairn Dam & Lake Maraboon — swimming, boating and birdlife at Lake Maraboon
- Winter in the Central Highlands — the case for visiting between May and August
Plan Your Visit
- Accommodation: Emerald Inn — Deluxe, Executive, and Two Bedroom apartments
- Dining: Emerald dining guide — cafes, pubs, and local beef
- Services: Emerald services guide — supermarkets, fuel, medical
- FAQs: Emerald QLD FAQ — climate, distances, what to expect
- Contact: Emerald Inn — (07) 4980 0600 or bookings@emeraldinn.com.au