Arlington Reef

Saltwater
Reef

Arlington Reef

Saltwater
Reef

Sq. miles: 29
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 2

Arlington Reef is a significant coral reef system located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park off the coast of Cairns, Queensland. Situated at coordinates 16°42′42.9″S 146°03′2″E, it is a classic offshore reef structure offering anglers a chance to target a variety of prized tropical reef and pelagic species in a world-heritage marine environment. The reef is part of a complex of cays and reefs in the region, known for its clear waters and rich biodiversity.

Queensland licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Arlington Reef and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Coral Trout

Plectropomus leopardus

Giant Trevally

Caranx ignobilis

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Arlington Reef. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

The most productive spots are directly associated with the reef's physical structure. Key areas include the steep outer reef slopes, coral bommies (isolated coral heads), and the sandy channels or gutters that run through the reef. The edges where the reef meets deeper water are prime locations for pelagic species.

Know where you can legally fish on Arlington Reef

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Queensland licenses and regulations

Queensland Boating Regulations

Official Queensland Government boating and marine hub (Maritime Safety Queensland), covering recreational marine and PWC licences, boat registration, safety equipment, speed limits, and the general safety obligation.

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Queensland Fishing License

Queensland has no general recreational fishing licence - most saltwater and freshwater fishing needs no licence. The exception is line fishing in stocked dams/weirs: anyone 18 or over needs a Stocked Impoundment Permit, which this official Fisheries Queensland page explains.

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Queensland Fishing Regulations

Official Queensland Government recreational fishing rules hub, covering size and possession limits (tidal and fresh waters), closed seasons and waters, regulated and no-take species, and permitted gear.

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Queensland Stream Access Laws

Queensland has no single dedicated stream-access page; this is the closest official page for anglers, listing which state-owned dams and weirs allow public recreational access for fishing, camping and boating, with per-site restrictions.

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Take Arlington Reef with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Arlington Reef to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Arlington Reef to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Free on iOS and Android

Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Arlington Reef and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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