Coombabah Lake

Saltwater
Estuary

Coombabah Lake

Saltwater
Estuary

Sq. miles: 3.4
Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 1
Species: 8

Coombabah Lake is a significant estuarine system located on the northern Gold Coast, forming a crucial part of the Coombabah Creek catchment. This tidal lake and its connected waterways are recognized as one of the most important fish nursery areas in South East Queensland, featuring protected fish habitats. The environment is characterized by a mix of open lake areas, mangrove-lined creeks, and saltmarshes, providing diverse angling opportunities from both boat and shore. The system is managed as part of the Coombabah Lake Conservation Park, emphasizing its ecological value for numerous fish and bird species.

Queensland licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Coombabah Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Australian Bass

Macquaria novemaculeata

Barred Javelin

Pomadasys kaakan

Dusky Flathead

Platycephalus fuscus

Estuary Cod

Epinephelus coioides

Mangrove Jack

Lutjanus argentimaculatus

Queenfish

Scomberoides commersonnianus

Sand Whiting

Sillago ciliata

Tarwhine

Rhabdosargus sarba

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Coombabah Lake. 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.

Hope Island, Boykambil Esplanade South

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Coombabah Lake

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 Coombabah Lake 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 Coombabah Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Coombabah Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

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 Coombabah Lake and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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