What can you catch at Barrenjoey (Palm Beach Rocks)?

Barrenjoey (Palm Beach Rocks) is a known location for tailor, yellowtail kingfish, Australian salmon, and yellowfin bream. Seasonality varies by species; the live conditions panel on Get A Nibble shows which species are most likely on a given day.

What is the best tide for Barrenjoey (Palm Beach Rocks)?

Tides matter at Barrenjoey (Palm Beach Rocks), but no single phase suits every species. Open the Read to see the tide alongside wind, swell and water temperature.

What moon phase is best for fishing at Barrenjoey (Palm Beach Rocks)?

At Barrenjoey (Palm Beach Rocks) the moon sets the tide. Spring tides around the new and full moon move more water than the neap tides around the quarter moons, and the tide reading shows that range for each day.

Are there fishing closures or marine sanctuaries near Barrenjoey (Palm Beach Rocks)?

Yes. NSW declared rock-fishing area. Lifejacket required by law. Fish only safe low ledges in small swell, never alone. Always check the latest Victorian Fisheries Authority or NSW DPI rules before fishing.

Barrenjoey (Palm Beach Rocks)

The water

Barrenjoey (Palm Beach Rocks) is a rock platform in Sydney, New South Wales. Get to know the water before unpacking: choose a target species, look at the tide and wind, and work out where you can comfortably fish.

Find the mark at 33 degrees 34.827 minutes south, 151 degrees 19.661 minutes east. These coordinates locate the fishing spot, not a safe access route.

Structure

The mapped structure is headland point. The chart depth near the usual casting position is about 7 metres below chart datum, the reference level on a marine chart. The tide changes the actual depth during your session.

Barrenjoey (Palm Beach Rocks) faces south-south-east. Sheltered from north, north-east, east, west and north-west winds. Some shelter from south-west winds. Open to south-east and south winds.

NSW declared rock-fishing area. Lifejacket required by law. Fish only safe low ledges in small swell, never alone.

Target species

Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix). Retrieve a metal slug through wash edges, changing speed as you search. Pilchard is an alternative when casting control becomes difficult.

Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi). A popper or stickbait can cover the surface around structure in manageable conditions. If fish hold deeper, consider a jig instead.

Australian Salmon (Arripis trutta). A metal slice is a useful starting lure in surf gutters. From structure in calm water, try a soft plastic with a slow retrieve.

Yellowfin Bream (Acanthopagrus australis). Try worms on a light running sinker rig for a natural drift. Prawns are another option when the water is moving.

How to fish it

Match the weight of your rig to the water in front of you. Start with enough control to present your bait or lure, then adjust when the tide changes. Watch where your line settles and leave space for other anglers to work their tackle.

Watch the wash from a safe position before approaching the rocks. Wear a lifejacket, fish with someone else and keep a clear way back.

Use the live weather at Barrenjoey (Palm Beach Rocks) to understand the session: tide, wind, swell, air pressure, moon and water temperature belong together. The two coloured bands describe catchability and fishability. They cannot assess your footing, access or safety at the water.

Nearby spots

Palm Beach Ferry Wharf: 1.9 km south-west in a straight line.
Mona Vale Basin & Pool Rocks: 11.0 km south in a straight line.
Narrabeen Lagoon (North Narrabeen Bridge): 15.3 km south in a straight line.

Explore more fishing spots in Sydney and compare their conditions before choosing your next session.

Data sources

Learn where the weather information comes from on our data sources page.