If you’re a hard-core angler or just looking for a fun way to get the kids outside, head to the Googong Fish Fair on Saturday 14 April.
Top TV angler Rob Paxevanos from Fishing Australia and Canberra’s native fishing expert and wildlife filmmaker Roman Dicovski will team up with celebrity indigenous chef Mark Olive for a free pond-to-plate experience from 11am to 2pm.
The trio will reveal their secrets for a great catch – and a great feed – straight from the pristine waters of Googong Dam.
While Rob and Roman answer the fishy questions you were too afraid to ask, Mark will weave his magic over freshly-caught Redfin Perch, using his signature blend of native Australian ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques.
Just down the road from the exciting new town of Googong, Googong Dam is one of Australia’s most renowned native fisheries. It’s a blissful spot for anyone who likes to cast a rod or go picnicking, birdwatching, bushwalking, mountain biking and sailing.
Come along and meet the team from Icon Water who, together with rangers from the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, manage the Googong Foreshores and care for the dam, which is part of the main water supply for the Canberra, Queanbeyan and Googong region.
Check out all the latest fishing gear, including the new Australian-made Polycraft plastic dinghies, with electric engines, ideal for pottering around the dam where petrol engines can’t be used. You can also trade in your old safety gear with Transport NSW’s Old4New lifejacket program.
Meet some of the region’s hard-working environmental volunteers and introduce the children to seed-growing with organic growers from Burrabee Farm.
Googong Dam is one of the few drinking water reservoirs where fishing is allowed. Local species, like the huge Murray Cod, Rainbow Trout and Golden Perch, are exciting game for catch-and release sports fishing, while introduced species like the Redfin Perch are considered a tasty pest.
As well as an awe-inspiring array of native plants and animals, including spectacular birds of prey, the area has a rich Aboriginal heritage and includes a conservation haven set aside for the vulnerable pink-tailed Worm Lizard.
Googong Dam is open for fishing all year so come along to the Fishing Fair and find out how you can enjoy this sensitive natural wonderland.
Googong Fish Fair is on Saturday 14 April at Beltana Park, more info here.
