Agritourism operators in the South West are set to benefit from a State Government initiative designed to attract families and fishing enthusiasts to the region during the upcoming October school holidays. The ‘festival of trout’ will see freshwater fishing licences waived from 4-12 October, creating a significant tourism drawcard for towns including Waroona and Pemberton.

Leveraging a Licence-Free Period to Attract Visitors

The core of the initiative is the temporary removal of licence requirements for freshwater angling in all South West dams and rivers. This strategic move is designed to lower the barrier to entry for families and casual fishers, encouraging them to participate in the outdoor activity. The festival is anchored by two key events: Troutfest at Drakesbrook Weir in Waroona on 4 October and the Southern Forests Trout Festival at Big Brook Dam in Pemberton on 12 October.

To support the festival, hatchery-reared brown and rainbow trout from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Pemberton facility will be released into the waterways. This stocking program is intended to enhance the fishing experience and increase the likelihood of success for participants.

Opportunities for Agritourism Operators

This festival presents a clear, time-bound opportunity for agritourism businesses in the Peel and South West regions to attract visitors. Operators should consider developing and promoting special offers or experiences that cater to families visiting the area for the fishing events. This could include accommodation packages, farm-to-table dining specials, or activities for non-fishing family members.

The government’s promotional efforts for the festival will create a wave of regional travel interest that local businesses can capitalise on. Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis encouraged holidaymakers to participate.

“I encourage anyone holidaying in the South West to have a go at freshwater fishing between 4-12 October and take the opportunity to try this fantastic outdoor activity while freshwater fishing licences are waived,” she said. “It’s also a great opportunity for families to help release some of our hatchery-reared trout into Drakesbrook Weir and Big Brook Dam during this ‘festival of trout’.”

By aligning their own marketing with the festival, local agritourism businesses can position themselves as the ideal base for a family holiday built around this unique regional event.

Words by:

Andy Burns

Andy Burns is a driving force in the Western Australian tourism industry, currently serving as Vice-President of the WAAA. He’s the Founder of Scott Aussie Tourism Marketing, a South West WA-based agency specialising in helping tourism businesses thrive in the digital age. Scott Aussie offers a full range of marketing services, from strategic planning and branding to content creation, social media management, and AI-powered solutions. Andy’s deep understanding of the tourism landscape, combined with his expertise in destination marketing and community engagement, makes him a sought-after advisor, speaker, and trainer. He’s a regular presenter at industry conferences and workshops, sharing his insights on topics ranging from digital marketing strategy to the future of tourism. Andy is also a member of the Manjimup Tourist Bureau and a Councillor at the Shire of Manjimup. His previous leadership roles include six years on the board of Tourism Rockingham and five years as Chair of a Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attraction (DBCA) advisory committee.