1 Bedford Weir, Blackwater

GPS:  -23.341814, 148.80774

How to get there: The weir is 29km north of Blackwater on Blackwater-Cooroorah Road. Turn north-west at Waypoint and continue for 300m on good bitumen road all the way out to the weir.

Why it's great: The Bedford Weir is a man-made impoundment on the Mackenzie River, 25km north of Blackwater.

The area is suitable for overnight stays - water, toilets and hot showers are available free of charge.

Wood-fired barbecues and a children's playground in shaded areas by the river make it an ideal picnic spot. 

The area is popular for boating, skiing and fishing and has been stocked with sports fish, including barramundi and saratoga. 

Tips: Consider staying at the popular fishing spot for a maximum of seven days. Hot showers are provided. You will need a satellite dish for TV reception.

Watch out for: The saratoga fishing contest in September.

2 Coorooman Creek, Emu Park

GPS: -23.269453, 150.733702

How to get there: Coorooman Creek Ramp is found at the Western End of Svendsen Road, Emu Park. To get there from Rockhampton, follow the Scenic Highway to Emu Park via Lakes Creek Road. Upon arriving into Zilzie, turn right into Hartley St. Then, turn right into Svendsen Rd and follow it until you reach the creek. 

Why it's great: It has good access from all sides and is only minutes from Emu Park and Zilzie or Keppel Sands. There are a lot of quality crabs at times - which in turn bring out the share farmers, so watch your pots. 

Tips: The sandbanks in the mouth are probably the most productive whiting grounds. They also bring in big flathead and blue salmon. Fingermark, grunter and bream are always on hand.

Watch out for: The sheltered areas of the creek where the family can fish even in foul weather. 

3 Port Alma, Central Qld

GPS:  -23.622007, 150.732727

How to get there: Port Alma is about 60km south of Rockhampton, at the south end of the Fitzroy River delta. From Rockhampton, follow the Bruce Hwy south until you get to the Bajool-Port Alma Rd turnoff. Turn left and follow it to the end.

Why it's great: Port Alma is a remarkable, massive estuary system in the midst of the Central Queensland coast. Lure casting will bring in good barramundi (commonly between 80cm and 110cm, winter included). Deep water jigging can produce fingermark and estuary cod. Depending on the weather it may also be possible to target trevally, grey mackerel and black jew fish further offshore. 

Tips: It might be a good idea to take the crab pots out with you.

Watch out for: Prison - the harbour board warns there can be a jail term for trespassers in the Port Alma wharf exclusion zone.