Australian Rainbow Trout Farm (PH: 03 5968 4711) – 26 Mulhalls Rd, Macclesfield – Victoria 3782 . Open everyday from 10am-5pm except christmas day.

It was labour day back in the state of Victoria (where I live), Australia. I made the most out of the long weekend by doing a day trip to the fish farm – Australian Rainbow Trout. It is located just further up Dandenong which is appoximately 1.5 hrs drive from Melbourne CBD. Despite the recent devastating bush fire in Victoria, the driving to the fish farm was quite pleasant. We drove past the rain forests of Mount Dandenong Ranges.

We paid AU$5/person entrance fee (Children 14 and under AU$3.50, Children 3 and under free) which covers:

• The use of rods, reels and baits for fishing in the ponds or on the lake
• The usef park facilities including BBQs, Picnic and outdoor games
• Cleaning of fish.

There are many fish ponds we could catch our fresh fish from (2 types – Rainbow Trout and Atlantic Salmon):

• Plate size trout with average weight of 500 grams at AU$13.90/kg
• Giant trout with average weight of 1.5 kg at AU$16/kg
• Atlantic Salmon with average weight of 1.5 kg at AU$22/kg

Sashimi styles can be prepared by staff at a very small fee.

Catching trout at one of rivers at the trout farm was easy, even for me. This is especially good because I don’t generally have the patience for fishing. However, with my rod, some cat food as bait, flick, and 2 minutes later wohhla ! I have caught my first fish ever! It was exhiliarating. There were 6 of us and 2 children and we were very hungry after driving 1.5 hours to get here, so I decided we’ll needed more fish (yes u can bbq the fish on the spot). After about 20 minutes I managed to catch myself 2 giant trouts and smaller one. The fish were cleaned by the staff. Fresh trouts are best kept at near freezing temperature so be prepared with your chilly bin/eski stocked fully with ice if you intend to take some fish home. Make sure you also bring you BBQ gear and spices if you intend to cook the fish in the BBQ picnic area.

For a more challenging fishing experience, you have the option to fish in the lake area. It takes longer to catch the fish since the lake is less stocked compare to the ponds but will give those fishing enthusiast more enjoyment.

So after we finished fishing, we wrapped the fish in foil, spiced with salt, pepper, oil and lemon, and chucked it on the BBQ. I feasted on the fresh rainbow trouts I caught. It was the best fish I have ever tasted as it was so fresh!

There are a lot of other things to do at the fish farm other than fishing. The farm has a lot of animal such as chickens, Emus and Ducks. Nearby, I also saw a kangaroo. The place is perfect for a family day out.

After feasting on the fish, we decided to try on the farm’s 18 holes mini golf for AU$8/person. The field was very challenging and I had heaps of fun even though I did end up coming last :S

I highly recommend you visit the Australian Rainbow trout farm. It’s a perfect day trip, with the family & friends. I mean what more can you ask for, a scenic ride across the Dandenong Ranges, fishing, BBQing, wildlife, parks & mini golf!

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