What's on in Central Coast: NSW Govt's Fish for Life: Women on the Water Fishing Day at Mort Bay Park, Birchgrove, Saturday 11 July, what to expect and how to go

The NSW Government is hosting Women on the Water Fishing Day at Mort Bay Park in Birchgrove on Saturday, 11 July, part of its Fish for Life program aimed at introducing women to recreational fishing. The free event invites participants of all skill levels to cast a line in Sydney Harbour while connecting with other women anglers.

Fishing participation has shifted significantly in recent years. While traditional recreational fishing was once dominated by male participants, state and national initiatives have moved to broaden access and encourage women to engage in water-based outdoor activity. The NSW Government's Fish for Life scheme sits within that broader push, recognising that waterside recreation-whether casting for bream and flathead or simply spending time on the water-delivers tangible mental health and community benefits. For Central Coast residents, the event at Mort Bay Park offers a low-barrier entry point to a hobby that thrives along the region's own stretch of coastline.

Why this matters for Central Coast communities

The Central Coast sits 75 kilometres north of Sydney Harbour, but residents regularly travel to and from the city for work, family, and recreation. The Gosford to Terrigal shared pathway and Bouddi National Park draw thousands annually to the region's own waterfront; a dedicated fishing day signals growing recognition that water access-and the mental health benefits tied to time outdoors-shouldn't be gatekept by gender or experience level. Local fishing clubs like Avoca and Terrigal surf lifesaving clubs have long anchored community water culture; expanding that culture to include recreational fishing aligns with the region's identity as a coastal destination.

The event at Mort Bay Park, located on Mort Street in Birchgrove, runs on 11 July. No booking URL or ticket price is listed; the free format removes a common barrier to participation. Attendees should bring weather-appropriate clothing and any personal fishing tackle they already own, though the organisers typically provide guidance on tackle hire or loan arrangements for beginners.

What to bring and practical details

Mort Bay Park sits within striking distance of the Harbour, with parking available on surrounding streets and public transport links via nearby bus routes. Those driving from the Central Coast can expect a 60-90 minute journey depending on traffic; Saturday morning departures are advisable to avoid congestion on the M1 northbound.

Recreational fishing in NSW requires a fishing licence, which can be purchased online through the Department of Planning and Environment. A recreational fishing licence costs $43.65 for a full year, or $15.20 for a one-week licence-meaning Saturday visitors can opt for short-term permission if they're trialling the activity. Children aged under 18 fish free when supervised.

The wider Fish for Life program has logged steady uptake across NSW. Government data from 2025 showed over 2,000 participants across regional and urban fishing days statewide, with women representing roughly 35 per cent of attendees-a notable increase from prior years when women's participation in recreational fishing hovered closer to 20 per cent.

Central Coast residents keen to sample the fishing lifestyle without the drive to Birchgrove should also note that local fishing clubs operate weekly sessions along Tuggerah Lake, where recreational anglers pursue bream, flathead, and estuary perch. The lake sits minutes from Gosford town centre and offers a gentler introduction to the sport before venturing into open water.

The Mort Bay Park event runs on Saturday, 11 July. Those interested should arrive early, bring sun protection and water, and come prepared to spend 2-3 hours on the water. Check the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website or the Fish for Life social media channels closer to the date for final details on parking, catering, and what to do if conditions prevent fishing.