Family fun day guaranteed at Hooked on Docklands
18 August 2026
Families, fishers and food lovers are invited to cast a line and enjoy a fantastic day by the water when the free Hooked on Docklands Festival comes to Harbour Esplanade on Sunday 20 September.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling said the inaugural Hooked on Docklands, co-hosted with Docklands Chamber of Commerce, provides locals with an opportunity to celebrate fishing and Victorian seafood in the heart of Melbourne.
“Hooked on Docklands brings recreational fishing right into the heart of Melbourne, making it easier than ever for people to discover just how accessible and enjoyable fishing can be,” Mr Dowling said.
“The free festival will have something for everyone including ‘come and try’ fishing clinics, seafood cooking demonstrations, education sessions, market stalls and more.”
Hooked on Docklands is set to attract families, fishers, and seafood lovers with pop-up stalls selling freshly cooked paella, lobster rolls, and fresh Victorian seafood.
There will also be free ‘come and try’ fishing clinics for kids run by Fishcare, complete with rods and bait provided, and a Fishing and Outdoor Swap Meet where you can donate, trade or pick up fishing and camping equipment.
It’s a great opportunity for Grade 5 pupils across Victoria who received a free Little Angler Kit in the recent roll out to get into the great outdoors and try out their new fishing rod.
Hosted by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), the Hooked on Docklands Festival complements the Victorian Government’s $96 million investment package to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.
Running from 10am-3pm, this year’s festival is on the same day as the monthly Docklands Waterfront Farmers’ Market, showcasing a lineup of fresh Victorian produce and seafood, artisan cheese and baked goods, alongside ready-to-eat food, coffee, and lots more.
Other festival attractions include:
- Kids activities and educational sessions from the VFA Education Team, casting clinics, giveaways and selfies with VFA’s ‘Pinky the Snapper’ fish mascot
- Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating Network leaders sharing tips on how to improve catch rates for species like King George whiting, calamari and snapper
- Seafood cooking and filleting demonstrations with recipes to try at home
- Anatomy displays and research information from the VFA Science team
- Fishing simulator
- Learn about aquaculture and try samples of barramundi and abalone
- Better Boating Victoria sharing updates on boat ramp projects across the state
- Emergency services hub with trucks from Victoria’s State Emergency Service (SES) and Country Fire Authority (CFA)
- Food hub and live music by local artists to relax and enjoy waterfront views
- VRFish will be running a fun lure painting activity while sharing advocacy updates in the recreational fishing space
- Aquatic ecology sessions from OzFish
To learn more and book a spot in a free fishing clinic, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/hookedondocklands