Coastal Safety Abalone Fishing

Abalone Fishing

The abalone season is short, with limited opportunities each year, so if you want the best possible catch, it’s important to make sure you do it right and do it safely.

Aerial view of abalone fishers along a rocky shoreline

Season Dates & Rules

abalone fishing in WA

Every year, thousands of people from across the country and the world flock to WA to fish for abalone. But tragically, six people have drowned whilst abalone fishing since 2012.

With just a few simple preparations, these tragedies can be avoided. All it takes is some simple planning and making sure you have the right equipment to make your catch easier, and safer.

Licensed fishers can fish for abalone between Busselton Jetty and Greenough River Mouth during the one hour fishing sessions (7:00 and 8:00 am), on the designated Saturdays. Download the 2025/26 Abalone Recreational Fishing Guide (opens in a new tab) for more information.

The 2025/2026 season dates are:

13 December 2025
10 January 2026
7 February 2026
21 February 2026 – CANCELLED
NEW SESSION: 14 March 2026

Abalone fishing tips information graphic

Aerial view of abalone fishers on a rocky coastal platform

Fishing Zones

Where can you fish?

The map below shows the abalone fishing zones in Western Australia.

To make sure you use the season wisely, check the conditions and features of each zone to choose the right spot for you.

The locations identified below in the Western Zone are patrolled by surf lifesavers during the abalone fishing sessions.

Look out for the lifesavers in red and yellow, if they can’t see you, they can’t save you.

For more information about abalone fishing and recreational fishing licences, visit the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (opens in a new tab).

Download the Abalone Recreational Fishing Guide

Map of Western Australia's abalone fishing zones

Western Zone

The Western Zone extends north from Busselton Jetty to Greenough River Mouth.

During the allocated abalone fishing sessions, the locations listed below are patrolled by surf lifesavers.

Halls Head: One continuous zone covering approx. 1.2 km

Rockingham: Point Peron and Penguin Island. Dangerous access via sandbar at Penguin Island. Remote location

Metro: Marmion Angling & Aquatic Club, Hamersley Pool, Mettams, & Bennion Beach

Joondalup: Illuka and restricted access at Ocean Reef due to marina works. Very limited beach access and minimal beach area. Steep cliffs backing beach. Stick to designated paths and access points

Mindarie: Limited beach access. Stick to designated paths and access points

Yanchep: Yanchep Lagoon and Fisherman’s Hollow. Strong currents within the Lagoon and the drop-off at either end of the reef, especially at the northern end.

Northern Zone

The Northern Zone, or Zone 2, which extends from Greenough River Mouth to the Northern Territory border is closed to abalone fishing until further notice.

Southern Zone

The Southern Zone, or Zone 3, extends from Busselton Jetty to the South Australian Border, and is open to abalone fishing between 1 October and 15 May the following year.

Closure: The area from Busselton Jetty to Shoal Cape is closed to greenlip abalone fishing until further notice.

Abalone fishing gear checklist showing recommended equipment

FISH SMART. COME HOME SAFE.

Know the rules, check the conditions, and make the most of every session.