Free family fun at Arcadia Fish Hatchery Open Day
by Victorian Fisheries Authority 13 Mar 06:55 UTC
6 April 2025
VFA's Reb Olden explaining fish production © Victorian Fisheries Authority
Native fish production will go on show these school holidays with free family fun on offer at the Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery Open Day on Sunday 6 April.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said following the success of last year's event the hatchery, only 15 minutes from Shepparton, would again be opened to all.
Running from 9am to 4pm, the open day will highlight the Arcadia Visitors Centre with its adventure playground, educational signage, picnic areas and fish-out pond stocked with Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch.
"The open day is a great reason to plan a weekend in the Goulburn Valley, enjoy the many things the region has to offer and spend time in the great outdoors wetting a line and learning about all things fishing," Mr Dowling said.
"Free learn-to-fish clinics for kids will be a feature, with expert guidance to teach youngsters, who will take home a free rod and reel to continue their fishing journey.
"Experienced fishers can also try their luck at the fish-out pond, which has recently had access to the bank improved to make it more accessible for everyone.
"Our fish production experts will also provide tours of the hatchery, showcasing how Murray cod and golden perch are grown and how an ongoing expansion of the site will triple production capacity to a whopping six million fish per year."
The aquaculture hub will explain how Murray cod are also grown for Victorian seafood lovers with samples of smoked cod, while Aquna Sustainable Murray cod will have a pop-up stall with sales and tastings of their product used in restaurants and home kitchens.
Filleting and cooking demonstrations will also make the most of the delicious fish, and if all that has your mouth watering lunch can be purchased including fish burgers, fish and chips, a sausage sizzle and a coffee van.
The Fisheries education team will keep the kids entertained with a range of activities, scientists will be dissecting and discussing the fascinating anatomy of Murray cod, and a range of staff will be on hand to answer any burning questions you might have to settle any long-running debates with fishing friends or family.
North-east fishing guru and popular YouTube creator Robbie Alexander will be there to talk about local hot spots, there'll be live music, a fishing simulator, Fishcare Victoria volunteers, a sensory activity for kids, spinning wheel with prizes and lots more.
The Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery is located at 200 Ross Road, Arcadia. For more information about, head to vfa.vic.gov.au/arcadiaopenday.