The Dutton Trout Hatchery at Ebor has reopened to visitors, with locals and tourists once again welcome to explore the facility that produces two million trout each year to support recreational fishing across New South Wales.
After a temporary closure to focus on essential animal husbandry tasks, the hatchery is now fully open to the public seven days a week from 9am to 3pm. NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Director of Aquaculture Ian Lyall said the re-opening would have positive impacts on the local community.
“The re-opening of the Dutton Trout Hatchery to the public is important for the Ebor and surrounding communities with many local businesses benefitting from the steady flow of tourists attracted to this destination,” Mr Lyall said.
“We look forward to seeing a return of visitors so people can learn about the important role of aquaculture for restocking, research and threatened species restoration the department performs for fisheries across NSW.”
Located on the Serpentine River at 336 Point Lookout Road, the hatchery features a self-guided visitor experience including a tourist complex with display aquaria, broodstock facilities, five earthen fish ponds, and a 50 megalitre water storage dam. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the free picnic and barbecue facilities onsite.
The site is one of two premier NSW Government trout hatcheries — alongside Gaden Trout Hatchery in the Snowy Mountains — dedicated to breeding and rearing cold-water sport fish. Dutton produces both Rainbow and Brown Trout, which are released into public rivers and lakes in the New England and Central West regions to enhance recreational fishing.
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan welcomed the news, having campaigned for the hatchery’s reopening after it was closed to visitors in late 2024.
“Our small communities, like Ebor, rely on foot traffic from tourist attractions so they can continue to thrive,” Mr Moylan said.
“Since the closure of the LP Dutton Trout Hatchery, Ebor’s pub, accommodation facilities, and other attractions saw a drop in the number of visitors.
“I hope there will now be a steady stream of visitors going through the trout hatchery and enjoying a self-guided tour and use the on-site free picnic facilities.”
Although closed to the public, the hatchery remained fully operational during the recent visitor shutdown, with all fish stockings for the 2024–25 season completed successfully. Staff are now preparing broodstock for the upcoming 2025–26 breeding season.
The hatchery is also recruiting to fill a hatchery attendant role, providing a further boost to local employment.
As one of the most accessible aquaculture sites in regional NSW, Dutton Trout Hatchery continues to serve an important role in fish production, scientific research, and community education. For more information about the hatchery, visit the NSW DPI website at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.
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