Woodgate Beach – Queensland

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Woodgate is a sleepy holiday town about 40 minutes south of Bundaberg that looks north-east out over Hervey Bay. The beach, which stretches between Theodolite River to the north and the unfortunately named Isis River (often called Burrum River) to the south, is as idyllic stretch of sand as anywhere on the coast. The southern six or seven kilometres, which bends round into the Isis and is part of Burrum Coast National Park, is open for beach driving, fishing and boat launching.woodgate beach 4wdingDriving conditions
There are two entrances to this beach south of the Woodgate township. The northern entry, off Walkers Point Road, runs down on a broken, rutted wooden board track that’s easy enough, but care is needed if towing a trailer.

The beach is wide and flat heading south, the sand fine, muddy and although firm, sticky in places. As the beach bends around into the wide mouth of the Isis, the sticky spots become more common and the sand a little softer. Locals warn not to continue too far towards the river-mouth as it is much softer and bogged vehicles are common in the muddy sand. Around here, dead trees have washed onto the shore block access and it’s probably wise to pay attention to their warning.woodgate beach driving The southern access is softer and follows a sandy track to Burrum Point Camping area in Burrum Coast National Park. It’s not overly hard, but taking it easy and going in 4WD high with lower tyre pressures will help prevent track damage.

Camping
Within Woodgate there are two caravan parks, although the NRMA Woodgate Beach is the better and closer of the two to the beach access. The caravan park is right across the road from the beach and has a small cafe and general store at the front. Find out more here.

Burrum Point campground can only be accessed by 4WDs and is a basic, sandy and shady camp site set amongst the bush. There are drop toilets and basic cold showers with sites suitable for camper trailers or off-road caravans, as well as tents. Get all the details here.

woodgate beach fishingFishing
The Isis/Burrum river is a very popular spot for both land and boat based fishos. There is a good chance of getting whiting, using worms pumped from the beach, while I’ve even heard talk of mackerel being landed if the fisho can find a decent drop off.

If you’ve got a boat, there’s barra and mangrove jack to be found in the river, while mackerel and other pelagic fish can be had from the artificial reef, about 1nm off the Woodgate coast. Two markers, which can be seen from the shore, mark its position.

Surfing
Only on the net or behind a boat, sorry. Blame Fraser Island. Although persistent northerly winds can drum up a pretty ugly windswell.

Need to know
Distance – 7km
Camping – Yes, both caravan park and national park options.
Permits – None needed.
Speed Limit – 50km/h
Fishing – There’s good whiting fishing and opportunity to launch a boat in to the river.
Surfing – Maybe bring a SUP.
Boat Launch – Yes, straight off the beach. It’s firmer up north, so that’s the place to do it.
Beach Difficulty – Mostly firm, although the muddy sand can be sticky.
Access: From Walkers Point Road and Burrum Point Camping Area.

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About Author

Just a guy who wants to drive on every beach in Australia

2 Comments

  1. hi, im looking to drive on woodgate beach and had some questions.

    did you lower your tyre pressure at all? itll be my first drive and everything iv read has said to but would like to know from someone experienced.

    also what would be the best place to drive? close to the water or further away?

    thanks.

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