Woodgate
Postcode: 4660
The town is stretched behind the esplanade and is an eclectic mix of traditional ‘Queenslander’ style homes, 1950’s beach shacks, modern homes and some more palatial designs. Kiosks, a restaurant, hotel and accommodation are located here. To the north lies Theodolite Creek – a breathtaking expanse of white silica sand perfect for swimming and fishing and to the south, Walkers Point – a small fishing village near the mouth of the Burrum River.
Surrounding Woodgate on all landward sides is the Burrum Coast National Park – Woodgate and Kinkuna sections, preserving a rapidly disappearing snapshot of what much of the Southern Queensland coast once resembled. Low forests of heath, eucalypt, native cypress and banksias are sprinkled with still tea-tree stained lagoons and luxuriant cabbage tree palm groves. Boardwalks and walking trails lead from Woodgate through the park and for the more adventurous, Four Wheel Drive trails lead to national park camping grounds and secluded beachside picnic areas. The wildlife from the national park makes regular appearances in town – kangaroos frequent the bowling green and emus make an odd sight as they wander along quiet streets. Rainbow lorikeets frolic amongst the trees and from July to November – the waterspouts of migrating whales are often seen offshore.
The area is popular with families, birdwatchers, nature lovers, Four Wheel Drivers and those looking for a taste of old fashioned beach holidays, without the bright lights, high-rise and cafe strips.
Here’s a genuine corner of paradise at the mouth of the Burrum River on the coast between Hervey Bay and Bundaberg, with the renowned Fraser Island – the world’s largest sand island – just a few kilometres off the beach. Sheltered somewhat by the immense bulk of the island, the local waters are great for swimming, and the fishing is terrific.
This is where you can make your base for a foray into the magnificent 5942ha Burrum Coast National Park, which offers you a variety of wild habitats – from mangroves around the Burrum and Gregory Rivers to eucalyptus forests, wallum heathlands, and tea tree swamplands, all of which support their own variety of native birds and animals.
Thirty-six kilometres east of Childers, Woodgate has its own, secluded beach and you can absorb the town character on the 800m boardwalk off Acacia Street or on the more strenuous, 5.2km Banksia Walk which takes you into the bushland environment.