03 Aug, 2023

Tourism and holiday parks with a difference: NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park

by Paul Morton

Join Paul Morton as he explores Woodgate Beach, Qld, a hidden gem with everything from fabulous fishing spots, serene natural environments, 4WD beach adventures and, of course, the fantastic NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park.

For years I have heard stories about Queensland’s beautiful and secluded town of Woodgate Beach, nestled between the ocean and natural paradise of Burrum Coast National Park. Located on Fraser Coast halfway between Hervey Bay and Bundaberg, it can be easy to bypass this beachside town. But after hearing countless tales about its hidden allure, I was excited to finally take the turn-off and discover what the fuss was about.

After an uneventful late afternoon check-in at the NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park and an early night, I was up early ready for an exciting day of exploration and adventure. Tucked away from the mainstream tourist spots, Woodgate Beach is a hidden gem that often gets overlooked by travellers in search of more popular destinations. But let me tell you, this place is something special.

As I stepped outside, the idyllic yet laid-back charm of this holiday park was easy to appreciate. I took a short stroll across the road to the beach, the soothing sound of the waves crashing on the shore calling me.

An angler's paradise

After enjoying the allure of the ocean, I couldn’t resist the urge to find out more about the fantastic fishing opportunities in the area. I had heard whispers about the great whiting and flathead fishing at the nearby Theodolite Creek, which is also known for its abundance of yabby beds. The thought of casting my line and reeling in a big catch made my angler's heart race with anticipation.

After gearing up with my fishing equipment, I made my way to the creek at the end of the beach. It didn't take long for me to find the perfect spot along the creek's banks. With its calm waters and promising fishing reputation, I felt confident that I would have a fruitful day. As I cast my line, I couldn't help but be captivated by the natural beauty that surrounded me — I had the place all to myself, just the way I like it.

As I patiently waited for a bite, I soaked in the tranquillity of the surroundings. The allure of Theodolite Creek lay not only in its fishing potential but also in the opportunity to connect with nature in a serene setting. The stunning white sand beaches and calm blue waters make for a beautiful day of fishing or relaxation, which can also be enjoyed from the water itself if you’ve got a boat handy. After a good hour-long session, I’d rustled up a few whiting and a nice flatty, which would be making their way home with me for dinner that night.

Hitting the beach

Woodgate Beach isn't just about fishing, though. It offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The next day I decided to venture offroad in my 4WD to explore the rugged tracks that crisscross the area. The scenic trails in the nearby Kinkuna section of the Burrum Coast National Park provided a great opportunity for some beach driving, one of my favourite things to do.

Beach driving is allowed at the Kinkuna Section of the national park and from the Woodgate Beach township south to the Burrum Point area. Always take care when driving on sand, and make sure you stick to the tracks and only use the signed and established tracks to enter or exit the beach. More information about safe sand driving and condition updates can be found on the Queensland Parks and Forests DES website.

The beach in the Kinkuna Section stretches all the way up to Elliot Heads and the keen angler in me was spotting great gutters the whole way … the things you see when you don’t have a rod handy!

Winding down

At the end of each day, I found solace and comfort at NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park, which enjoys the best of both worlds nestled between National Park bushland and calm subtropical waters.

The holiday hosts at the park went out of their way to make my stay enjoyable. They greeted me with warm smiles and were always ready to share tips and recommendations on what to see and do in the area. Their local knowledge was invaluable, and they directed me to hidden spots to explore or to grab a great feed.

Those with a tinny or even a kayak can explore some amazing waterways, with the Burrum River giving you endless options to poke around. I was also told of great fishing directly offshore from the holiday park at the Woodgate artificial reef, with mackerel and tuna only a few hundred metres from the beach.

All this exploring can see you work up a hunger (and thirst) and I was surprised to find some of the best food in town was right at the NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park. A great little cafe positioned looking out at the beach served some amazing food and coffee which made it an easy choice each morning. For those looking for something a bit more substantial or a cleansing ale, there are two local options. Turn left out of the holiday park and you’ll end up at the Woodgate Beach Hotel or turn right for Woodgate Club. Both offer bistro meals and drinks.

While my stay was only short, it certainly was enough to understand why I had heard people rave about the place. With its unspoiled beauty and laid-back charm, Woodgate Beach is a destination that allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’re looking for somewhere to really unwind and slow down, then I suggest you look at taking the turn-off that many drive by and check out Woodgate Beach, it might just surprise you.