Last Update: September 2026
One of my favourites things to do, is to walk along the beach for miles. There is no shortage of beaches here in Queensland. What’s even better is walking for miles on a deserted beach. We recently visited Woodgate Beach and found it perfect for endless beach walks without a soul in sight.
The small coastal settlement of Woodgate Beach is 45-minutes south of Bundaberg, and a 4-hour drive from Brisbane, Queensland’s capital city. With sixteen kilometres of beach to enjoy, it’s the perfect place for beach lovers or anyone who loves spending time in the great outdoors.
We had two days in this quiet haven and highly recommend it if you need to escape a hectic lifestyle. It is quiet, secluded, and the perfect place to relax and recharge.
What to do in Woodgate Beach?
Hit the beach
Well, you can’t visit Woodgate Beach and not start with some beach time! This sixteen-kilometre-long stretch of beach is absolute heaven. Plus, it’s impossible to not find a quiet spot to have all to yourself.
The beach is immaculate and serene, and the water is perfect to swim in all year round. Swim, walk, or have a go at boogie boarding; whatever takes your fancy. If you have a 4WD, you can even go on a beach drive south towards Burrum Heads.
Spend a morning/afternoon at Theodolite Creek
Theodolite Creek is another perfect spot for outdoor activities, including more swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and wind surfing. It’s also very popular for fishing.
Theodolite Creek is only a short drive north of Woodgate Beach and it attracts locals and tourists alike. You can relax by the creek and totally unwind, enjoying the superb backdrop in front of you. It is shaded by woodlands of swamp paperbarks, blue gums, pink bloodwoods, and weeping cabbage palms. On a windy day, it is also a great place to shelter from the strong south-easterly winds. Theodolite Creek has a beautiful day-use area with BBQ facilities and sweeping views of the peaceful creek. It’s perfect for a gathering with friends.
On a nice day, Theodolite Creek is the best spot around to catch a sunset.
Go kangaroo spotting
Kangaroos are abundant in Woodgate Beach and at dusk and dawn you will see them wandering the streets of the small town. They even head down to the beach! So, take an early morning or sunset walk around town and look out for them. If you walk toward the bushes of the Burrum Coast National Park at the back of Woodgate Beach, I’d be surprised if you didn’t spot at least half a dozen!
Go for a bushwalk in the Burrum Coast National Park
There are a few hiking trails you can do in the Burrum Coast National Park. If you are looking for something easy and accessible for the whole family, do not miss the Banksia Track that starts at the back of the NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park. You can do the first 400m on a boardwalk which is easy and wheelchair accessible. You can then decide whether to continue through more tea-tree wetlands, towering cabbage palm stands and forests of eucalypts and banksias. The whole loop is 5.2 kilometres and takes a couple of hours.
If you prefer a much longer hike, the Melalauca Walk is 12.3 kilometres return and takes about 4 hours.
If you are a bird lover, the Birdhide walk is 6 kilometres return and takes about an hour and a half.
Ride along the Woodgate Beach Path
The path along the Woodgate Beachfront is perfect for bikes, scooters, skateboards and is shared with walkers. It goes all the way along the esplanade, and for miles in both directions. There are many picnic tables along the path, so bring some snacks and stop along the way for a picnic and a swim.
Take a day trip to Bundaberg or Bargara
If you have some spare time, Bundaberg and the seaside town of Bargara are not far away and have plenty to offer. In Bundaberg, visit the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, or visit the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery. Bargara has more beautiful beaches and is home to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre.
Best Time to Visit Woodgate Beach
Woodgate Beach is a great year-round destination, but autumn and spring are particularly lovely, with warm days and comfortable temperatures for walking, swimming and exploring Burrum Coast National Park.
Winter is also a beautiful time to visit, with mild days and lower humidity. Summer is hotter and more humid but perfect for enjoying the beach and cooling off at Theodolite Creek.
How Many Days Do You Need in Woodgate Beach?
We recommend spending two to three days in Woodgate Beach. This gives you enough time to enjoy the beach, explore some of the walking trails in Burrum Coast National Park, visit Theodolite Creek and, of course, look for the kangaroos that regularly hang around town.
Woodgate is a very relaxed place, so it’s also a great destination for a longer stay if you’re simply looking to slow down and enjoy the coast.
How to Get to Woodgate Beach
Woodgate Beach is located on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, around four hours’ drive north of Brisbane and approximately an hour from Bundaberg.
Having your own car is the easiest way to get there and explore the surrounding area. Woodgate also works well as a stop on a Queensland coastal road trip, particularly if you’re travelling between Rainbow Beach, Bundaberg and Agnes Water.
Getting Around Woodgate Beach
Woodgate Beach itself is small and easy to explore. You can walk along the beachfront and around town, and there are several walking trails in the nearby Woodgate section of Burrum Coast National Park.
Having a car is useful for reaching places such as Theodolite Creek and for taking day trips to Bundaberg, Bargara and other nearby destinations.
Do You Need a 4WD in Woodgate Beach?
No. You don’t need a 4WD to visit Woodgate Beach or the main attractions around town. Woodgate is accessible by sealed roads, and you can also reach Theodolite Creek from the Woodgate side with a regular 2WD vehicle.
A 4WD is only necessary if you want to explore certain more remote sections of Burrum Coast National Park or access designated 4WD and beach-driving areas.
Continuing your Queensland coastal road trip? If you’re heading north, make Bargara your next stop for beautiful beaches, coastal walks and the turtles at Mon Repos, or continue further to Agnes Water & 1770. Heading south? Rainbow Beach is another fantastic coastal stop, with Carlo Sand Blow, colourful sand cliffs and easy access to K’gari. Check out our guides to plan your next stop.
Where to stay in Woodgate Beach?
NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park
The NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park is on the beach front and is a great place to stay in Woodgate Beach. We booked one of their villas across the street from Woodgate Beach, but you can also bring a tent and camp, or hire one of their larger beach houses. If you have a furry friend, the caravan park is dog friendly. Book your stay here.
There are also many holiday houses for rent all along the beach front, so if you prefer a house, check out Airbnb or contact one of the local real estate agents.
Woodgate Beach FAQs
Is Woodgate Beach worth visiting?
Yes. Woodgate Beach is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet coastal getaway with a beautiful beach, bushwalking, wildlife and far fewer crowds than many of Queensland’s better-known beach towns.
Can you swim at Woodgate Beach?
Yes. Woodgate Beach is generally sheltered and popular for swimming, but always check local conditions before entering the water.
Are there kangaroos at Woodgate Beach?
Yes! Kangaroos are commonly seen around Woodgate, particularly around grassy areas and residential streets. Keep your distance and never feed them.
Read More
A Quick Guide to Mission Beach
10 Best Things to Do in Hervey Bay
This is Why You Should Visit Rainbow Beach
Leave a reply