SEARCHING for a stunning South East Queensland coastal 4WD location without the crowds? One such destination is the beautiful . retains that atmosphere that a beach holiday should have, as well as the chance to enjoy those typical beach vacation activities – swimming, fishing, beachcombing, a game of beach cricket or just lazing in a hammock under the she-oaks with a good book.

The and quiet protect a glorious coastal lowland wilderness of sandy beaches, mangrove-lined estuaries, wallum heaths, tea-tree swamps, eucalypt forests and lush palm groves. The township offers all the facilities and services you’d expect, inducing a pub, bowls club, caravan park and two general stores. There’s no ‘glitz and glamour’ here, just a great laid-back atmosphere and fabulous natural beauty.

The has much to entice the 4WD-based visitor, including 14km of vehicle-accessible beach, secluded campsites with uninterrupted ocean views, a tranquil wilderness atmosphere with birds, marine and wildlife in abundance, and total peace and quiet. If you visit the outside peak holiday times, chances are you’ll have the place entirely to yourselfeasy to moderate, over mostly sand with some gravel and dirt, and are suitable for most ‘soft-roaders’ and camper trailers. The wildlife ranges from large birds such as brolgas, emus and jabirus to rainbow bee-eaters and cockatoos. There are marsupials including kangaroos, wallabies, possums, marsupial mice and feather-tail gliders, and reptiles such as goannas and loggerhead turtles. The loggerheads nest and hatch on the beaches from November to March.

an ideal destination for anglers. The bountiful waters of are accessible from the beach and the and provide sheltered estuary fishing and crabbing.

Campers have three options: basic bush, formal park campground or caravan park camping. The no facilities so you’ll need to be totally self-sufficient if you plan on ‘roughing it’ there. (you’ll need to book a site if you’re visiting during school holidays) has toilets, cold showers and drinking water and is handy to Woodgate’s amenities, while the caravan park offers all the ‘mod-cons’ including powered sites and hot showers. Non-campers can choose from a good range of accommodation including park cabins, holiday homes and units, and motel rooms.

on (07) 4126 8810 when Permits may also be obtained from the self-registration stations in the . Burrum Coast National Park is another of Queensland’s little-known delights. Our South East Queensland 4WD guide contains detailed planning info and trip directions to get you there.

1) The mouth of Theodolite Creek is a great spot for the kids to have a swim.

2) Most of the narrow, sandy tracks through the park’s low wallum scrub are easy going. Watch out for emus!

3) Looking down the Gregory River from the viewing platform at Hoppy Lark’s Creek picnic area.

4) The confluence of the Gregory and Burrum Rivers divides the Woodgate and Burrum River sections of the National Park.

5) Driving along beautiful Palm Beach in the Kinkuna section of the National Park in the late afternoon.