Join the Migration

Half Breach

Get 'Up Close
& Personal'
with the magnificent Humpback Whales
at Hervey Bay
late July to early November


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Fraser Coast
Visitors Guide
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Woody Island, Great Sandy National Park

In the Great Sandy Strait between Fraser Island and Hervey Bay lie Woody and Little Woody Islands, which together form an undeveloped section of Great Sandy National Park.

Rocky Woody Island’s open forests and fringing mangroves are home to a variety of birds. The twin Woody Island lighthouses and associated buildings, built in 1866, remains of telegraph lines and a grave site are heritage-listed for their contribution to the maritime and settlement history of the Maryborough-Hervey Bay area.

Exploring Woody Island

Camping is by permit only. Bush camp at Jeffries Beach, about 25 minutes from the Urangan Boat Harbour on the south-eastern side of Woody Island. Camp in the proximity of the Great Sandy National Park, Woody Island Section sign. About five minutes south of the Gas Shed. The camping area is in line with the tip of Little Woody Island. This is a quiet retreat for self-sufficient visitors. No facilities are provided.

Please remember:

  • Camping on Little Woody Island is prohibited.
  • Open fires are not permitted. Use a fuel stove for cooking.
  • Store food and rubbish in lockable containers. Take your rubbish with you - do not burn or bury it.
  • Take fresh water.
  • Bury human waste 50 cm deep and at least 50 m from campsites and the beach.
  • Do not feed or leave food that attracts wildlife.
  • Bury all fish scraps 50 cm deep at a point well below high tide mark.
  • Domestic animals are prohibited on all national parks.
  • Boaties and fishers, know your size and bag limits. Watch your line, lost tackle can be lethal to marine life. Go slow for those below, especially in shallow water and throw nothing overboard.

Walking

Relive the fascinating history of Queensland's early light keepers as you explore around the lighthouses. Follow the walking track up to the Middle Bluff Lighthouse from the Gas Shed. For your safety, please do not enter or climb on the lighthouse complex structures. A rock-lined track once linked the Middle Bluff Lighthouse to the North Bluff Lighthouse. The track can now only be seen in places and is not sign posted.

Getting there

Woody Island is in the Great Sandy Strait, about 5km or 20 minutes east of Urangan, Hervey Bay. Access is by private boat only, refer to the Boonlye Point to Hervey Bay Small Craft Chart.

Remember to contact Volunteer Marine Rescue before your departure and on your return. Their call sign is VMR 466 on VHF repeater channel 22/73.