Woody Island, Great Sandy NP
What's special
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.
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.
Exploring Woody Island
Bush camp at Jeffries Beach, about 25 minutes from the Urangan Boat Harbour on the south-eastern side of Woody Island. This is a quiet retreat for self-sufficient visitors. No facilities are provided. Camping permits are required and fees apply.
- Find out more about camping on Woody Island.
- Book your campsite online. If you cannot book online, book by phone on 13 13 04.
- Bookings can also be made in person at the QPWS Maryborough office.
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. Remember to bury all fish scraps 50cm deep at a point well below the high tide mark.
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.
Useful links
Nearby parks
- Fraser Island, Great Sandy National Park
- Great Sandy Marine Park
- Northern Cooloola, Great Sandy National Park
Last updated: 09 November 2009
