Woodgate is surrounded by nature. Bordered by the Burrum Coast National Park and Great Sandy Marine Park, our waterways, beaches, wetlands and forests are home to abundant wildlife, including migratory and endangered and threatened species.
Please respect the environment and keep our natural areas and town beautiful for everyone’s enjoyment.
- Take your rubbish with you – on the beach, in the National Park, around town, out on the water.
- Don’t park or drive on sand dunes, don’t use them as toilets and don’t rip out the vegetation.
- Watch for wildlife on the roads and in the water; slow down.
- Retrieve broken tackle, nets and pots, rope and fishing line.
- Stick to designated walkways, paths, tracks and trails for your safety and the environment.
- Pick up your dog poop.
Great Sandy Marine Park
- Know your zones. Observe protected habitat, conservation and go slow zones.
- Download the Marine Parks Southern Queensland app.
- Take your rubbish with you – retrieve broken tackle, nets, pots and lines.
Burrum Coast National Park
- Don’t drive on fragile sand dunes or remove vegetation. Stick to existing trails and tracks.
– Driving on sand - Camp only in designated camping areas where amenities are provided.
- Fires are prohibited on the beach.
- Take all of your rubbish with you.
Caring for Wildlife
Marine Animal Strandings (Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service) – 1300 130 372
Report deceased, injured, ill or beached marine wildlife via the hotline or QWildlife app. Local volunteers will be tasked to respond. Download QWildlife app
Woodgate & Surrounds Wildlife Rescue – 0459 241 318
Report injured or orphaned wildlife (kangaroos, birds, echidna, possums, etc). Local volunteers will provide advice or arrange care. Visit their Facebook
Woodgate Turtle Volunteers
A team of trained and authorised stranding responders and conservation volunteers care for vulnerable and endangered sea turtles, and monitor and protect nesting sites. Link to page to come
Wildlife Encounters
Kangaroos – plentiful in Woodgate, you’ll see them at the edge of the National Park, in house yards and on the beach. They may appear tolerant but keep your distance, they can be protective. Keep dogs leashed. You may also come across echidna, possums and bandicoots.
Snakes – stay on trails and pathways and keep your eyes open. Snakes like the beach too, particularly vegetated sand dunes. If you come across a sea snake on the beach, leave it be. Sea snakes are highly venomous; it is likely the snake is unwell or injured.
Sea Turtles – nest during the Summer and are year-round inhabitants in the waters offshore. If you come across a turtle on the beach, keep your distance. Do not push the turtle back into the water. If you are concerned for its wellbeing (or it is deceased) report to Marine Animal Strandings (see below). Keep dogs away.
Dolphins, Dugongs, Whales – keep an eye on the water, you might spot these amazing mammals, especially during Winter. Out on the water, go slow for those below and observe marine park zones and wildlife guidelines.
Birds – more than 300 species call our area home. Forest, wetland and woodland species, shorebirds, sea eagles, ospreys, parrots, waders and much more!
