You don’t have to wander far for your first coffee of the day. The Salty Seas Cafe & Servo sits right inside the park and has become our go-to for a our morning pick-me-up before heading down to the beach. It’s the kind of spot where you grab a takeaway, chat with whoever’s in line, and ease into the morning without rushing. They also offer a range of burgers and wraps, making it a handy lunch choice.

If you’re chasing a classic coastal pub feed, the Woodgate Beach Hotel is the place. We’ve ended up here more than once after an afternoon swim, mainly for a cold drink on the deck and a big, unfussy meal. Think burgers, schnitzels, salt & pepper squid and all the pub staples done well. It’s friendly, relaxed and very Woodgate in the best way.

Back at camp, the park’s Camp Kitchen and BBQ areas make it easy to self-cater. Most evenings we found ourselves cooking outside, listening to the bushland settle in around us.

Start with something close to home. Woodgate Beach stretches for 16km kilometres. Protected from the swell by Fraser Island (K’gari), the water is calm enough for an easy morning swim or paddle. If you’re travelling with kids, Theodolite Creek is a favourite. The water stays shallow and clear, and there’s plenty of space for sandcastle builders and those of us who just want to float around in the sun. Low tide is the best time for walking around the sand dunes.

Fishing is a big part of life here, whether you’re dropping a line from the beach or heading out towards deeper water by boat. The gutters along the shore produce well on a rising tide, and if you’ve brought the boat, you’ve got options for whiting, flathead and bream.

If you’re keen to explore, 4WDing on the beach is amongst the most popular ways to get around. The drive itself is half the fun, just check local conditions and tide times before you head off.

For something a little different, take a day trip up to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. Their tour is popular for a reason. You get a look at how the rum is made, some stories from the team, and a tasting at the end if that’s your thing. It’s an easy drive and a good change of pace if you feel like breaking up your beach time.

And of course, there are the simple pleasures: walking the coastal tracks through Burrum Coast National Park, hopping between swimming spots, or just finding a quiet patch of beach to read. Woodgate’s slow rhythm really works for families, couples and anyone doing a longer lap.

Woodgate is small and quiet, which is part of its charm, but it does mean stocking up before you arrive. There’s no major supermarket in town, so we recommend grabbing supplies in Childers or Bundaberg on the way through.