Burrum Coast National Park Bundaberg | Fraser Coast

Hoppy Lark's day-use area is a quiet retreat situated on the banks of the Gregory River. Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw

Quiet beaches, flourishing wetlands and abundant wildlife make Burrum Coast National Park a great spot to retreat and relax. Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw

Be inspired: Little-known family camping escape on the Burrum Coast

Dreaming of escaping from the family routine? No school lunch boxes to pack, no mad scramble to ballet lessons and football training? Photo credit: © Ross Naumann

Hoppy Lark's day-use area

Escape to the quiet and picnic in scattered shade beside the picturesque Gregory River.

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle
  • Boat

Attraction facilities

  • Lookout (constructed)
  • Picnic tables
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)

Stop for a quick bite to eat or a long relaxed lunch on the raised timber platform overlooking the river, surrounded by forests of eucalypts, mahoganies, bloodwoods and tea-trees.

Stretch your legs on the wheelchair and pram-accessible River walk, taking in the sights and sounds of the waterside scenery. The area is rich in wildlife so grab your camera and binoculars before you head off.

At the end of the walk, try your luck and throw in a line from the platform. Mangrove jack are caught here and are a delicious table fish.

Getting there and getting around

Hoppy Lark's day-use area is in Burrum Coast National Park, 46km north of Maryborough or 57km south of Bundaberg in the Wide Bay area. The park is spread over four sections—Kinkuna, Woodgate, Burrum River and Buxton sections.

Hoppy Lark's day-use area is in the Woodgate section of the park and is accessible by conventional vehicle.

From the south to Woodgate section

  • Follow the Bruce Highway north to Childers and turn right onto Goodwood Road.
  • Travel 18km along Goodwood Road then turn right on Woodgate Road and drive a further 19km.
  • At the Woodgate township, and the Woodgate section park entrance, follow Walkers Point Road 6km through the park to the town of Walkers Point.
  • Follow Manly Smith Road for 200m and turn right onto Heidkes Road, and drive 9.6km, on gravel before turning left onto Hoppy Lark's Creek road and driving a further 700m to the day-use area on the river.
  • Alternatively, take the shorter trip from Woodgate township, and drive 9km along Woodgate Road, before turning left onto Heidkes Road and driving 3.6km on gravel to Hoppy Lark's Creek Road and following the road 700m to the day-use area.

From the north to Woodgate section

  • Follow the Isis Highway south from Bundaberg and turn east onto Walker Street.
  • Drive 2.4km then turn right onto Barolin Street towards Goodwood and Burrum Coast.
  • Follow Barolin Street and Goodwood Road for 34km and turn left on Woodgate Road and drive a further 19km.
  • At the Woodgate township, and the Woodgate section park entrance, follow Walkers Point Road 6km through the park to the town of Walkers Point.
  • Follow Manly Smith Road for 200m and turn right onto Heidkes Road, and drive 9.6km, on gravel before turning left onto Hoppy Lark's Creek road and driving a further 700m to the day-use area on the river.
  • Alternatively, take the shorter trip from Woodgate township, and drive 9km along Woodgate Road, before turning left onto Heidkes Road and driving 3.6km on gravel to Hoppy Lark's Creek Road and following the road 700m to the day-use area.

Wheelchair access

A wheelchair-accessible track leads to a viewing platform with picnic table overlooking the Gregory River.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Hoppy Lark's day-use area is open 24 hours a day

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Burrum Coast safely.