• Look for shorebirds, like plovers, when you explore the beach at Flat Rock day-use area. Photo credit: Shawn Huddy © Queensland Government
• Banksia flowers attract insects and birdlife to the day-use area. Photo credit: © Charlotte Reynolds
• Explore the short track from the car park to the beach at Flat Rock day-use area. Photo credit: Shawn Huddy © Queensland Government
• Gaze out at the ocean and you may be lucky enough to spot a turtle. Photo credit: Shawn Huddy © Queensland Government
• Park in the car park and follow the track to the beautiful beach. Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw
• Soak in the salty sea breeze as you crest the beach dunes. Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw
• Turtles track can be seen on the beach during the nesting season. Photo credit: Shawn Huddy © Queensland Government
• Flat Rock day-use area is a great place to relax, beach walk or try a spot of fishing. Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw

Stop for a picnic at this stunning spot, named for the long flat rock that runs parallel to the shore. Explore the rock pools or just gaze out over the protected waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Flat Rock is a great fishing spot at high tide as the rock creates a huge gutter. Try your luck, you might find flathead, trevally, mackerel or whiting dangling from the end of your line.

If you are keen for something a little more energetic, then soak up the salty sea air, listen to the calm crash of the waves on the rocks and feel the sand between your toes on a peaceful 1.5km beach walk south to Middle Rock.

Getting there and getting around

Flat Rock day-use area is in Deepwater National Park, about 6.5km south of Agnes Water on the Central Queensland coast.

The day-use area is 2.3km from the northern entrance, and 8.2km from the southern entrance, on the Deepwater coastal drive. It can only be reached by high-clearance 4WDs.

• Be respectful of the park neighbours by staying off private property.
• Remember all vehicles must be registered, drivers must be licensed and all Queensland road rules apply, even on beaches.
• Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

From Bundaberg

Conventional vehicles can access Wreck Rock camping area and Wreck Rock day-use area from the south.

High clearance four-wheel-drive (4WD) is required for accessing other areas.

Access roads to camping areas are suitable for camper trailers. Caravan access is not possible.

• From Bundaberg, take the Rosedale–Seventeen Seventy Road (sometimes signposted as 1770) approximately 58km to Berajondo.
• Turn right into Tablelands Road, 500m before Berajondo.
• Travel along Tablelands Road for 2.8km and turn right into Hills Road.
• Proceed for 19.2km to a T-junction.
• Turn right into Coast Road and follow it for 5.6km.
• Just before Wartburg, turn left into Fernfield Road.
• Travel 7.5km then turn left into Deepwater Road.
• Follow the road 10.5km, cross the concrete ford, swing right and then turn immediately left into Wreck Rock Road. This is the start of the Deepwater coastal drive.
• From here the park boundary is 2km, the Wreck Rock camping area turnoff is 5.5km and Middle Rock camping area (accessible only by high clearance 4WD) a further 3km.

From Agnes Water

High clearance four-wheel-drive (4WD) access only.

• From Agnes Water, follow Springs Road for 4.4km.
• Turn right into Wreck Rock Road (unsealed, sand track). This is the start of the Deepwater coastal drive.
• The northern park boundary is 2km along this road.
• Middle Rock camping area is 14km south of Agnes Water.
• Wreck Rock camping area is 17km south of Agnes Water.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Flat Rock 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 Deepwater safely.