Visiting Mouth of Kolan River safely

Mangroves in the sand dunes indicate how much the sand has shifted around the Kolan River mouth. Photo: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer.

Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer

Getting there and getting around

• Mouth of Kolan River Conservation Park map (PDF, 96.2KB)

There is no vehicle access permitted within the park. All access is via boat or via the beach.

Camping area access is by boat only

In 2013 flooding associated with ex-tropical cyclone Oswald changed the course of the Kolan River. As a result, the camping area is now an island in the river and accessible only by boat.

The nearest boat ramp is at Miara, 35km north-west of Bundaberg on the north side of the Kolan River. Access to the boat camping area is 3km downstream from the Miara boat ramp. The best time for access is during high tide—to avoid hitting sand bars. Small boats can be moored next to individual camp sites.

Beach access—4WD

For beach-based recreation, visitors can drive onto the beach from Moore Park and travel north approximately 1km to where the river now flows through to the ocean. For vehicle safety, time your travel to as close as possible to low tide and use extreme caution.

Driving conditions are extremely variable and tides greatly affect accessibility—plan your visit carefully. Driving in sandy terrain requires care to protect both you and the fragile sand environment. Stay alert and drive safely. All normal road rules apply.

• Print off the Driving on sand safety guide (PDF, 2.3MB) to take with you when you visit.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities within the park.

Staying safe

Fire safety

Bushfires are a threat to people, wildlife and the natural environment. They can occur without warning, so be aware and prepared for the dangers.

Campfires are not permitted in Mouth of Kolan River Conservation Park. Help protect people, animals and plants from uncontrolled bushfires by not lighting fires anywhere in the park.

• Bring and use a fuel or gas camping stove with care; never leave a stove unattended.
• Always supervise children around stoves.
• Report bushfires immediately to Triple zero (000). Early reporting may avert a devastating
• Carry repair equipment.

In an emergency

In case of accident or other emergency please:

• call Triple Zero (000)
• call 106 for a text-only message for deaf or speech or hearing impaired callers
• advise the location and nature of the emergency
• stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

The nearest hospital is located at Bundaberg.

Mobile phone coverage is not reliable in the conservation park.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

Bring and wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and clothing to protect you from the sun and from insects.

If camping, remember to bring:

• sufficient drinking water—there is no fresh water
• fuel or gas camping stoves—campfires are not permitted
• a well-stocked first-aid kit—know how to use it
• sufficient food and fuel supplies
• containers (with secure lids) suitable for storing rubbish
• a tide times chart.

Opening hours

Mouth of Kolan River Conservation Park is open 24 hours a day.

Permits and fees

Camping permits are required and fees apply.

• Book your campsite online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Pets

Domestic pets are not permitted in Mouth of Kolan River Conservation Park.

Climate and weather

The Mouth of Kolan River Conservation Park has a mild, subtropical climate. In summer, evenings can be humid. Daily temperatures range from 20 to 35°C in summer and from 5 to 25°C in winter. Check weather forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

The nearest fuel and supplies are at Moore Park and Miara, and a wider range of supplies are available in Bundaberg.