Tuan State Forest Fraser Coast | Sunshine Coast

View from Hedleys camping area at low tide. Photo credit: Brian Tighe, Queensland Government

Visiting Tuan safely

    Getting there and getting around

    Tuan lies on the western edge of the Great Sandy Strait between the townships of Tin Can Bay and Boonooroo.

    Registered vehicles, horses and bicycles may be driven or ridden on formed roads in this forest. Conditionally registered vehicles are not permitted.

    The forest is about a 45min drive north-east of Gympie, and a 20min drive south-east of Maryborough.

    From south Gympie, take the Tin Can Bay—Rainbow Beach turn-off and follow the road for approximately 40km. Turn left on to the Cooloola Coast Road and travel 23km towards Maryborough to the Tinnanbar Road turn-off.

    From Maryborough, head towards Boonooroo then take the Cooloola Coast Road. Drive 19km along the Cooloola Coast Road to the Tinnanbar Road turn-off.

    Log Dump camping area is accessible by boat or vehicle on unsealed roads. Travel 7km along Tinnanbar Road to the turn-off, and a further 1km to the camping area—may be inaccessible in wet weather conditions.

    Hedleys camping area is accessible by boat or high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. The turn-off is 11.7km along Tinnanbar Road. Travel another 3km to the camping area. There is also an access road through private property—fees may apply.

    Mobile phone reception is limited within the State forest.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    Toilets at Log Dump camping area are wheelchair-accessible.

    Staying safe

    Be sun and insect safe

    Wear insect protection when visiting the park, particularly canoeing, fishing and camping. Mosquitoes and sandflies are always present in this area.

    Campfire safety

    Always be vigilant with fuel stoves, gas lights and lanterns.

    Never leave a campfire unattended and extinguish all fires with water before leaving the area. Do not dispose of non-combustible or toxic material (e.g. glass, cans and plastics) in a campfire. Penalties apply.

    Bushfires

    Bushfires can pose a threat to walkers and remote campers. They can occur without warning, so be aware of, and prepare for the dangers.

    If a bushfire occurs:

    • Follow the walking track away from the fire to the nearest road, beach, lake or creek for refuge.
    • Large logs, a ditch or burnt ground can also provide protection.
    • Avoid areas of heavy fuel, such as deep leaf litter, and stay low to the ground where the air is coolest and contains the least smoke.

    In high fire danger conditions camping areas may be closed. It is essential for your safety to follow the instructions on signs in these conditions.

    Help protect people, animals and plants from uncontrolled wildfires by using fuel stoves rather than camp fires.

    Report bushfires immediately to Triple Zero (000). Early reporting may avert a devastating bushfire.

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

    Driving safely

    • Roads in the State forest are gravel or sand. Stay on tracks and obey signs.
    • Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound and you have appropriate equipment.
    • Slow down for driving conditions and expected the unexpected. Watch out for wildlife, brumbies, logging trucks and other park users. If you travel through private property make sure you close any gates you open.

    Boating and fishing safely

    Plan your boating and trips

    • Check tide times and weather forecasts, available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
    • Check Maritime Safety Queensland’s Weather Service.
    • Know the risks, your equipment, your responsibilities and your boat.
    • Log your boat trip with your local volunteer rescue station.
    • Seek local advice about potential dangers, and never risk your life to land a fish.

    Read more about fishing in parks and forest areas.

    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.
    • On a marine radio, transmit a Distress or Urgency call on VHF Ch16.
    • Deploy other emergency apparatus including EPIRB, flares and V sheet.

    The nearest hospital is at Maryborough.

    Before you visit

    Plan your trip carefully, be self-sufficient and ensure your vehicle is in good condition.

    Essentials to bring for camping

    • Bring your own drinking water supply.
    • Carry enough food, equipment, medical and other supplies for your trip.
    • Pack a first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy shoes, hat and raincoat.
    • Rubbish bins are not provided. Remove excess packaging when you pack for your trip. Take all rubbish with you when you leave. Campers should bring strong containers suitable for storing food and rubbish.
    • Bring and use fuel or gas stoves to help reduce the risk of wildfires. Cooking fires are only permitted in the fire-rings provided in the camping areas. Bring your own clean, milled firewood, as it is illegal to collect firewood from the forest. Clean milled fire-wood reduces the risk of introducing pests and diseases into the park. Watch the video: Campfire prohibitions and fuel stoves.
    • To avoid damaging plants, position your camp site in an area that has had obvious use. Use tent poles and leave trees free of ropes, nails and wire.
    • Avoid bringing glass as it can’t be crushed and if broken, can harm other visitors and wildlife.
    • Bring your own portable toilet for Hedleys camping area. A portable toilet waste disposal facility is located at the entrance track into Hedleys camping area.

    Going boating? Make sure you have:

    Opening hours

    Tuan State Forest is open 24 hours a day. As the park includes extensive areas of exotic pine plantation, road closures occur at times to safely manage logging operations. Always check park alerts before you visit and obey signs.

    Permits and fees

    Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

    Other permits

    A special permit is not required for recreational activities in Deepwater National Park unless they are organised events or large scale competitive events. If an activity or visit to a protected area includes commercial photography or filming—that is, to sell photographs or film footage taken on a protected area or use photographs or footage in a product which will later be sold, such as a book or postcard—a permit must be obtained and a fee paid.

    Pets

    Dogs are allowed on leashes. Horses are permitted on forest roads and trails unless otherwise signed.

    Climate and weather

    Tuan enjoys a mild, subtropical climate. The average daily temperature range is 22–30°C in summer and 12–22°C in winter.

    Always check weather warnings before heading off. Tsunami, cyclones and extremely high tides may occur in coastal areas. Visit the Bureau of Meteorology website for weather forecasts or tsunami updates and stay tuned to a local radio station for weather updates.

    Fuel and supplies

    Fuel and supplies are available at Maryborough and Tin Can Bay. Unleaded petrol can be purchased at Maaroom.

    • There are currently no park alerts for this park.

    View all park alerts