Paddling in Burrum Coast National Park

Burrum Coast National Park stretches along a low-lying section of the Queensland coast between roughly 25 km and 95 km south-east of Bundaberg, spread across four separate sections.

The paddling here is tidal and estuarine — calm water shaped by mangrove-lined creeks, river mouths, and sheltered coastal reaches rather than current or gradient.

The Gregory River, Beelbi Creek, and Theodolite Creek are the waters that anchor paddling within the park. The park map marks canoeing and kayaking as permitted activities, and a boat ramp provides access.

The route from Burrum Heads out toward the Gregory Islands is a recognized paddle, following the Burrum River through country the park protects on both banks.

Because this is a Queensland national park, the rules that apply here are set by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service — check with them directly before you go, as conditions and any permit requirements for camping or access can change.

The park map shows designated camping zones, which matters if you're planning an overnight trip by water. The tidal nature of these creeks means timing your paddle with the tide makes a real difference, both for progress and for reading the shallows.

This is flatwater country — the reward is access to a coastline and estuary system that road travel doesn't reach. Come for the quiet, the mangroves, and the kind of paddling where the water does the work if you let it.