Coongul Creek is one of my favourite destinations on the western side of K’Gari – Fraser Island. Located only a hop, skip and a jump or more specifically 9 nautical miles (16.5 kilometres) from the Urangan marina in Hervey Bay. This makes Coongul Creek ideal for a family boating day trip. As well as offering all the wonders of other harder to reach locations further to the north along K’Gari – Fraser Island.
Booking.comCoongul Creek lies just north of Moon Point, just as the beach turns north east to gift guests uninterrupted views of Platypus Bay. Due to the angle at which Coongul Creek sits you find yourself staring out into the southern end of Platypus Bay (north west). At night it is difficult to see the lights of Hervey Bay, providing a sense of isolation. But, with the benefit of knowing you are not too far away from Hervey Bay.
Getting There
Reaching Coongul Creek by boat is extremely easy. Please make sure your navigation charts are up to date and that you familiarise yourself with them before departing. If you choose to depart from the Urangan marina in Hervey Bay the trip will take you approx. 20 to 30 minutes. The time it takes to reach the creek is dependent on the wind and tides moving through the deeper channels between Big Woody Island and K’Gari – Fraser Island.
As an example, on our last trip to Coongul Creek we experienced light but variable south easterly winds of around 10 -15 knots coupled with a strong incoming tide. The trip took us a good 25 to 30 minutes. With wind against tide the swell stood up in the channels making travelling any faster than 20 knots uncomfortable.
Coongul Creek can also be accessed from the north by 4×4 so do not be surprised if there are a few camper trailers parked along Coongul spit amongst the shade of the casuarina trees. It also pays to keep an eye on the kids as 4×4’s do travel along this stretch of beach. Unfortunately, some at high speed, and of course there are dingoes in the area as well.
Getting into Coongul Creek
Like all creeks on K’Gari – Fraser Island the mouth of Coongul Creek has a couple of sand bars which are constantly moving. Requiring you to use caution when entering or exiting the creek. The entrance to Coongul Creek is shallow and drains dry on a large low tide. So, you really need to time your run into or out of the creek. Generally, 2 hours either side of low tide will provide enough water for smaller boats to sneak into the creek.
Once in the creek there are several areas, easily identified through Google Earth imagery. Which provide deeper holes which do not completely drain on low tide. Most boaties, however, are happy to see their vessel sit high and dry on the low tide. Most of the creeks base is soft sand with a little mud in isolated spots. Just make sure the next high tide will be high enough to re-float your vessel.
Camping
Given the proximity of Coongul Creek to Hervey Bay, it is certainly a popular boating day trip destination. During peak holiday periods it can get a bit busy in the creek with a large number of boats and jet skis heading there. If not for the day then definitely as a protected location to pull up for lunch.
However, in the evening those numbers will drop away. And, if you find it hard to pull yourself away from the pristine environment, crystal clear water and warm sun? Then camping overnight or even for a few days is certainly an option.
Facilities
There are no facilities at Coongul Creek. While you can use puro tabs or boiled creek water for washing etc., you do need to be well prepared. Take more fresh drinking water than you think you will need as the saltwater and warm sun really does take it out of you.
The camping area extends almost the entire beach side of the creek. Camping spots are not individually marked. It is simply a case of picking some shade and setting up. There are a couple of areas marked as no entry due to revegetation taking place. We find that the further north you go into Coongul Creek and the closer you get to the swampy ground where the creek originates. The more sand flies you will encounter.
Coongul Creek offers great protection from weather approaching from the south to north east but can become exposed if a strong north westerly starts to wind up. As with all camping areas on K’Gari – Fraser Island you will require a permit. Available through the Department of National Parks, Sport & Racing website. It only costs a few dollars and is far better value than being on the receiving end of an infringement notice. Park rangers do visit Coongul Creek regularly.
Things to Do
Both our boys love Coongul Creek as it has crystal clear, shallow water, perfect for swimming and racing around on their bodyboards. At low tide, with only a few deeper holes holding water. The boys spend hours exploring, chasing crabs, catching bait fish in hand nets. Catching whiting and bream and racing through the shallow water using their bodyboards pushed like racing cars.
Fishing
Of course, it is an excellent fishing spot as well. There are plenty of yabby holes to provide fresh bait and many anglers fish close to the mouth for whiting, bream, and flathead. Many people bring over inflatable tubes, stand up paddle boards, kayaks or canoes. And use these to explore up and down the creek.
The casuarina trees provide ample shade for setting up a camp chair and enjoying a book or just sipping on a cold drink while staring out into Platypus Bay. For myself, I really enjoy stalking the creek edges for some of the larger flathead which move into the creek with the tide. It is also quite common to spot tuna schools moving past Coongul Creek and with several good shallow reef marks located just outside of Coongul Creek there are plenty of fishing options.
Planning
While Coongul Creek has good mobile phone coverage, especially Telstra coverage. It is vital to ensure you have another reliable form of communication just in case of an emergency. For us this takes the form of a VHF radio and we always ensure that we log on with volunteer marine rescue Hervey Bay who monitor VHF channels 16, 73 (local area) and channel 22 (north of Fairway Beacon). Their radio room is manned daily from 0600 to 1800 hours, and after hours VTS Gladstone monitor channel 16 for emergencies only. They provide weather updates 3 times a day.
Extra Tips
I highly recommend that you carry extra fuel and water on your boat even for this short trip to Coongul Creek. I live by the rule of thirds when boating. As such I always calculate a third of my fuel for reaching a destination, a third for returning and a third as spare.
If you are camping for a few days, simply store your extra fuel and water at your camp site. When discussing camping supplies, the best thing about Coongul Creek is that if you forget anything. It is only a short trip back to Hervey Bay to grab what you need.
Final Thoughts
Without doubt, if you are visiting the Fraser Coast for the first time and you are bringing your boat. Then Coongul Creek must be on your list of destinations to visit. It is also a great overnight destination for those who are just starting their boat adventures and are looking for a relatively easy but highly rewarding location to tackle first. As always, please stay safe on the water and I hope to see you out there one day.