Whilst dodging the crowds over school holidays is my main ‘game plan’ for getting out on the water. I do on occasion get caught during busy periods. One such time, while patiently waiting for an opportunity to retrieve my boat. I enjoyed a couple of conversations with visiting skippers about the Fraser Coast boat ramp situation.
I was surprised to hear that they were unaware of other boat ramps on the Fraser Coast. Which can provide access to the same areas as the main Urangan boat ramp. And a few other boat ramp options which can provide access to some extra special waterways. Which are well worth exploring and great options for when the weather is not exactly perfect for a gentle boat ride around Platypus Bay.
Where To Start
I will start by highlighting some of the features which make the main Urangan boat ramp complex such a popular choice for visiting and local skippers to launch and retrieve their boats from. I will then provide some details for alternative boat ramp options across the Fraser Coast. Not just, to help you avoid the crowds and long lines over the holiday period. But, also to highlight how some of these alternative boat ramps provide access to a few must explore areas often overlooked by visitors.
Urangan Boat Ramp
The Urangan boat ramp complex is located at the marina precinct in Hervey Bay. The marina precinct itself contains several boat maintenance and boat building businesses. Along with shipyards for larger vessels, tackle stores, chandlery, the local volunteer marine rescue. Restaurants, accommodation providers and options for car and boat storage.
The ramp itself faces east and is an eight-lane ramp. Divided into four sets of two ramps which sit either side of floating pontoons. The boat trailer parking area is immediately accessible to the ramp and provides ample room for manoeuvring large boats. The ramp provides all tide access to the sheltered waters of the marina. Which is protected from wind and strong tidal movement by a large rock wall. Put simply, it is an extremely easy boat ramp to use at any time of the day or tide.
Security
It is also well-lit during dark hours and will often have boats launching and retrieving at all hours. Security is generally okay. Of course, there have been periods where bits and pieces have gone missing from boat trailers left in the car park overnight. And, there has been the occasional, terrible situation. Whereby a skipper has returned to find their boat trailer missing completely. However, police do patrol the area regularly. Lighting has been improved and thankfully these instances of theft and tampering are less common.
For skippers planning an epic K’Gari – Fraser Island camping trip or simply planning on being on the water overnight. There are several secure car and boat trailer storage options available around Hervey Bay. One which springs to mind is Urangan Caravan Storage, located only five minutes’ drive from the Urangan boat ramp.
Gatakers Bay Boat Ramp
Located only a short 10 – 15 minutes away. On the opposite end of the Hervey Bay esplanade is the Gatakers Bay boat ramp. While this boat ramp is significantly smaller than the Urangan boat ramp complex. It provides immediate access to some fabulous close in shallow reef areas. And, can be used to access Platypus Bay, Fraser Island, The Fairway Beacon, Roonies Point and other well-known destinations for visiting skippers.
The ramp itself faces north and is exposed to strong northerly or westerly winds. It is a dual lane concrete ramp. There is no pontoon facility. And, the ramp provides access to a narrow and shallow channel which navigates its way through a number of rock ledges before you reach open waters.
Personally, I would recommend to visiting skippers to only use this ramp 2 hours either side of a low tide. Experienced local skippers use this ramp during the entire tide range. They know exactly where the rock ledges are and know the draft of their vessels and when they can safely navigate the access channel.
Extra Tips
The car and boat trailer park for the Gatakers boat ramp is also significantly smaller than that of the Urangan boat ramp complex. It is well lit for launching and retrieving at night and features a couple of fish cleaning tables. There are accommodation options nearby but limited tackle, fuel, and ice retail options immediately close to the ramp. Although a 10-minute drive to source these is not a big deal.
All things considered, the Gatakers boat ramp is a great alternative to launch and retrieve your boat from. Especially given the congestion now being experienced at the main Urangan boat ramp complex on almost any decent boating weather day.
Burrum River Boat Ramp
Located approximately 20 to 30 minutes’ drive north of Hervey Bay is the township of Burrum Heads. Burrum Heads sits on the southern side of the mouth of the Burrum River. The Burrum River is fed by several other smaller river systems and large creeks but essentially begins at Lake Lenthall. Which is the fresh water drinking supply for much of the Fraser Coast. A barrage exists along the river separating the fresh water from the influence of the tidal, saltwater lower reaches of the river.
Only a few years old. The Burrum Heads boat ramp has been refurbished and expanded. It is touted as a 3-lane concrete, all tide access ramp with a long floating pontoon which faces north. All of which is protected by a newly installed rock groyne. The car and trailer parking areas are quite large, with plenty of room for manoeuvring large boats. While there are a few smaller boat ramps also in Burrum Heads, I would suggest using this main ramp to visiting skippers.
Extra Info
It is easy to use. The lighting at the ramp is adequate and the ramp provides skippers with access to either the Burrum River or to travel out from Burrum Heads and into Platypus Bay. Accommodation options, local shops selling tackle, ice, bait, and fuel are all close by. I am not aware of any secure trailer storage within Burrum Heads.
Fishing Options
Fishing wise the Burrum River is a huge system to explore. It is home to many fish species, including barramundi, mangrove jack, flathead and whiting. Or you can enter Platypus Bay and easily access some of the bays shallow reef areas such as the Burrum eight mile. The boating and fishing options available when launching from Burrum Heads is very much understated. I really do recommend you visit Burrum Heads for a family boating adventure at some point!!
River Heads Ramp
Just south of Hervey Bay, an approximate 15-minute drive is the township of River Heads. It sits on the northern side of the entrance of the Mary River. The Mary River is a huge waterway to explore. It starts in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and flows north. A unique trait of this river system. Before turning east and heading for the coastline and spilling into the Great Sandy Strait. There is a barrage located near Maryborough which splits the river from fresh water to salt.
It is recognised as the southernmost barramundi fishery on the east coast of Australia and is also home to some giant metre long threadfin salmon. The Mary River remains at the time of writing this article, subject to commercial netting. However, good numbers of fish can still be caught for determined anglers.
The Ramp
The River Heads recreational boating ramp while separate to the commercial barge ramp. Shares its location and car parking area with the barges which service Kingfisher Bay Resort and Wanggoolba Creek. Visitors from all over the world bus and drive to this location to access the world heritage listed K’Gari – Fraser Island. For this reason, during peak periods, parking can be a problem at this ramp.
The River Heads boat ramp faces west and is a dual lane, tidal, concrete ramp with a recently installed floating pontoon. Launching here at dead low tide can be tricky as the ramp is surrounded by rock. Again, I would recommend to visiting skippers to avoid launching and retrieving close to low tide. And instead look for a period 2 hours either side of low or even stick to high tide.
There can be, especially during large moon phases, quite a lot of water movement past the ramp and pontoon which can cause unsuspecting skippers some problems. This is generated by the sheer volume of water moving into and out of the Mary River mouth on an incoming or outgoing tide.
Close By Amenities
In terms of nearby shops to access tackle, ice, and bait etc. There are some limited options in the township of River Heads. The lighting on the ramp itself is okay for launching and retrieving at night. But within the car park it is quite poor. There is no option for secure storage that I am aware of close to this ramp.
Launching at the River Heads boat ramp does not only provide access to the Mary River. But, also the Susan River which joins the Mary River at the mouth before also spilling into the Great Sandy Strait. You can also access the northern reaches of the Great Sandy Strait or simply boat across to K’Gari – Fraser Island. You can also reach Ungowa and Deep Creek, Garry’s Anchorage, and other hidden gems within the Great Sandy Strait.
Other Mary River Ramps
There are also a few other Mary River boat ramps which provide access to the tidal saltwater regions of the river. Closer to Maryborough but located on the southern side of the river is the Beaver Rock boat ramp. Be aware this is a steep dual lane, tidal ramp, which requires you to navigate a dirt road to reach. And, which has next to zero infrastructure in place around it. Security cameras do exist at this ramp as it is subject to abuse at times.
In Maryborough itself lies the Lamington Bridge boat ramp, a two lane, tidal ramp with a small floating pontoon. This ramp provides great access to the upper reaches of the saltwater stretch of the Mary River and is surrounded by accommodation options and tackle stores. Along with restaurants and shops to purchase fuel, ice, and bait. The car park has been upgraded and expanded and includes a basic wash down facility.
There are a couple of other ramps which provide access into the Mary River. But, both the Lamington Bridge and Beaver Rock ramps are perhaps the safest bet for visiting skippers.
The Great Sandy Strait
From Maryborough south to Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach lie several small coastal communities such as Poona, Maaroom, Boonooroo. Tuan and Tinnanbar. Which all overlook the remarkable waterway known as the Great Sandy Strait. This is a tidal expanse of water which lies between mainland Australia and the world heritage listed K’Gari – Fraser Island. Strewn with small islands, shallow sand bars, deep channels and even patches of reef. This waterway could take a lifetime to explore. But for anyone who appreciates the great outdoors, it takes only a few minutes to appreciate its beauty.
The fishing options are simply too many to mention. I have caught a massive range of fish in this waterway. From the humble flathead to barramundi and threadfin salmon to even nannygai and fingermark.
The Various Ramps
Each of the small townships mentioned above have limited boat ramp facilities which provide access to the Great Sandy Strait. There are also limited accommodation, eating, fuel, bait, and tackle options. Do your homework though as all the ramps are tidal and the access channels to get out from and back to the ramps can be challenging. My recommendation would be to speak to the local accommodation providers in these townships and ask for up to date and current knowledge of the conditions.
Also, ensure you update and research your charts before you get there. I guess you should also keep in mind that spending a few hours stuck on a sand bank somewhere does happen and is not the end of the world. Just pack the bug spray!!
Final Thoughts
As you have read, there are a lot more boat ramp options on the Fraser Coast than perhaps many visiting skippers realise. And, I know I have failed to also mention a few others in this blog. However, for those that I have mentioned. They provide good alternate access to the same areas as the Urangan boat ramp complex. While others provide access to some remarkable areas well worth planning an adventure to explore. They are also worth keeping in mind for when the weather is not quite playing the game for your long awaited Wathumba Creek or Roonies Point boating trip. As always, please take care.