Big Woody Island
WIND CONDITIONS
North Westerly Winds (South Side of Big Woody Island)
North Easterly Winds (South Side of Big Woody Island)
South Easterly Winds (Northern Side of Big Woody Island near the lighthouse)
South Westerly Winds (Northern Side of Big Woody Island near the lighthouse)
ACTIVITIES
Hiking
Great spot for photos
History
TOP TIPS
Travel time from Great Sandy Strait Marina to Big Woody Island is approximately 2 hours
Take your time to explore Big Woody Island with interpretive signs at the Kerosene Shed explaining the history of the island
NEARBY ANCHORAGES
Kingfisher Bay
Scarness
Moon Point
OVERVIEW
Visible from the beaches in Urangan, Hervey Bay, is the historical gem of Big Woody Island. Big Woody Island is located approximately 4 kilometers off the east coast of Queensland between the Hervey Bay mainland and Fraser Island. This special spot was named Woody Island by Captain Matthew Flinders due to its thick, woody vegetation.
This anchorage allows you to head for land and get ready for some exploring at spots like Jeffrey’s Beach, which was used as a base for mapping work by royal navy commanders in 1863, and will give you access to the historical kerosene shed.
The Kerosene Shed will help you uncover the rich history of this island, before you embark on a short hike up to Middle Bluff Lighthouse, which was one of two identical lighthouses in 1866 to enable ships to enter the Hervey Bay area at night.
Hot tip: Make sure you have the camera ready after your short hike because the Middle Bluff Lighthouse also provides incredibles views of the Great Sandy Strait across to Fraser Island (K’gari).
The position and protection of Big Woody Island also means that you can find a spot to anchor somewhere around the island no matter the wind direction (depending on wind speed).
Keen to let someone else take you for a trip around this one? Check out Big Woody Island tours and private skippered charters.
