Visiting Broadwater safely

Getting there and getting around

• Broadwater and Mouth of Baffle Creek Conservation Parks map (PDF, 105.8KB)

Broadwater Conservation Park is about one hour north of Bundaberg near Rules Beach, 6km north of Baffle Creek.

Access is by boat or high clearance four-wheel-drive along Rules Beach at low tide.

Sand driving experience is essential as severe weather events caused significant erosion at beach access points. Read about driving on sand and print the Driving on sand safety guide (PDF, 2.3MB) to take with you when you visit.

Vehicle beach access

Travelling north from Bundaberg: Take the Bundaberg-Lowmead Road (heading towards Agnes Water). Travel approximately 57km, then turn right into Tableland Road, 500m before Berajondo. Proceed along Tableland Road for 3.1km, crossing Baffle Creek and turn right into Hills Road. Then turn right onto Coast Road and pass through Baffle Creek township (2.5km) and Wartburg township (22.5km). Turn right into Rules Beach Road and continue to the end of the road to access the beach. The park’s boundary is approximately 3.5km north along the beach.

Travelling south from Miriam Vale: Take Fingerboard Road turn right into Tableland Road (heading towards Bundaberg). Follow Tableland Road for 10km, turn left onto Cross Road and continue through to Webster Road, following signs to Baffle Creek and Rules Beach. Turn right into Taunton Road, then left into Hills Road. Then turn right onto Coast Road and pass through Baffle Creek township (2.5km) and Wartburg township (22.5km). Turn right into Rules Beach Road and continue to the end of the road to access the beach. The park’s boundary is approximately 3.5km north along the beach.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities at Broadwater Conservation Park.

Staying safe

Abide by warning, advisory and park closure notices. Access to protected areas may not be permitted in wet weather. Check park alerts for Broadwater Conservation Park.

• Always carry drinking water—remember that the beach can be hot and exposed and you are likely to need more drinking water as a result.
• Protect yourself from the sun—reflected light on the beach makes it a high UV zone. Wear a hat and sunglasses and use clothing and sunscreen to protect your skin.
• Carry insect repellent.
• Do not feed or leave food for animals—human food can harm wildlife and cause some animals to become aggressive.

Driving

Be aware! The beach is only suitable for high clearance four-wheel-driving at low tide. Do not attempt to travel along the beach at other times—your vehicle may become bogged and submerged on the incoming tide.

Sand driving experience is necessary as getting off the beach can be difficult. For more information see driving on sand and print off the Driving on sand safety guide (PDF, 2.3MB) to take with you when you visit.

Help stop vehicle crime

Thefts have occurred in this area.

• Lock your vehicle.
• Remove your keys.
• Remove all valuables.

Around water

Swimming is not recommended in areas adjacent to Broadwater Conservation Park. Tragedies have occurred in the unpatrolled waters.

Be aware:

• Coastal and estuarine waters in this area can be treacherous and people have drowned. Stonefish are common in the creek and sharks are present in the ocean.
• Marine stingers are present in the water between October and May. See Beachsafe for the latest safety advice.
• Always supervise children.
• Medical help or rescue can be hours away.

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.

The nearest hospital is in Bundaberg.

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

Before you visit

When visiting this park, you need to be self-sufficient.

Before you visit, check park alerts for the latest information about conditions at Broadwater Conservation Park, particularly after wet weather, as road conditions change quickly.

Essentials to bring

• A well-equipped first-aid kit and know how to use it.
• Bring enough drinking water and food for your visit.
• Ensure you pack insect repellent, sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid bites, stings and sunburn.
• Pack rubbish bags or suitable containers for carrying your rubbish out of the park for appropriate disposal. Rubbish bins are not provided.
• If you plan to cook bring a fuel stove and test it before you leave home. Open fires, collection of firewood and the use of chainsaws are prohibited.

Opening hours

Broadwater Conservation Park is open 24 hours a day. For your safety, visit during daylight hours only.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Broadwater Conservation Park.

Climate and weather

Broadwater Conservation Park has a mild subtropical climate.

The summers can be hot and humid even in the evenings; temperature range between 15°C and 33°C.

Winters are pleasantly mild; temperature range between 7°C and 26°C.

Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

The closest fuel and supplies are available from Baffle Creek, Rosedale, Agnes Water and Miriam Vale.

For more information see the tourism information links.