Lieut. James Cook first landed in Queensland on this picturesque stretch of coast with its broad, sandy beaches in May 1770. Cook's ship the Endeavour anchored in the sheltered inlet that was named Bustard Bay after a bustard or plains turkey was shot in the vicinity. Botanist Joseph Banks collected 33 plant species from the Bustard Bay area and noted the presence of palms which indicated the expedition had returned to the tropics. Botanically this is a key coastal area preserving a complex mix of vegetation including some plants common in both southern and northern areas.
The area displays marked changes in plant communities. Visitors to Eurimbula can observe mangrove fringed estuaries, freshwater paperbark swamps, coastal lowland eucalypt forests with weeping cabbage palms to tall rainforests with towering hoop pines. (Araucaria cunninghamii)
Access
From the Bruce Highway at Miriam Vale, take the Agnes Water-Town of 1770 road. Sections of the road are gravel. Turn left at the Eurimbula National Park sign 10km before the town of Agnes Water then travel 4km to the park entrance. Watch for cattle on the road. An 11km bush track leads to Bustard Beach campground and the mouth of Eurimbula Creek. The sand is soft but accessible to conventional vehicles with high clearance during dry weather. A 4WD vehicle is recommended after heavy rain as the road may become boggy and includes several creek crossings. Do not attempt to tow a caravan into the area at any time.
Camping
Camping permits are required for all protected areas including Eurimbula Resources Reserve and can be obtained from the self-registration stand at the campground or from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service office in the town of 1770. Bookings are accepted three months in advance for the holiday periods. Camping permits must be completed prior to setting up camp and displayed at your site.Toilets, bore water and rainwater are provided., the nearest shops providing fuel, food and ice are located at Agnes Water (25km by road) and in the Town of 1770 (4km by boat).
Things to do
Ganoonga Noonga Lookout (Aboriginal for low ground): The lookout car park is 3km from the park entrance along the Bustard Beach track. A 360m walking track rises steeply to the lookout. From this vantage point you can view swamps and heaths covering the parallel dunes that have built up over the last 6000 years. This walking track also provides panoramic views of the park. To the west is the Munro Range, to the north are Bray Hills and Bustard Head and Bustard Bay lies to the east.
Boating
Eurimbula Creek is popular for small craft. Care must be taken as the creek has a flat sandy bottom a broadly meandering channel not navigable at low tide. Boat ramps are located on Eurimbula Creek (for small craft) and across Round Hill Creek at the Town of 1770. Crabbing is not permitted in Eurimbula Creek.Bushwalking
The park provides opportunities for experienced bushwalkers to explore the park. Wildflowers bloom in restricted heath areas in spring. The rainforest area offers interesting exploration opportunities.Chainsaws and generators may not be used. Motor vehicles (including trail bikes and trikes) must be registered, roadworthy and remain on the designated tracks. Fires are not permitted at Bustard Beach campground so please use a gas or fuel stove for cooking.
For general enquiries, booking and camping permits contact:
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
46 Quay Street PO Box 1735 BUNDERBURG QLD 4670
(07) 4131 1600 Fax (07) 4131 1620
