Get Outdoors

The name Arkarra, meaning “place of many ducks”, was given to the lagoons by Butchulla Aboriginal elder, Aunty Olga Miller. Arkarra is one of the Fraser Coast’s most beautiful freshwater wetland reserves. Many natural wetlands have been lost or seriously modified and degraded through land clearing, filling and draining for agriculture and urban development.

This 14.27ha reserve is a combination of natural and constructed lagoons surrounded by significant Melaleuca and Eucalypt Forest and contains one of the last remnants of littoral vine forest within the Fraser Coast region. In the 1880s it was identified as a ‘swamp’. This area was used for farming pineapples and sugar, however in the 1960’s it was mined for sand for drainage and plumbing works undertaken in Hervey Bay.

Due to the high water table of Dundowran, the large holes which resulted from the mining activity filled with water, forming lagoons and small islands. To prevent the lagoon from draining completely during dry periods, levees were added.

The property was purchased in 2006 by Hervey Bay City Council, to protect its significant environmental values and provide a beautiful space for the community to enjoy.

Arkarra provides both permanent and seasonal habitat for diverse wildlife. The wetlands are popular with birdwatchers and almost 200 different bird species have been recorded here. In our rapidly expanding region, reserves like this provide critical resources and safe havens for our native animals.

Wandering the peaceful walking trails takes you around the lagoons and through a Melaleuca Forest and swamp. The vegetation varies from aquatic plants to a mix of remnant old growth trees, natural regeneration and plantings.

The Arkarra Lagoons Environmental Reserve is located at 28-32 Panorama Drive, Dundowran. Access to the walking track is via the main entrance to the lagoons, which is situated adjacent the Arkarra Gardens Cafe carpark.

Location: 28-32 Panorama Drive, Dundowran, QLD, 4655

The Fay Smith Wetlands consist predominantly of paperbark swamp. Additionally, woodlands of Red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera), Swamp mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta), Queensland blue gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) and Acacias are found throughout.

The reserve covers 10 hectares and is home to a diverse range of plants and animals. A drain previously built into the swamp has evolved into a creek filled with reeds, bulrushes and bottlebrushes and is now teeming with wildlife. To date, over 70 species of birds, as well as multiple species of insects, reptiles and frogs have been identified within the Wetlands, with a series of walkways and trails throughout the Wetlands allowing visitors to enjoy the abundant bird life at their leisure.

The Wetlands are dedicated to Fay Smith and have been named in her honour. Fay was a passionate environmentalist who was prominent in local conservation for over 30 years. She was a leading figure in tree planting, foreshore protection, environmentally conscious farming, and the protection of land against degradation and pollution.

Fay Smith Wetlands is located in Maryborough on the corner of Neptune and Victory Streets. Access to the walking trails and boardwalk is available from Neptune Street.

Location: Fay Smith Wetlands, Lot 32 Neptune Street, Maryborough, QLD, 4650

Parraweena Park Bushland Reserve is located on the Esplanade on the western side of Point Vernon between the mouth of Eli Creek and Eli Point. Containing remnant Eucalypt Forest, Parraweena Park is a haven for a diverse range of local wildlife species.

The total size of the reserve is 5.8 ha, which consists of 4 ha of existing Council reserve, 1.1 ha of the Eaton Street Road easement and a further 0.7ha previously owned by the Cook family and donated to Council. In addition to operating the Parraweena Bird Sanctuary on their own land, the Cook’s also managed part of the Council Reserve and planted specimen trees and shrubs. A stone footbridge, two bench seats and the remains of a wishing well can still be seen in the Reserve of the site of the bird sanctuary. Paraween Park Bushland Reserve has taken it’s name from the original Paraweena Bird Sanctuary.

Location: Cnr Spence & Corser Street, Point Vernon, QLD, 4655

The Butchulla people are the traditional owners of the area. The Booral foreshore is one of the richest archaeological and culturally important sites in the Fraser Coast.

The lots here were created in 1888. Over time the land was partly cleared for grazing and growing pineapples. After the 1980s, the cleared areas were allowed to grow back naturally.

In 2007 and 2010 this land was purchased by council under the Environmental Levy Program. This ensured that the area’s significant environmental features would be preserved for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

The Southern section was named “Woodland Park” by a previous owner who encouraged members of the community to visit and observe and record the wildlife.

In 2015 the Reserve was officially named “Pir’ri Reserve” by the local traditional owners.

The Reserve was named Pir’ri, which means mangrove, by members of the Wondunna Clan of the Butchulla people.

Location: Main entrance to walking track loop off Mathiesen Rd, Booral QLD 4655

Nestled within the internationally acclaimed Great Sandy Strait Ramsar Wetland, the Poona Reserve and Foreshore provides a unique opportunity to experience one of Queensland's five Ramsar-recognised wetlands. Renowned for its ecological significance and stunning biodiversity, this area is a treasure trove of natural wonders.

The walking tracks in Poona are a haven for nature enthusiasts, showcasing an abundance of native flora and fauna. The area is also a sanctuary for migratory shorebirds, making it a perfect destination for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers.

Access the walking tracks via the car park located at the western end of Outridge Avenue, Poona. Let the tranquillity and natural beauty of this exceptional area captivate your senses.

For more details about the walking tracks, visit the Nature Trails of Poona section on the Great Sandy Strait Poona Community page.

Location: Outridge Avenue (western end), Poona, QLD 4650

The Takura Environmental Reserve contains the last patch of remnant rainforest in Takura. In addition to rainforest, however, patches of vine thickets and woodlands comprised of Eucalypt species can be seen throughout.

Purchased by the Stocks family in 1944 for the purpose of farming sugar cane and pineapples, the land also contained stands of Kauri pine (Agathis robusta) which were felled to build houses on this land, as well as other land owned by the Stocks family in Rockhampton. Only half the land was utilised for farming, with the majority of the other half remaining untouched.

In 1995 the land was sold to the Chorny family, who ran a Clydesdale horse stud. Grazing took place in the cleared paddocks, which allowed the vegetated areas to grow and regenerate. In 2020, the property was purchased by Fraser Coast Regional Council to protect the important ecological values of the land, and to help educate the community about environmental processes.

This reserve covers a total of 56.49 hectares and contains a vast array of plants and animals. Up to 190 plants and 57 bird species have been identified, with a trail cam project undertaken by Council revealing the presence of the Vulnerable Black-breasted Button-quail (Turnix melanogaster), as well as the Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolour). A host of other species such as the Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), Swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor), Lace monitor (Varanus varius) and Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) are also found throughout the reserve.

The Takura Environmental Reserve is located at 42 Barnett Road, Takura, with parking available at the top of the driveway. Access to the walking track is available adjacent to the welcome sign. Total track length within the reserve is 2.4kms.

Takura Environmental Reserve is closed to the public on Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm, opening Saturday and Sunday mornings at 7am. 

Location: 42 Barnett Road, Takura, QLD, 4655

The Ted and Maud Mungomery Vine Forest Reserve is one of the last patches of Littoral rainforest and coastal vine thickets of eastern Australia – a Critically Endangered ecological community under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act).

Ted Mungomery purchased 24 hectares of land in 1939, developing a large portion of it. In 2002 his sons, Joe and Vince, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the (then) Hervey Bay City Council to ensure the remaining patch of forest would be conserved.

This reserve, and its adjoining conservation areas, cover 7.3 hectares and is one of the most significant and species rich examples that remain of this forest type. It continues to provide important erosion and wind protection along this section of coastline.

The vine forest is home to a rich diversity of species, with at least 95 different plant species and over 120 species of bird being recorded here, including the vulnerable Black-breasted Button-quail (Turnix melanogaster).

Mungomery Vine Forest Reserve is located at Dundowran Beach. Limited parking and access to walking tracks is available from both Cissus and Ebony Court.

Location: Armstrong Road, Dundowran, QLD, 4655