What makes Poona worth visiting?
Poona is one of those rare places that hasn't been polished for mass tourism — and that's precisely its appeal. Situated on the Great Sandy Strait in Queensland, this quiet village overlooks the pristine waters of the Strait and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) just 7.5 kilometres away. The name Poona is drawn from the Butchulla language, where it refers to the Bloodwood tree — a reflection of the enduring cultural connection this land holds for its Traditional Owners, who lived on K'gari and the surrounding mainland for thousands of years. Remnant evidence of Butchulla occupation remains throughout the area, and Poona National Park is formally recognised as Butchulla traditional country.
How do you get to Poona?
Poona is reached via the Cooloola Coast Road, accessible from either Maryborough to the north or Gympie to the south. From the turnoff, a peaceful 7-kilometre tree-lined drive leads you into town. Maryborough — Queensland's heritage city — is just 25 minutes away and provides all the services, shopping, and facilities you might need. If you're travelling from Brisbane, set aside approximately two and a half hours, or around one and a half hours from the Sunshine Coast. Poona's relative seclusion is part of its charm: "delightfully isolated" by State Forest, Ramsar wetlands, and World Heritage National Park on three sides.
What fishing is on offer at Poona and the Great Sandy Strait?
Poona is widely regarded as one of the finest estuarine fishing destinations in southern Queensland, offering direct boating access into the Great Sandy Strait and the southern reaches of K'gari. The Strait's yabbie banks, seagrass beds, sharp drop-offs, and mangrove-lined creeks create exceptional habitat for an impressive variety of species. In the open waters you can expect to target whiting (both winter and summer varieties), flathead, bream, and sand crabs, while reef fish, trevally, mackerel, and tailor come into season at different times of year. Work the mangrove channels and creeks and you'll find mud crabs, cod, grunter, mangrove jack, salmon, and for those prepared to put in the effort, barramundi.
The beauty of Poona is that it suits every style of angler. Those with a tinnie can motor out into the Strait, kayakers can work the shallows and mangrove channels at their own pace, and land-based fisherfolk have no shortage of options including sandbanks, channels, rocky foreshores, and creek access throughout the reserve and foreshore. For those keen on deep-sea action, a short run to the Wide Bay Bar opens up access to highly productive offshore reefs along K'gari's eastern side. Kalah Creek, located within Poona National Park, is also noted as a quality fishing spot — though there are no facilities, so come prepared.
What wildlife can you spot in and around Poona?
Poona sits within the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar Wetland — the only sandy wetland Ramsar site in the world — and the ecological richness of this environment is immediately evident. The Strait is a recognised marine haven for dolphins, turtles, and dugongs, all frequently spotted just off the beaches. Holding international significance under the Ramsar Convention, the Great Sandy Strait ranks among South East Queensland's most vital shorebird habitats, with vast expanses of mangrove and salt marsh providing essential feeding and resting grounds. Each summer, tens of thousands of shorebirds — including long-distance migrants arriving from the northern hemisphere — rely on these wetlands to forage, rest, and shelter. Keep an eye out for the endangered Little Tern, the Eastern Curlew, and a wide variety of migratory shorebird species from the walking tracks along the foreshore.
Poona National Park, which begins just 6 kilometres south-east of Maryborough, adds another dimension for nature lovers. The park contains remnants of the Wallum heath communities that once flourished across the Maryborough–Hervey Bay area, alongside stands of paperbark, mangroves, banksia, and blue gum woodland. Spectacular wildflower displays occur through spring and summer, making those seasons an especially rewarding time to explore on foot or by camera.
What walks and outdoor activities are available?
The Poona Reserve and Foreshore — nestled within the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar Wetland — offers walking tracks that showcase native flora and fauna at close range. Access the tracks via the car park at the western end of Outridge Avenue. The trails are a favourite with birdwatchers and photographers, particularly during summer when shorebird numbers peak. Poona National Park is accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle, boat, or on foot, and its low-key character suits those after a quiet nature experience rather than a crowded attraction.
Beyond walking, Poona's flat, traffic-free streets make it genuinely pleasant for cycling — suitable for all ages. The township has a community hall (the Poona Centenary Hall) that acts as a lively central meeting place, with tennis and multi-purpose courts, a putting green, and children's play equipment adjacent. The calm waters of the Strait are also greatly valued for non-motorised paddling: kayaking through the mangrove-lined creeks and exploring the sheltered bays is a memorable way to experience the Ramsar wetland at water level.
Where do you stay in Poona?
Accommodation in Poona is modest and relaxed, in keeping with the village atmosphere. Poona Palms Holiday Park on Boronia Drive offers self-contained air-conditioned units (motel style), on-site vans, powered sites, a pool, camp kitchen, and a shop and convenience store — with the boat ramp less than 50 metres away, making it ideal for fishing-focused visits. A selection of holiday homes is also available for rent through local real estate contacts. The township sees its population double or triple during school holidays and popular long weekends, so booking ahead for these periods is wise. Maryborough, just 25 minutes north, provides a full range of services if you need them during your stay.