Theodolite Creek is a small park area on the southern banks of Theodolite Creek, with picnic tables, BBQ, and access to a sand boat ramp. The boat ramp is along a wide stretch of protected estuary beach. The water was clear and calm, and the sand bright making for a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy with the family.
Being winter, we didn’t go into the water for a swim but it looks to be a great spot to do so, with calm and refreshing looking water, especially for families with small children or those who don’t like waves at beaches. Being close to the heads along a sandy stretch, it is a nice sandy beach even though it is a river beach. The boat ramp didn’t appear to be used too extensively but it could be different depending on the weather and time of the year, so be aware of any traffic for the boat ramp if you do bring a young family.
We visited Theodolite Creek specifically to check out the boat ramp. It is a sand beach ramp with a couple of marker posts on the beach to clearly indicate where the ramp is. Other boat ramps in the area are susceptible to tide currents or strong onshore winds across the bay. Theodolite is far more protected from the wind and around a point, so it doesn’t get the tide currents.
It isn’t all good news though. While we didn’t launch the boat at Theodolite Creek, the ramp is shallow and may require heading a fair way in to get the boat to be buoyant enough to get on and off the trailer. During high tide, there is a mat on the sand that will give traction and prevent sinking in the sand. We don’t know how far out the mat goes and what the sand would be like during lower tides.
There were no boat trailers around while we were there. One person turned up while we were looking with a tinny boat on the roof of his vehicle, so no trailer to back into the water on the ramp. There were a few others there fishing and relaxing along the banks of Theodolite Creek.
Next to the main parking area is some green space with sheltered picnic tables, a toilet block with flushing toilets, and a water bubbler. There are a couple of free BBQs for a sausage sizzle while enjoying the area. There is an additional set of sheltered picnic tables that initially looks like a small parking spot but it mainly a drop-off spot.
Theodolite Creek should not be confused with Theodolite day-use area within the Burrum Coast National Park, which is located across the creek on the northern side. The other location is not suitable for low clearance and 2wd vehicles, however, to this Theodolite Creek park location, it is a sealed bitumen road all the way there and perfectly okay for normal vehicles. It is only the sand boat ramp that a 4wd is recommended.