The annual Easter holiday to Woodgate is a long-held tradition for many families. Generations of locals and those who found our beachside village by chance alike make the trek back each year.
Woodgate has that appeal.
It’s the kind of place that cheers; a place where people gather to reconnect with grandparents, cousins, siblings, uncles and aunts, and where childhood memories are made and cherished.
We’ve asked a few people to tell us why they believe Easter in Woodgate is special.
Kyra Green brings her young family from the Gold Coast to Woodgate to visit family in Childers.
Kyra’s family on both sides go back generations in the District and she and her sisters have great memories of mucking around on the coast at Woodgate and Buxton.
“We have good memories of exploring the beach and national park and wanted the kids to experience this too and show them where their family comes from.
“Woodgate is great for kids because the water is calm, it’s not crowded and you can explore miles of beach.
“A trip to Woodgate at Easter is digging for pippies, throwing in a hand line and fish and chips,” Kyra said.
It’s no surprise that Woodgate Community Events president Lesley Christensen nominates the Easter@Woodgate Fair as her top Easter-time drawcard.
“Easter@Woodgate Fair of course! The Easter fair has been around in one form or another for more than 20 years,” she says.
“It’s a fabulous event and a great excuse to get the family out for a day at the beach on Easter Monday.
“We came here by accident 35 years ago. The children loved it, we loved it so we came back every year and eventually purchased a property and have now retired here.
“We love the quiet life, the people, the three B’s – beach, bowls, beautiful place. Couldn’t ask for more!”
The Itzstein family has been making the Easter pilgrimage to Woodgate for 31 years.
Maree Itzstein explained as they found it difficult to get the family together for Christmas, Easter was better timing and Woodgate became their go-to destination.
“Woodgate is such a beautiful place and it was easy for the family to get here from Brisbane,” she said.
“We started coming here 30 years ago and it became the place for our family to gather. Our kids and their kids now make the trip; we have 30-40 family members who come along,” Maree said.
Woodgate is so beloved by the Itzstein clan they also have a family memorial in place along the beach.
Pauline Greer, President of Woodgate & District Residents Association and Woodgate’s 2023 Citizen of the Year, says she loves the Easter vibe at Woodgate.
“It’s simple. It’s families gathering and having fun on the beach and in the water. Getting together and sharing good times…and the Easter@Woodgate Fair.”
Why do you keep coming back to Woodgate for Easter?
If you’re just starting your Woodgate tradition, jump over to our About Woodgate section for some info on what to see and do, or pick up a Welcome to Woodgate info sheet around town.