A guide to camping on K’gari

Discover why UNESCO defined K’gari as a place of exceptional natural beauty.

K’gari is home to expansive beaches, roaming dingoes, cliffs of coloured sand and astonishing turquoise waters. Spanning 166,000 hectares in size, it also offers a range of terrains and views that other places just can’t compete with. The best way to experience them? Pitch a tent and camp, of course. K’gari camping is like nowhere else.

Thankfully, K’gari is packed with plenty of formal and informal campsites to choose from. Here, we answer all your most pressing questions on everything from permits, packing lists and tips for avoiding those pesky dingoes in our guide to camping on K’gari.

Before you arrive at K’gari

man sitting on 4wd in the middle of Pile Valley on k'gari camping — Camping on K’gari can be an unforgettable experience. (Image: Kyle Hunter)

Before you embark on one of the most rewarding outdoor adventures you can have in Queensland, you’re going to need to prepare.

Weather conditions on K’gari can vary greatly throughout the year and can have a significant impact on factors such as how you get there, track closures, dingo safety tips and where you can set up camp. To stay up to date on all this information, do your research beforehand.

K’gari is only accessible via 4WD, which means you will need your own or a rental 4WD if you intend to camp. If you’re a novice or would like time to get more comfortable behind the wheel, you can fine-tune your skills by booking a lesson with the Australian Offroad Academy on the island behind the Kingfisher Bay Resort (although some of the unavoidable tracks really are high-level driving, so you want to be quite competent).

Fuel is available for purchase on K’gari at Kingfisher Bay Resort, Eurong Beach, Happy Valley, Cathedral on Fraser and Orchid Beach.

Permits

shop at The Cathederals on k'gari fraser island — Fuel is available for purchase at The Cathedral. (Image: Courtney Atkinson/ TEQ)

A vehicle access permit and a camping permit both need to be organised before your arrival on the island.

Vehicle permits on K’gari

A vehicle access permit must be clearly displayed on your bonnet for inspection by authorised officers. Permits can be obtained online in advance via the Queensland National Parks Booking Service . They cost about $57.40 for one month or less, or up to $481.80 for longer stints on the island (depending on the campground). Head here for more information on vehicle access permits .

Camping permits on K’gari

Planning on setting up camp in one of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service areas? You’ll need camping permits for that too. Purchase your camping permit at their website before heading off to the island – and we strongly recommend booking your K’gari campsite six months in advance to beat the crowds also wanting to enjoy a spot of beach camping in the peak season.

What to pack

Aside from the obvious camping essentials, several important items are commonly left behind when it comes time to pack for a camping trip. To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, double-check that you have the below.

First off, pack a first aid kit. You never know when you’ll need one. Secondly, insect repellent certainly comes in handy on those humid island nights. Also bring a fuel stove, rubbish bags, extra camping pegs/ropes and lockable food containers.

How to get to K’gari

4WDing on 75 mile beach on k'gari fraser island — Bring your own 4WD, or hire one to bring with you on the ferry. (Image: Sean Scott/ TEQ)

You (and your 4WD) can grab a barge or ferry from either Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.

From Hervey Bay in River Heads: The SeaLink ferry departs several times a day. Take the 30-minute journey to Wanggoolba Creek or the 50-minute journey to Kingfisher Bay.

From Rainbow Beach: the Manta Ray Barge leaves regularly from Inskip Point, with the last barge to Fraser leaving at 5pm. The trip to Hook Point takes just 10 minutes.

For high-flyers: Air Fraser Island ’s fleet of light aircraft departs from the Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay airports.

If you’re going to be fully focused on driving around with your 4WD once you arrive on the island, best to check out this detailed map of the island’s camping sites . Another solid reason to check out this K’gari map in advance? The often weak mobile signal on the island.

Choosing a camping site on K’gari

person with 4wd camping on a k'gari beach — Beach camping is a popular camping option for K’gari. (Image: Tyson Mayr/ TEQ)

There are lots of camping areas to choose from on K’gari, each as blissfully picturesque as the next. Which one you pick will depend on what you’re looking for from your adventure. Do you want to be close to amenities? Do a spot of beach camping? Sleep in total solitude? Wake up to world-class sunrises? Go fishing all day? There is the perfect camping ground for you here on K’gari.

Beach camping zones

The cheap camping options on K’gari provide very little in the way of luxury, but much in the way of natural beauty. Some of the more formal camping sites deliver basic facilities, including tap water and toilets. And most have barbecues and communal washing-up facilities for use.

On K’gari there are 45 camping areas overall to choose from, including nine beach camping zones that you can pick from on the Eastern Beach .

Beach camping zone 1 (Dilli Village to Eurong)
Beach camping zone 2 (Eurong to Poyungan Rocks)
Beach camping zone 3 (Poyungan Rocks to Happy Valley)
Beach camping zone 4 (Happy Valley to Eli Creek)
Beach camping zone 5 (Eli Creek to The Pinnacles)
Beach camping zone 6 (The Pinnacles to Dundubara)
Beach camping zone 7 (Dundubara to Tukkee wurroo (Indian Head))
Beach camping zone 8 (Waddy Point to Ngkala Rocks)
Beach camping zone 9 (Browns Rocks to Sandy Cape)

You’ll need to be confident behind the wheel of a 4WD (and have a high clearance vehicle) to get to these beachside camping sites. And take note: if you’re worried about dingoes or camping with young children, you may be better off with another option that offers dingo-deterrent fences.

But our overall favourites on the island? Central Station , Dundubara and Waddy Point are your best options for camping on K’gari. All campgrounds have a 9pm noise curfew and generators are not permitted.

Remote campgrounds

There are 10 remote camping sites on K’gari, most without amenities. Here you can bypass the crowds and truly immerse yourself in what the island has to offer.

The Sandy Cape at the tip of the island is a great place to start. Otherwise, sites on the north-western side of the island – between Moon Point in the south and Wathumba Spit in the north – are your best options for remote camping.

There are more informal camping areas behind the foredunes on the eastern beach (check out our notes on the various camping zones there, above). Set-up is only permitted within signposted zones and at least 50 metres away from water.

Family campgrounds

Waddy Point Beachfront Campground — Waddy Beach is a gorgeous campground option. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

Visitors with children should opt for the fenced sites on the island. The grounds at Central Station, Lake Boomanjin , Dundubara, Dilli Village and Waddy Point are all good kid-friendly accommodation options.

Similar to the aforementioned formal sites, most of the family-friendly ones provide basic facilities like tap water and toilets. There are also barbecues and communal washing-up facilities.

Other notable mentions:

Best for fishing: Ungowa on the south-western coastline
Best for sunrises: Marloo, Ocean Lake camping zone on the eastern beach
Best for fire pits: Dundubara
Beach camping: Waddy Point on the north-east coast
Best camping near Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie): If you’re planning on doing the K’gari Great Walk , check out the Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) walkers’ camp .

For more information on individual campsite specifications visit the Queensland Parks and Forests website.

How much does it cost to camp on K’gari?

It can cost as little as seven dollars (that’s the same as two flat white coffees) to camp on K’gari. While it’ll only get you entry to one of the more basic campsites, these are the kind of prices that are enough to make even cash-strapped backpackers envious.

Eco-camping tips

man wearing a backpack on Basin Lake, K'gari camping — Leave only footprints. (Image: Tyson Mayr/ TEQ)

Thankfully, we have already penned some helpful guidelines that eco-conscious campers can abide by.

In addition to this, there are a few K’gari-specific tips that you can follow during your visit to help preserve its beauty for generations to come.

Avoid reapplying sunscreen or insect repellent before swimming. Unless your sunscreen is reef-safe, the chemicals can impact the water quality and negatively affect its wildlife.
K’gari is one of the best places in Australia to see dingoes. And while they roam freely around the island, it’s important to keep your distance. They are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, so be cautious if you see these wild animals. Do not feed them or leave food scraps around. Lock your food inside your vehicles and never eat inside your tent.
Do not bury your rubbish. Use the bins provided or take rubbish with you when you leave the island.
Open fires are not allowed on K’gari, except for the communal fire rings provided by EPA at select campgrounds.
Observe the prescribed speed limits in your 4WD. The maximum limits are 80km/h on beach tracks and 30km/h inland. Having a map of the island is also recommended.

Is swimming safe on K’gari?

Although they may look alluring, K’gari beaches are not safe for swimming. Strong rips and sharks can be found lurking beneath the surface, as well as stingrays between October and April.

But will you find crocodiles basking in the shallows of the island paradise? While sightings of saltwater crocodiles are reasonably rare this far south, they have in the past been spotted stopping off at K’gari on their travels abroad.

Just another pointy-teethed reason that – if you are keen for a swim – you head for one of the many lakes and creeks – all of which are freshwater and safe.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.