Everything you need to plan your K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) camping trip

There's a few things you need to know before you embark on your K'gari camping trip. Be sure to read latest island condition report (helpful for picking your campsite if you’ve never been there), how to get there, track closures and dingo safety tips.

Permits can also be arranged through K'gari’s barge and ferry providers (see below).

Pack a first-aid kit, essential medications, insect repellent, a fuel stove, rubbish bags, extra camping pegs/ropes and lockable food containers.

Not sure what else you should pack? Check out this handy camping checklist.

You’ll need a 4WD to explore (or alternatively, book one of these K'gari tours). If you’re a 4WDing novice, you can fine-tune your skills with Australian Offroad Academy island-side behind the Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Getting there

Regardless of whether you’re travelling with your own 4WD or not, you’ll need to board a ferry or barge at Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.

Fraser Island Barges depart several times a day from River Heads near Hervey Bay. You can either go to Wanggoolba Creek (30 minutes) or Kingfisher Bay (50 minutes).

From Inskip Point at Rainbow Beach, jump on the Manta Ray Barge,  which leaves every 30 minutes between 6am and 5pm. The trip to Hook Point takes just 10 minutes.

Kgari's 75 Mile Beach is one of the few sand landing strips in the world. Air Fraser Island’s fleet of light aircrafts can transfer you to the island from Sunshine Coast Airport or Hervey Bay Airport.

Choosing a campsite

K'gari has 45 camping areas to choose from, with numerous fenced sites to keep out the dingoes. Where you stay will depend on what you want to be close to (shops, beach), amenities (not all campsites have toilets and showers), and what you want to do.

Best sunrise: If you want to wake up to a beautiful sunrise every day, head to Ocean Lake or one of the eight other camping spots on the eastern beach.

Best sunset: Head west to catch mango-coloured sunsets.

Family-friendly: Fenced sites are great for young families and are located at Central Station, Lake Boomanjin, Dundubara and Waddy Point.

Most isolated: There are 10 remote sites on K'gari – including the Sandy Cape at the northern tip – to bypass the crowds. Most of them are on the north-western side of the island between Moon Point in the south to Wathumba Spit in the north.

Best for fishing: You’ll hook a fish and a shady campsite at Ungowa on the south-western coastline.

Sites with fire pits: For the campfire experience, you’ll find fire pits at Dundubara and Waddy Point, but you’ll need to BYO clean, untreated timber. Open campfires aren’t allowed, so if you’re camping elsewhere, pack a gas/fuel stove.

Driving on K'gari is dependent on conditions, so take tides and ease of access into account when choosing your camping spot.

How to spend your days

K'gari has no shortage of hotspots to visit, but you’ll need a vehicle to get to most of them.

A 4WD gives you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Try a guided tour that combines the best of the island into a single day to help you get your bearings, then revisit your favourite spots on your own time during the rest of your stay.

Unmissable highlights include 75 Mile Beach, Central Station, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck, Lake McKenzie, and Champagne Pools.

Swimming in the ocean is not recommended in most areas of the island due to the dangerous conditions, especially along 75 Mile Beach. Lake McKenzie makes up for it with its white sand beach and vibrant blue water. You could easily spend an entire day here.

For a change of scenery, the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk takes you through the towering rainforest and follows the crystal-clear creek. The 700-metre circuit takes about 30 minutes to walk around.

Spend the day on the water at Kingfisher Bay, where you can hire canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards. Located on the sheltered western side, it’s safe for families to swim in these calm waters.

K'gari has some gorgeous pockets that are slightly off the beaten track. If you have the time and the inclination, add The Valley of the Giants, Lake Allom and the Southern Lakes Circuit to your hit list.

If you’re only visiting for the weekend, here’s how to spend 48 hours on K'gari. For a longer trip, here's our five day camping itinerary.

On-island facilities

K'gari lets you camp your way. If you like to rough it away from civilisation where it’s just you and nature, no problem. If you want a campfire, hot showers and flushing toilets, you’ll find everything on your wish list at numerous campsites around the island.

When it comes to K'gari, the most important thing to do is fuel up before you leave. On the island, you can purchase fuel at Kingfisher Bay Resort, Eurong Beach, Happy Valley, Cathedral On Fraser and Orchid Beach, but you’ll pay premium prices. You’ll also be able to pick up water, ice, basic grocery items and souvenirs at all these locations.

Oh, and if you don’t feel like camp cooking, K'gari Beach Resort’s pizzas are delicious. The island’s coffee offerings aren’t quite up to capital city standard, but they will give you that all-important fix until you’re back on the mainland. The doughnuts at Eurong Bakery are a must-try.

Mobile phone coverage is patchy, so you’ll have to wait until you’re near the resorts and townships for the best reception.

Wildlife on K'gari

Dingoes

K'gari is one of the best places in Australia to see dingoes. They roam freely among the island, and while it’s a rare treat to watch them in their natural habitat, it’s important to keep your distance from these wild animals. Dingoes are naturally cautious of people, however they are opportunistic hunters and scavengers so it’s essential that you do not feed them or leave food scraps around.

If you’re camping at a site with food lockers, use them. If you’re not, lock your food up inside of your vehicle, bury fish innards deep and use the waste transfer stations. Never leave food or eat inside your tent – the scent will draw dingoes. Dingoes are also attracted to cooking gear, soaps, shampoos, clothing and toys, so secure them in your vehicle. Do not take any food to lakes, as they are common stomping grounds for dingoes.

Families with children under the age of 16 are advised to camp only in fenced areas. Never travel alone on K'gari, and keep kids within arm’s length. You should never encourage a dingo’s attention and do not excite them. If they come close, stay calm and stand tall.

Marine life

Cast your eye out to the ocean to spot dolphins, dugongs, turtles and rays playing not far from the shore. The abundance of bait fish off the beaches is handy for fishing.

From August to October, migrating humpback whales don’t just swim by, they often stay awhile. The best whale watching spot on K'gari is in the calm waters of Platypus Bay on the western side. Or, get up close on a whale watching tour, which can be booked through Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Eco-friendly tips for K'gari

It takes a team effort to keep K'gari beautiful.

Follow these eco-friendly tips during your visit:

• Refrain from applying sunscreen or insect repellent until after swimming. The chemicals may impact water quality and harm its inhabitants.
• Don’t feed, touch or approach native animals. Human interaction can alter their behaviour patterns, potentially endangering them and yourself.
• Use the bins provided or take all your rubbish with you when you leave the island. Do not bury rubbish.

If you want to half your time between camping and accommodation, eco-resort Kingfisher Bay Resort is a great family-friendly option on the calm western side. Fraser Island Retreat is centrally located on the eastern ocean side in the heart of the Happy Valley town, with easy access to inland tracks and the beach.

For more amazing places to pitch a tent, check out some of Queensland’s best camping sites.