Vehicle access permits

The self-service kiosks have been decommissioned.

Visitors need to book their permits before they visit. Book online, at an over-the-counter booking office or by phone.

A vehicle access permit must be obtained before driving on Bribie Island, K'gari (Fraser Island), Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), Cooloola and Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) recreation areas—fees apply.

All vehicles must be registered and have a valid permit. You must clearly display the details of your permit on your vehicle for inspection by authorised officers.

    Bookings

    Ensure you obtain your permit before entering a recreation area.

    For Bribie Island, K’gari and Cooloola recreation areas:

    Watch a video on how to book your vehicle access permit for these areas.

    Book now

    For permits to drive or camp in the Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) Recreation Area visit the Mulgumpin Camping website.

    For permits to drive or camp in the Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) Recreation Area visit the Minjerribah Camping website.

    Vehicle access permit fees

    Bribie Island Recreation Area

    • 1 week or less = $55.50
    • more than 1 week (up to 1 year) = $173.30

    Cooloola Recreation Area

    • 1 calendar day
      • obtained via the internet = $14.40
      • not obtained via the internet = $21.80
    • 1 week or less = $36.75
    • 1 month or less = $57.80
    • more than 1 month (up to 1 year) = $291.00

    K'gari (Fraser Island) Recreation Area

    • 1 month or less = $57.80
    • More than 1 month (up to 1 year) = $291.00

    K'gari (Fraser Island) and Cooloola Recreation Area

    Note: Visitors may purchase a combined permit for K'gari and Cooloola. A 20% discount applies.

    • 1 month or less = $92.85
    • More than 1 month (up to 1 year) = $466.00

    Modify your booking (changes, cancellations and refunds)

    Change of name or vehicle

    For all recreation areas except Minjerribah and Mulgumpin, if you want to change the name or vehicle stated in the permit, email qpws@des.qld.gov.au

    Please send the following documents with your email.

    • For a name change:
      • a copy of your updated birth certificate or a change of name certificate.
    • For a vehicle change (note – both documents must show the same owner):
      • a copy of your registration certification or renewal notice for the vehicle currently listed on your permit
        plus
      • a copy of your registration certification or renewal notice for your new vehicle.

    Modify dates or cancel booking

    Changes to permit dates or cancellations can be made online through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service.

    For help refer to the Queensland National Parks Booking Service customer user guide modify a vehicle access permit or cancel a vehicle access permit.

    Modify

    Please note:

    • Bookings can’t be modified on the same day they were made. Wait until the payment has been fully processed to make any changes.
    • Modifications must be made more than two days prior to the start date (only registration numbers are able to be modified up to and including the start date).
    • Vehicle access permits are not transferrable. The driver of the registered vehicle must purchase the permit in their own name.
    • When making changes, ensure that your telephone number and email address are current, so that we can contact you.
    • Refunds must be requested more than two days prior to the start date.
    • All refund requests must be submitted within 28 days of the permit end date.
    • If you’ve already commenced your stay and need to cancel due to extenuating circumstances, you’re able to submit a refund request for vehicle and camping permits via your online account at www.qld.gov.au/camping.
    • Our operational policy contains more information about booking modifications and refunds.

    For enquiries relating to camping and permitting at Minjerribah or Mulgumpin visit the Minjerribah Camping website or the Mulgumpin Camping website.

    Exemption from vehicle access permit fees

    Residents, landholders, visiting close relatives of residents, educational groups and workers who need to travel through the recreation area may qualify for a fee exemption.

    Vehicle access permits are not required for:

    • emergency vehicles
    • Commonwealth, State and Local government vehicles (when used for official purposes)
    • vehicles authorised under a commercial activity permit or agreement
    • Inskip Peninsula or Green Island recreation areas.

    Applicants must meet eligibility criteria. Refer to the Fee exemptions for vehicle access permits on QPWS managed recreation areas operational policy for information on eligibility criteria requirements.

    How to apply for an exemption

    You can apply for a vehicle permit exemption for Bribie Island, Cooloola, and K’gari (Fraser Island) recreation areas:

    For Minjerribah Recreation Area, you can apply online or phone (07) 3409 9668.

    For Moreton Island Recreation Area (Mulgumpin), you can apply by email to exemptvaps@mulgumpincamping.net.au

    Cooloola Recreation Area—Rainbow Beach residents

    Rainbow Beach residents may apply for a permit fee exemption for Cooloola Recreation Area (CRA) to travel through the CRA to businesses and services in Tewantin. This fee exemption applies because Rainbow Beach is the only situation where residents can obtain a reasonable time advantage by travelling to a major shopping and business centre through the recreation area, instead of using an alternative route.

    Only Rainbow Beach residents are eligible to apply.

    Applications for a vehicle access permit fee exemption must be supported by documents showing the applicant’s main place of residence and vehicle registration. Fee exemptions are not automatically renewed, so residents holding an annual permit must apply for a fee exemption each year.

    Read the frequently asked questions about vehicle permit fee exemptions for Rainbow Beach residents.

    Displaying your vehicle access permit

    If you are unable to print a permit tag you can collect one from nominated over-the-counter camping and vehicle access permit booking offices. If collection is not an option, write your booking number, surname and vehicle registration on a piece of paper, and place the paper on the lower left hand side of your vehicle’s windscreen before entering the recreation area.

    Hiring a vehicle or purchasing a vehicle with a vehicle access permit attached

    When hiring a vehicle that will be accessing Bribie Island, Cooloola, K’gari, Mulgumpin or Minjerribah recreation areas, you must obtain a vehicle access permit in your name to cover the period the vehicle will be in the recreation area. Permits are not transferrable. For example, if you have recently purchased a four-wheel drive that has a vehicle access permit, you cannot use that permit. You must purchase your own access permit for that vehicle – under your name.

    24hr surveillance cameras in use

    All vehicles entering and exiting the recreation areas may have their vehicle number plates recorded and those details matched against the booking service. Those found entering without a valid vehicle access permit will be issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) and fined $232.00.

    This amount increases each financial year from 1 July. To avoid the fine, please ensure you purchase a vehicle access permit before entering the recreation area.

    Find out more about Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras – FAQs (PDF, 173.1KB)

    All camera footage obtained is stored securely and only viewed and accessed by authorised persons. In most cases, the footage is retained for 30–90 days, unless it is required for official purposes, or as a retained public record. (This is in accordance with the Public Records Act 2002). Find out more about our privacy and security practices.