K'gari (Fraser Island), Great Sandy National Park Butchulla Country Fraser Coast

This day-use area is a perfect spot for a long lunch and a short walk. Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen

Critical information for your safety

Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.

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Central Station day-use area

Discover the historic hub of K'gari (Fraser Island), set in lush rainforest alongside the upper waters of Wanggoolba Creek.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Attraction facilities

  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Picnic tables (some sheltered)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)

Enjoy a quiet picnic in the central high dunes of K'gari (Fraser Island) beside a crystal-clear stream that creates a cool retreat and great photo opportunities.

This picnic area is the heart of a range of island adventures. Walkers are spoilt for choice with a variety of short, medium and long distance walks, and history buffs will love exploring the heritage trail that runs through the middle of the day-use area.

Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts can spend the day exploring the feature-packed Southern Lakes and Central Lakes scenic drives or head across the island to the Wanggoolba Creek barge landing.

This park is part of the K'gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area, famed for its exceptional natural beauty, outstanding examples of coastal dune landform development and evolutionary history.

Getting there and getting around

Central Station day-use area is on K'gari (Fraser Island), 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

  • The day-use area is 9.4km from the Eurong township on Eurong Road, 8.6km from the Wanggoolba Creek barge landing on Wanggoolba Road, and 800m from the Central Station camping area.

Getting to K'gari

You can get to the island by high clearance 4WD, on foot, by plane or with a commercial tour.

By 4WD

  • Your high clearance 4WD must have low range functions.
  • Remember all vehicles must be registered, drivers must be licensed and all Queensland road rules apply, even on beaches.
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.
  • A vehicle access permit must be purchased. Display the permit on your windscreen before driving in the recreation area.

From Inskip Point (15mins from Rainbow Beach)

  • At the end of the bitumen on Inskip Point Road, reduce tyre pressure, engage 4WD and drive 500m onto the beach.
  • Drive onto the Manta Ray barge for the 10–15min trip to Hook Point on the southern tip of K'gari (Fraser Island), and the start of the Eastern Beach scenic drive.
  • Bookings for this barge are not required.

From River Heads (east of Maryborough)

  • Travel 10.6km along River Heads Road to the Fraser Island Barges landing area.
  • The trip to Wanggoolba Creek on western K'gari (Fraser Island) takes 30–45min.
  • The trip to Kingfisher Bay on western K'gari (Fraser Island) takes 50mins–1hr.
  • These barges run at fixed time and bookings are essential.

On foot

  • Walkers can board a vehicle barge to the island (details above) or arrive by plane.

By plane

By private vessel

  • Access K'gari's sheltered western coastline by private vessel. The eastern coastline of the island is extremely hazardous and exposed to very rough ocean conditions.
  • Launch your boat at one of the many boat ramps on the mainland between Tin Can Bay and Burnett Heads. There are no boat ramps on K'gari.
  • See Maritime Safety Queensland's Beacon to Beacon Guides for the Great Sandy Strait and Hervey Bay for detailed navigational maps.
  • The waters adjacent to K'gari are in the Great Sandy Marine Park.
  • If you're heading out on the water make sure you know your zones so you can follow the rules.
  • Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.

Commercial tours

  • You can join a range of tours that leave from a variety of centres.
  • For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.

Wheelchair access

The toilet and picnic facilities are wheelchair accessible with assistance. The sand in the car parks and on the tracks is very soft and powdery and can be difficult to navigate. The track from the eastern car park has steps.

Drinking water

  • Bring your own drinking water or fill up your containers in the day-use areas. The water is treated.
  • Use water wisely and report damaged or leaking taps and tanks.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Central Station day-use area is open 24 hours a day

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting K'gari safely.