Lake Allom day-use area
Enjoy the cool lakeside sanctuary of one of the only places in the world where tall rainforest grows on sand.
Accessible by
- High clearance 4WD
Attraction facilities
- Toilets (non-flush)
- Picnic tables
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Be still and watch for frogs, fish and Krefft's river turtles swimming in the tea-coloured waters of the lake. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government
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Leave enough time for lunch at Lake Allom day-use area. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government
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Linger awhile and discover secret pockets of sheer beauty. Photo credit: Jenna Tapply © Queensland Government
You'll discover this gorgeous picnic area nestled in the central high dunes along the Northern Forests scenic drive. The towering rainforest of kauri and hoop pines, Fraser Island satinay and brushbox is home to a magnificent variety of birdlife.
Set up a delicious picnic as you stretch your legs after the long drive.
After lunch, grab your towel and camera and take the easy stroll along the Lake Allom circuit. The picture-perfect surface reflections make great photo opportunities and the cool water is bound to entice you in.
Back in the picnic area, head off in your 4WD for more Northern Forests scenic drive experiences.
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
The Lake Allom 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 on the Northern Forests scenic drive, 34.1km from the Happy Valley township entrance, and 8.3km from the Woralie Road entrance.
- The Northern Forests scenic drive is not accessible to trailers.
Getting to K'gari
You can get to the island by high clearance 4WD, on foot, by plane or with a commercial tour.
- Check the K'gari (Fraser Island) conditions report for the latest information on access, closures and conditions within the recreation area.
- Subscribe to the RSS feed to receive automated updates. (About RSS feeds).
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
- Flights leave from Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
By private vessel
- Access K'gari (Fraser Island)'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 (Fraser Island).
- 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 Fraser Island 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
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
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
Lake Allom 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.
- Park Alert-Tukkee Wurro (Indian Head) walking track temporary closure 14 June 2021 to 30 June 2023
- K'gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk - advanced booking restriction 28 November 2022 to 28 February 2023
- Beach driving - low tide only 9 January to 28 May 2023
- Cornwells Road, No Heavy Traffic 31 August 2022 to 6 December 2023
- Dingo (Wongari) Seasonal Information - Summer Season 1 December 2022 to 28 February 2023
- Marine Stingers 15 November 2022 to 31 May 2023
- Marine turtles breeding season 1 November 2022 to 30 April 2023
- Information Centre opening hours 20 September 2022 to 20 March 2023
- Beware crocodiles
- Be dingo-safe
- Beware marine stingers (jellyfish)
Conditions report
K'gari (Fraser Island) conditions report Updated 1 Feb 2023
Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.