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

Capture a cloudscape of colour spilling over the beach at nearby Eli Creek. Photo credit: © Sarah Haskmann

Critical information for your safety

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

Be inspired: Explore the Sunshine and Fraser coasts—your go-to weekend escapes!

They’re renowned for surf and sun-drenched beaches, and deservedly-so, but take a closer look and you’ll find the Sunshine and Fraser coasts have so much more in store! Photo credit: Adam Creed © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Queensland National Parks’ best-loved camping areas

We are truly a nation of coast dwellers, so when it comes to camping holidays, where do we head? To the water, of course! Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Beach camping zone 5 - Maheno and Wahba

Unwind and connect with nature at this centrally-located camping zone stretching between Eli Creek and The Pinnacles.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Camping area facilities

  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Walking
  • Scenic drive
  • Fishing

Once you’ve settled into your camp site at one of the two areas—Maheno and Wahba—head out and explore the surrounding feature-packed area. This camping zone is the gateway to some of the island’s most popular destinations.

Explore the coastline and island’s interior on the scenic drives and 4WD tracks. They are dotted with lookouts, picnic areas, walks, wrecks and lakes ... a bit of something for everyone.

If relaxation is on the cards, soak up the sea air and spend your days wandering along the beach or trying to snag a feed of sand whiting for dinner.

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

Beach camping zone 5 is on K'gari (Fraser Island), 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

  • The camping zone is on the eastern side of the island between Eli Creek and The Pinnacles. Eli Creek is 61.5km north of Hook Point.
  • The Eastern Beach scenic drive is only accessible 2hrs either side of low tide.

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 (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.

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.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Beach camping zone 5—Eli Creek to The Pinnacles is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

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

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting K'gari safely and camp with care.