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

Enjoy a 'gone fishing' camping experience on the surf side of the island. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government

Be Dingo-Safe! on K'gari

The best way to protect yourself, fellow visitors and the dingoes (wongari) is by planning ahead to Be Dingo-Safe.

Critical information for your safety

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

Beach camping zone 8 - Marloo, Ocean Lake, Duling

The whole family will relish staying at this camping zone, stretched between Waddy Point and Ngkala Rocks on the Eastern beach.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Camping area facilities

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

You’ll find a perfect spot in one of the three areas—Marloo, Ocean Lake or Duling—nestled in shady coastal dune woodland of she oaks, banksias, pandanus and wattles. Marvel at how the spinifex grass and goat's foot vine stabilise the dunes that, in turn, act as a buffer against waves during storms, protecting the island’s coastline.

Once you’re set up, take a sunset stroll along the beach, or jump in your 4WD and head off to explore the nearby Sandy Cape lighthouse. See if you can land a fish for dinner from the beach.

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 8 is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

  • The camping zone is on the eastern side of K'gari between Waddy Point and Ngkala Rocks. Waddy Point is 108km north of Hook Point.
  • The Eastern Beach scenic drive is only accessible 2hr 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 (15min 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, 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 Barges landing area.
  • The trip to Wanggoolba Creek on the western side of K'gari takes 30–45min.
  • The trip to Kingfisher Bay on the western side of K'gari takes 50mins–1hr.
  • These barges run at fixed times 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.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Beach camping zone 8—Waddy Point to Ngkala Rocks 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.