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

Unwind on the western side of the island with quiet waters, spectacular sunsets and great fishing. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government

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

Bowal Creek camping area

This secluded beachfront camping area is nestled in a grove of Moreton Bay ash and has stunning ocean views and superb sunsets.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Camping area facilities

  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Anchoring allowed
  • Tent camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Short walk to tent
  • Walking
  • Scenic drive
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Boating
  • Fishing

There’s heaps to do once you’ve set up camp. Enjoy a stroll along the water's edge, taking in the views to Wathumba Creek spit, and across to the sand cliffs of Platypus Bay that curve around to the northern-most tip of Rooney Point. Look for the apex-shaped ‘Triangle Cliff’ on the northern side of Bowal Creek.

If you enjoy boating, head out into the gentle, blue waters of Platypus Bay, and spend a few hours exploring the area on your canoe or kayak.

After your fun-filled day, watch the magnificent colours of sunset, and spend the night relaxing under a star-spangled sky.

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

Bowal Creek beach camping area is on K'gari (Fraser Island), 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

  • The camping area is 12.8km north of Woralie Road on the western beach of the island, 29km north of the Moon Point estuary in Platypus Bay.
  • It is accessible by boat via the Great Sandy Marine Park, and by vehicle along the beach at low tide. You will need to drive across Bowarrady and Awinya creeks.
  • The GPS location is Zone 56J, easting—519570 and northing—7230609.
  • The map location is latitude S25˚02'24" and longitude E153˚11'38".
  • The Western Beach is not suitable for trailers except for designated camper trailer sites in Woralie Creek beach 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.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Bowal Creek beach camping area 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.

View all park alerts