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

Watch the creek carve its way through the sands of Fraser's western beach. 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.

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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

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Bowarrady Creek camping area

Enjoy the gentle breezes and solitude of this picturesque creek-side camping area with sprawling coastal and ocean views.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Camping area facilities

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

You’ll never want to leave this camping area, nestled in woodlands of white mahogany, eucalypts and wattles fringing a shallow freshwater creek.

At low tide explore the beach by 4WD, or slip your kayak into the sheltered water of Platypus Bay and explore the nearby coastline. Throw in a line from the beach and see if you can land a feed of fish for dinner.

If relaxation is more your style, settle into your camp chair with a good book. At night, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the gentle sounds of waves washing up 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

Bowarrady 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 2.9km north of Woralie Road on the western beach, 19km 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 Creek.
  • The GPS location is Zone 56J, easting—513611 and northing—7223087.
  • The map location is latitude S25˚06'29" and longitude E153˚08'06".
  • 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 (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

Bowarrady 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