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

The light dazzles on the water of Coongul Creek. 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

Coongul Creek camping area

With superb views and brilliant fishing and boating, you are sure to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this secluded camping area.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Camping area facilities

  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Short walk to tent
  • Walking
  • Scenic drive
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Boating
  • Fishing

Set up camp in this quiet retreat, among low foredunes cloaked with Moreton Bay ash, black wattle, coastal she oaks and pandanus. Coongul Creek winds lazily past the camping area before crossing the beach and entering the Great Sandy Marine Park.

Sit back in your camp chair and take in the spectacular ocean views or head to the creek mouth and see if you can reel in a big one for dinner.

Driving is restricted by the tides so grab the family and set up a game of cricket on the beach or slip your boat or kayak onto the water and explore the sheltered coastline of Platypus Bay.

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

Coongul Creek beach camping area is on Fraser Island, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

  • The camping area is 8.3km south of Woralie Road on the western beach, 8km north of the Moon Point estuary in Platypus Bay.
  • It is accessible by boat via the Great Sandy Marine Park, and by 4WD along the beach at low tide. You will need to drive across Woralie Creek.
  • The GPS location is Zone 56J, easting—504736 and northing—7216227.
  • The map location is latitude S25˚10'12" and longitude E153˚02'49".
  • The Western Beach is not suitable for trailers except for designated camper trailer sites in Woralie Creek beach camping area.

Getting to Fraser Island

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

Coongul 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.