Enjoy coastal camping in this sheltered location close to beaches, drives, walks, lakes, rainforest and sandblows.

A great central location for exploring the Eastern Beach scenic drive and Central Lakes and Southern Lakes scenic drives.

Just a short walk from your camp site are kilometres of beach to explore or find that perfect fishing spot to catch a feed of whiting. Take a short drive south to the Lake Wabby walk for a refreshing dip in the freshwater lake.

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.

This camping area has a wongari (dingo) deterrent fence and is recommended for families with children 14 years and under wanting a coastal camping experience.

Getting there and getting around

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

The camping area is on the Eastern Beach, south of Gabala camping area and just over 6km from Eurong.

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.

• Check the K'gari conditions report (PDF, 1.6MB) for the latest information on access, closures and conditions within the recreation area.
• Subscribe to the RSS feed to receive automated updates. (About RSS feeds).

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, 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

• Flights leave from Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

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

Cornwells 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.

Map: Cornwells camping area (fenced) map (PDF, 389.9KB)

Camping area features: formal, fenced camping area, set behind the dunes with access to the beach just a short walk away.

Location: Cornwells camping area is located behind the fore dunes on the eastern beach, south of Gabala camping area and just over 6km from Eurong.

Access: high clearance 4WD only, off-road camper trailers.

Number of sites: 8 tent sites and 3 trailer sites. Camping is only permitted in the numbered camp sites within the camping area and must be booked online. Please note: You must specifically book your camper trailer into a camper trailer site. Tent sites do not accommodate trailers.

Camp sites are suitable for: tent sites—walk-in camping; trailer sites—off-road camper trailers.

Camp site surface: sand

Facilities: there are no facilities at this site. You must provide and use your own portable toilet. The nearest portable waste disposal facilities are located 200m south of the camping area. You need to have your own water supply—nearest fill up station is at Eurong.

Open fires: prohibited

Generators: permitted but must be turned off between the hours of 9pm and 9am, sound rating must be less than 65 decibels (2.oKva).

Essentials to bring: first-aid kit, prescription medicines (if needed), fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes and lockable food storage containers. Smokers should bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Also see: before you visit.

Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options. Advance bookings (up to 6 months) required for holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: generally not available—public phone in Eurong.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

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