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

A boaty's delight and still-water haven. Photo credit: Jenna Tapply © 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

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

Garrys Anchorage camping area

Named after a famous Butchulla tracker, this peaceful boat-only area offers shade and shelter on the island's south-western shore.

Accessible by

  • Boat

Camping area facilities

  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Picnic tables
  • Anchoring allowed
  • Tent camping
  • Short walk to tent
  • Walking
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Boating
  • Fishing

Set in a sheltered bay east of Stewart Island, the camping area is a refuge from the wind and rough weather. Pitch your tent in the shady eucalypt forest before heading out to explore the Great Sandy Marine Park. The exposed sand flat in front of the camping area is a popular spot for roosting seabirds.

Garry Owens was born on the island in nearby Yidney Creek. He was wiry and sharp-witted Butchulla man, renowned for his horseriding and tracking skills. Garry helped the Victorian police track Australia’s most notorious bushranger, Ned Kelly.

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

Garrys Anchorage 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 on the west coast of the island, in the Great Sandy Strait.
  • It is only accessible by boat via the Great Sandy Marine Park.
  • The approximate GPS location is Zone 56J, easting—497390 and northing—7165290.
  • The map location is latitude S25˚37'48" and longitude E152˚58'26".

Getting to K'gari

  • 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.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Garrys Anchorage 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.