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
- Anchoring allowed
- Generators allowed (conditions apply)
- Picnic tables
- Tent camping
- Short walk to tent
- Walking
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Boating
- Fishing
-
Camp beneath the shady canopies of tall eucalypt trees. Photo credit: Jenna Tapply © Queensland Government
-
A boaties delight and still-water haven. Photo credit: Jenna Tapply © Queensland Government
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 horse riding 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, 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
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 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 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.
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.
- Lake McKenzie toilets - temporary closure of disability access ramps 4–15 December 2023
- Temporary Closure Beach Camping Zone 9 (Diray and Carree) 24 August to 22 December 2023
- Woralie Road Dump Ezy Temporary Closure 13 July 2023 to 13 July 2024
- Park Alert-Tukkee Wurroo (Indian Head) walking track temporary closure 14 June 2021 to 15 December 2023
- Dingo (Wongari) Seasonal Information - Summer Season 1 December 2023 to 29 February 2024
- Ngkala Rocks to Sandy Cape Beach Conditions 24 August to 22 December 2023
- Marine Stingers Warning 1 November 2023 to 31 May 2024
- Threatening dingo activity - Eli Creek, Waddy Point and Wathumba 5 October to 8 December 2023
- Poison canisters washing up on Southeast Queensland beaches 4 September 2023 to 31 March 2024
- K'gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk - advanced booking restriction 1 November 2023 to 29 February 2024
- Cornwells Road, No Heavy Traffic 31 August 2022 to 6 December 2023
- Beware crocodiles
- Be dingo-safe
- Beware marine stingers (jellyfish)
Conditions report
K'gari conditions report Updated 22 Nov 2023
Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.