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

Remember to bring your fishing gear! 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.

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

Ungowa (tent site) camping area

Escape the crowds, embrace the solitude, drink in the ocean views and relish the island's fantastic beach fishing.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Camping area facilities

  • Picnic tables
  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
  • Tent camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Walking
  • Scenic drive
  • Fishing

Deep in the Great Sandy Strait and hugging the island’s south-western shore, Ungowa was once the regular island access point from Hervey Bay.

Set up camp in the shady forest and head off to explore the South White Cliffs. From the top you’ll not only gain a sense of the coast's spectacular beauty, but also snap some incredible photos.

If you're a keen angler the strong tidal currents and winds form an ever-shifting seascape. Throw in a line and try your luck for any number of delicious table fish.

At the end of the day, kick back with a cool drink and watch the stunning sunset splash across the sky.

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

Ungowa 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 Ungowa Road on the west coast of Fraser Island, 7.2km west from the Central Station day-use area and 5.7km south of the Wanggoolba Creek barge landing area.
  • From Wanggoolba Road, turn onto Ungowa Road and drive south for 6.3km to the 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

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

Ungowa 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.