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

De-stress on this delightful walk from Eurong to Central Station. Photo credit: Darren Jew © Tourism and Events Queensland

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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Central Station walk

Discover this scenic walk that gently climbs the high dune system of the island between the beach at Eurong and Central Station.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
10.5km one way A path where the start point is different to the finish point
Time suggested
Allow 4.5hrs walking time.
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Journey facilities

  • Walking

Experience the wonder of the island's shifting landscapes on this lovely walk. Venture from the beach through low wallum banksia woodland with swamp paperbarks, and then into open eucalypt forest of coastal she oaks, scribbly gums, blackbutt and bloodwoods, and onto lush rainforest.

As the world's largest sand island, it's amazing to stand beneath the tall Fraser Island satinay and kauri pines that rise from the harsh sandscape. Stop to admire the lush piccabeen palms and odd strangler fig scattered throughout the forest, and take advantage of the wonderful photo opportunities along the way.

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

The Central Station walk is on K'gari (Fraser Island), 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

  • The walk links the Eurong township to the Fraser Island Great Walk at Central Station.
  • From the beach at Eurong, walk along the pedestrian track to the left side of the main entry road, over the foredunes and use the gate to enter the dingo deterrent fence surrounding the town. Do not cross the electrified vehicle grid.
  • Continue along the footpath beside the main road, around the resort to the roundabout and the Eurong Road sand track. The walk entrance is located to the left side of the road.

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

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.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Drinking water

  • Bring your own drinking water or fill up your containers at the Central Station camping area (treated).
  • Use water wisely and report damaged or leaking taps and tanks.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Central Station walk is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

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