• Amble along the boardwalk beside Eli Creek, past pandanus and nectar-filled banksia. Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
• Eli Creek is a very popular playground. Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
• Follow the clear creek all the way to the beach. Photo credit: Darren Jew © Tourism and Events Queensland

Eli Creek is the largest freshwater creek on the Eastern Beach scenic drive. From the beach, head along a boardwalk fringed by lush ferns and tall pandanus and paperbarks. Take some time to read the signs along the way to learn how this picture-perfect creek came into being, and the types of plants and animals that thrive here.

At the end of the boardwalk the real adventure begins! Drop gently into the water and float effortlessly with the creek, all the way back to the beach. The ever-changing direction of flow from the creek mouth is determined by the sheer force of 80 million litres of freshwater pumping into the ocean every day.

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 Eli Creek boardwalk is on K'gari (Fraser Island), 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

• The boardwalk is on the Eastern Beach scenic drive, about 26km north of the Eurong township and 15.4km south of the Dundubara camping area.
• 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 (Fraser Island) conditions report (PDF, 1.2MB) 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 (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

• Flights leave from Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

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.

• 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.

Wheelchair access

The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible with assistance. The sand at the start of the boardwalk is very soft and powdery and can be difficult to naviagate.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Eli Creek boardwalk 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.