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

Follow the clear creek all the way to the beach. Photo credit: Darren Jew © Tourism and Events Queensland

Fraser Island (K'gari) is the traditional land of the Butchulla Aboriginal people and a world heritage area. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © 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. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Eli Creek boardwalk

A perfect retreat from the summer heat, this large, fast-flowing freshwater creek will entertain the whole family for hours.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
400m return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 30min walking time
Grade
Grade 2 walking track

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Journey facilities

  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
  • Walking

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 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.

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

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.