K'gari Great Walk
Spend a week exploring towering forests, crystal lakes, golden sand dunes and significant historical and cultural sites.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- Up to 90km one way A path where the start point is different to the finish point
- Time suggested
- Allow eight days walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 4 walking track
Accessible by
- High clearance 4WD
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural and constructed)
- Toilets (non-flush)
- Walking
Lace up your boots and trek along the world's largest sand island. Enjoy ever-changing landscapes and stunning scenery—from lush rainforests to sparse, golden dunes, you’ll never know what will be around the next corner.
Follow the pathways of the island's original inhabitants, the Butchulla Aboriginal people, as well as old logging roads and tramlines. Stop at lookouts with never-ending views and walk through shady forests of towering trees.
Cool off in picturesque inland lakes on your way to secluded camping areas scattered across the island.
At the end of each day, fall asleep under the stars and rise with the sun for another day of adventure.
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 K'gari Great Walk is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.
- The walk travels from Dilli Village to Happy Valley.
- The Fraser Island Taxi Service can transport you from the barge to the trail head, or take one of the access tracks—Dilli Village walk, Lake McKenzie walk or Wanggoolba walk.
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 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, 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 Barges landing area.
- The trip to Wanggoolba Creek on the western side of K'gari takes 30–45min.
- The trip to Kingfisher Bay on the western side of K'gari takes 50mins–1hr.
- These barges run at fixed times 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'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.
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
- Water is available from taps, tanks, lakes and waterholes at all the walkers' camping areas although supply is dependent on rainfall and cannot be guaranteed.
- Treat all water before use.
- Treated water is available from the Central Station walkers' camp and day-use area.
- Use water wisely and report damaged or leaking taps and tanks.
Before you visit
Opening hours
K'gari Great Walk is open 24 hours a day.
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
The K'gari Great Walk is generally open from 1 March to 31 October each year.
- At all other times the fire danger risk may be too high.
- The dates depend on environmental conditions and will vary each year.
- Check park alerts for the latest information.
Upcoming camping area availability
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting K'gari safely and Walk with care.
- Central Station visitor facility upgrades planned from April to June 2024 4 March to 21 June 2024
- Park Alert-Tukkee Wurroo (Indian Head) walking track temporary closure 14 June 2021 to 30 June 2024
- Woralie Road Dump Ezy Temporary Closure 13 July 2023 to 13 July 2024
- Prescribed Burn - Duck Creek 19 March to 31 May 2024
- Prescribed burn - Exploration Break East 1 March to 31 August 2024
- Planned burn - Binngih Sandblow to Orchid Beach 1 March to 31 August 2024
- Dingo Awareness - Eurong township and fenced area 28 February to 31 March 2024
- Dingo (Wongari) Seasonal Information - Mating Season 1 March to 31 May 2024
- Marine Stingers Warning 1 November 2023 to 31 May 2024
- Park Alert - K'gari Planned Burn Season 2024 12 February to 31 August 2024
- Threatening dingo activity - Eli Creek, Waddy Point and Wathumba 8 December 2023 to 30 April 2024
- Poison canisters washing up on Southeast Queensland beaches 4 September 2023 to 31 March 2024
- Beware crocodiles
- Be dingo-safe
- Beware marine stingers (jellyfish)
Conditions report
K'gari conditions report Updated 28 Mar 2024
Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.