Formerly known as Fraser Island, K’gari is one of the most popular places to camp in the whole of Australia.
A bucket-list destination for many people, this World Heritage-listed island has a topography that includes everything from rainforests, mangrove forests and eucalyptus woodland, to wallum and peat swamps, coastal heaths and sand dunes.
It also offers plenty of campground options for those looking for a place to stay. Which range from sites that are nestled in the heart of the rainforest to others that directly overlook the beach.
If you are thinking of heading to K’gari and are trying to work out the best place for you to set up camp, this is the guide for you!
In it we will provide an overview of all the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service camping zones on K’gari, which should help you decide which is your best option.
Camping options at K’gari
When it comes to camping options at K’gari, many sites are managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
These sites are spread across the eastern, western and southern parts of the island and are split into different zones.
As a rule, these sites are very cheap but tend to have basic or no facilities at all.
Outlined below is an overview of each of the zones located on the island formerly known as Fraser Island, starting with the eastern side.
Eastern Beach Campsites
Overall there are 9 camping areas situated on the eastern side of K’gari, which collectively can accommodate up to 1600 people.
Sites within each area are usually not defined, so when setting up theirs up, campers should always be considerate of others and not take up too much room.
All of these sites are situated along the beach, so the sandy surface is suitable for tents, road trailers and walk-ins. Most of them are not fenced, so always be mindful of the potential presence of dingoes.
The zones are as follows:
Beach Camping Zone 1
Tucked in between Dilli Village and Eurong, this zone has two specific areas for camping – namely Wongai or Govi.
Both of these areas are located a quick drive from Hook Point and make great bases for those who want to venture into K’gari’s lakes.
While Wongai is a campsite that has been fully fenced off, most of the sites in these zones have limited views of the ocean as they are nestled behind the vegetation and sand dunes.
Beach Camping Zone 2
This zone lies between Eurong and Poyungan Rocks and features three distinct areas where you are able to camp.
These are Cornwells, Gabala and One Tree Rocks. All of which are central locations for enjoying the island’s lakes.
Of the three, Cornwells is the only fenced campsite.
Beach Camping Zone 3
Encompassing the area that runs from Poyungan Rocks to Happy Valley, this zone has two different camping areas called Poyungan and Winnam.
As it is close to Happy Valley, this is a fantastic option for those who want to base themselves close to a place where you can regularly get supplies.
It is also quite a central area for checking out some of the main attractions on the eastern side of the island, including Lake Garawongera and the Rainbow Gorge.
Beach Camping Zone 4
Stretching up from Happy Valley, the Eli Creek camping site is a fenced site, and one of only two campsites overall in this zone. The other is Guluri.
Another good base for those who want to be in close proximity to supplies, as well as near the main attractions of the eastern part of the island, this is also, as you would imagine, a popular zone for those who want to spend a good bit of time at Eli Creek as well.
Beach Camping Zone 5
Another zone which has two different camp areas is the territory between Eli Creek and The Pinnacles.
Here, Maheno and Wahba provide excellent central locations for those who want to check out all of the island’s most notable attractions on its eastern side, in particular Eli Creek.
Beach Camping Zone 6
This zone takes in the area between The Pinnacles and Dundubara and actually features three different camping areas, which consist of Guruman, Yurru and Eugarie.
Given its location, it is a good spot for exploring the most notable landmarks and areas at the northern end of the east coast, as well as the main attractions further down.
These include the likes of The Pinnacles, Wungul Sandblow and Lake Bowarrady.
Beach Camping Zone 7
Incorporating the area between Dundubara and Indian Head, the sites of Wyuna and Burad are the two main camping areas in this particular zone.
They both serve as terrific bases for those who want to spend quality time reconnoitring places like Indian Head, Lake Bowarrady, Red Canyon and Wungul Sandblow, that lie within the northern end of the east coast.
If you decide to stay here, you will also be near Cathedral Beach, which is an especially beautiful area that features massive sand dunes in the background and superb views of the ocean in the foreground.
Beach Camping Zone 8
Nestled between Waddy Point and the notorious Ngkala Rocks, you will find three different camping areas in zone 8.
All three of Duling, Marloo and Ocean Lake are ideal for those wanting to explore the east coast’s northern end. Which is headlined by the Indian Head, Sandy Cape Lighthouse and the charming town of Orchid Beach.
A feature of this zone is the sensational ocean views, the water of which is a magnificent turquoise colour.
Beach Camping Zone 9
The last zone on the eastern side of the island takes in the stretch of land that runs from Brown Rocks to the Sandy Cape Lighthouse.
Located at the very northern tip of the island, this stunning camping area is ideal for those who want an isolated and remote location in which to relax.
Diary and Carree are the tour campsites here and will place you in close proximity to the Sandy Cape Lighthouse, as well as some old radar station bunkers from World War II and the grave of a former lightkeeper.
Facilities
None of these zones on the eastern part of the island have any facilities.
So if you intend to stay here you should at the very least bring your own chemical toilet. You will find dump stations at various points along the eastern side of the island.
At every one of these eastern beach campsites you are expected to take all of your rubbish with you, and again you will find bins at various strategic locations.
As well as bringing your own chemical toilet you will need to bring plenty of water for drinking and cooking.
Generators are allowed to be used between 9 am and 9 pm, however, they must have a sound rating that is 65 decibels or less.
Open fires are strictly prohibited.
Western Beach Campsites
On the western side of the island, there are 8 camping zones overall, which can accommodate around 215 people.
Incorporating some of the most picturesque of all camping spots on the whole of K’gari, these campsites can be considered prime spots on the island. However, some are so remote they can only be reached by boat.
For the most part, these campsites are not properly designated as they are on the sand. So again campers should exercise consideration for others when setting out theirs up.
With none of these sites being fenced, it is especially important to be aware of the threat of dingoes in these areas.
Below is a brief overview of the 8 different camping areas located on the western side of the island.
The zones are as follows:
Moon Point
Only accessible by boat, Moon Point is a charming and remote campground, that is perfect for those who are after protected waters in which to fish, swim, go boating or kayaking.
Congula Creek
Just to the north of Moon Point lies Congula Creek.
Another splendid and isolated spot on the west coast it has both tent and camper trailer sites available.
Woralie Creek
Situated right near the entrance of a 4WD track which will take you to the east coast, Woralie Creek is fairly easy to access for anyone after a west coast campsite.
Tent and camper trailer sites are available in this zone.
Bowarrady Creek
Lying just to the north of Woralie Creek, Bowarrady Creek, is a truly gorgeous camping site on the west coast of the island.
Situated next to a stunning freshwater creek, it accommodates the calm waters of Platypus Bay which is great for fishing, kayaking or SUP.
In this zone, there is plenty of space to set up a tent or camper trailer site.
Awinya Creek
Presenting incredible views of the white sand cliffs at Platypus Bay, as well as close proximity to a stunning freshwater creek, this zone makes a great place to stay for those who enjoy kayaking against a scenic backdrop.
Both tent and camper trailer sites can be accommodated at this camping site.
Bowal Creek
Up towards the northern end of the western side of the island lies Bowal Creek.
Suitable only for tent sites, it showcases fabulous views of Platypus Bay and its white sand cliffs, as well as scenic views that look out towards Wathumba Creek.
Wathumba
Sitting at the mouth of Wathumba Creek, this camping area is where the freshwater creek meets the ocean.
It is a fantastic place to fish, as well as kayak and partake in a bit of bird watching.
Teebing
Another site that can only be accessed by boat is Teebing.
Close to Towoi Creek, it is a secluded piece of paradise which ranks as one of the most beautiful spots on the whole of the west coast.
Facilities
Like on the eastern side of the island, none of these zones has any facilities, so campers are expected to bring their own toilet, drinking water and generators. Though these have to be less than 65 decibels and can only be used between 9 am and 9 pm.
Campers are also expected to take their own rubbish away with them and open fires are not permitted.
Southern Campsites
On the southern side of the island, there are 3 designated camping zones.
Some of the sites are so remote, that they can only be accessed by boat, while none of them is fenced, so you should always be on the lookout for dingoes.
The zones are as follows:
Coolooloi Creek Camping Area
This zone looks out towards Rainbow Beach and is only accessible via the Hook Point inland road. You can’t access it by the beach.
Predominantly this site tends to be used by people who arrive late in the day and just need somewhere to stay for the night before moving on to another campsite on K’gari.
The facilities here are limited to picnic tables.
Garry’s Anchorage Camping Area
This zone is situated on the Great Sandy Strait and can only be reached by boat.
The sites are not defined, but can only accommodate 30 people at any given time. There are picnic tables here though.
Ungowa Camping Area
Another zone on the Great Sandy Strait is the Ungowa Camping Area.
Suitable for tents and off-road trailers, it can accommodate up to 40 campers and even has 2 defined sites for trailers, although not for tents.
Facilities here include toilets, as well as picnic tables and cold water taps/sinks for washing up.
Facilities
Other than what has been mentioned, there are no other facilities in these zones.
Campers thus are expected to bring their own toilets and drinking water, while the same rules for generators apply as per the other zones.
Like elsewhere, open fires are also prohibited.
Private Camping Sites
As well to the sites run by the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service there are a handful of privately
owned and managed campsites on K’gari.
These include Cathedrals and Dilli Village, which offer a range of powered and unpowered sites for tents and trailers, as well as other accommodation options like cabins.
It also includes the Beach Camp Eco Retreat which offers a terrific glamping option!
Conclusion
So there you have it!
Our guide to all the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service camping zones on K’gari.
We hope this guide has given you a firmer idea as to where you can camp at the place formerly known as Fraser Island.
Whichever site you choose, so long as you take all of the required provisions with you, and remain dingo aware, you can camp safe in the knowledge that you will have a truly wonderful time.