Love clear night skies full of stars? The sound of waves crashing against the shores one after another? Then camping on K’gari will suit you down to the (literal) ground. K’gari (Fraser Island) is home to an incredible array of wildlife, forests, beaches and more. You’ll never get bored and with all that stunning natural wonder, camping is the best way to experience it all.
But it’s not just a case of turning up on the island with your tent and dreams of adventure. Fraser Island camping requires a bit of forward planning. Here are a few tips to set you on your way to a safe and memorable experience on World Heritage-listed K’gari,
Fraser Island Camping sites
There is something to suit everyones style of Fraser Island camping!
The camp grounds and sites on K’gari Fraser Island vary from very basic beach camping on the sites that have no facilities but the best views, to National Park camp grounds with facilities such as toilets, showers and BBQ’s.
You can check out the Queensland Parks and Forest website for a full list of camping zones and areas, and to help you make sense of it here is our
A quick guide to camping spots on Fraser Island.
The largest camp areas with the most facilities can be found at Central Station, Dundubara and Waddy Point. Central Station is in the middle of the rainforest and offers great access to most of the islands famous freshwater lakes. Dundubara is tucked in behind the dunes and offers great access to the northern end of 75 Mile Beach, and Waddy Point is north of 75 mile beach, it’s a bit more isolated but it offers the best views. Smaller sites with toilets include those at Lake Boomanjin, Ungowa and Wathumba. There are many to choose from so it’s best to decide which area of the island you want to base yourself before deciding on your site. All the sites listed here offer toilets, running water and have a “no generators” rule.
For the ultimate back to nature experience you can take advantage of one of the many designated beach camping zones situated along the east coast of the island. There are no toilets, showers or basically anything else, but you can bring your own and you can use a generator. If you are planning to stay up late it’s best to camp on the beach on Fraser Island. There are lots of camping zones to choose from, some of our personal favs are One Tree for location, Govi for the creek and location, both offer great access to nearby facilities and make it easy to access the inland lakes at high tide.
One very important thing to note when it comes to camping on Fraser Island is that campfires are prohibited on the island. The only exception to this rule is the communal fire rings provided by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships at Dundubara main and Dundubara group camping areas, and Waddy Point Camping areas (top and beachfront). When a total fire ban is in place, use of the fire rings is also be prohibited though so do check out the park alerts/conditions report.
Fraser Island Camping Permits
You won’t be allowed to camp anywhere without first purchasing a camping permit. Once you have your permit you will need to be display it clearly on your tent so park rangers are able to verify your right to be there. You must purchase a permit before setting up camp and you must camp in the designated zone you booked. You will also need a vehicle access permit before being allowed to drive on to the island so remember to get that one too.
Camping With Kids?
If you are planning on bringing young kids under 16 years old with you, book a spot at one of the fenced camp sites on the island. Wongai camping area, One Tree Rocks and Eli camping area are all fenced. You can see the full list here.
What To Bring
The following items are the most essential. Both seasoned and newbie campers need to remember all these things for a safe and hassle free K’gari Fraser Island camping adventure.
- Appropriate clothing and weather gear
- Water and food, pretty essential hey. There are a few spots you can fill up a water container so bring at least 20ltrs with you.
- Eski and ice
- Toiletries and first aid kit
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Cooking and eating essentials such as a gas cooker, pots, plates, cups, cutlery, utensils, chopping board, sharp knife, oil, salt ‘n’ pepper and a wash-up bowl complete with all the accessories you need to clean your dishes
- Camera
- Tent, sand pegs, ropes, tarpaulins, shapes, sleeping bags
- Rubbish bags, one for landfill and one for recyclables that you can take home
- Tags and permits
Things To Keep In Mind When Camping on K’gari Fraser Island
Dingoes These beautiful animals are common on K’gari Fraser Island and seeing one can be the highlight of your trip. But always remember to keep a safe distance from any dingo you come across – they are wild animals and potentially dangerous. It is illegal to feed, approach, or attract dingoes in any way and you will face heavy fines if caught doing so. Keep your food safe from hungry dingoes by not leaving food unattended and locking it up in your car or secure storage.
Carry a Dingo Stick and stay together. Visitors are encouraged to carry a “Dingo Stick” with them at all times when on the beach and out of a dingo fenced area. Dingo sticks can help discourage dingoes as it makes you look more dominant to them. Dingo sticks are not to be used to harm a dingo or any other animal. It is also strongly advised to always walk in pairs. If you are camping on the beach then it is important not to leave food in your tents and to put all belongings in your vehicle.
Beach swimming is not advised. However as inviting as K’gari Fraser Island’s beaches are, it is advised to avoid beach swimming due to the dangerous surf conditions and the sharks that hunt along the fringe. The beaches are also not patrolled so stay on the safer shore.
Don’t leave rubbish behind. To preserve the beauty and cleanliness of K’gari Fraser Island always dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate rubbish and recycling bins. You wont find public bins on the island so you will need to travel with your rubbish. You can use the National Park bins on the beach to drop it off but there is no recycling on the island so it’s best to take all your recyclables home.
Observe maximum speed limits. Driving on the beach also has its dangers, in fast 75 Mile is statistically one of the most dangerous beaches in the world but dangers can easily be avoided. Drive slow, take your time, you are on holidays. You can drive 80kms on the beach but it’s advisable to only do 60kms so you have time to navigate the washouts and cliff drops that can sneak up on you. Take a good map and follow the rules of the (sandy) road.
Permits Permits Permits! Vehicle access and camping permits should be secured before setting up a camp. They should also be displayed clearly for park rangers to check.
Camping on K’gari Fraser Island offers so many unique experiences for every camper. And if you want to enjoy an authentic and wonderful camping expedition on the island, but minus all the hassle, contact us at K’gari Fraser Island Adventures. We offer one of the greatest and most exciting 3-day camping tours in Australia. Contact us today and start your adventure with us!
Love the idea of camping but not the reality of setting up and not having a bathroom? Have you tried Glamping yet?
Book A K'GARI FRASER ISLAND TOUR HERE!