Camping On K'gari (Fraser Island) - A Complete Guide
Camping on K'gari (Fraser Island) is something that every traveler in Australia should have on their bucket list! Because the island is packed with unique natural beauty, much of which is left untouched and untainted by humans, you can really sink into the magic of the natural world here.
If you love outdoor adventures, K'gari (Fraser Island) is the place for you! Though there are some great resorts and cabins on the island, many travelers may opt for an epic camping experience. But before you hop on a ferry to K'gari, make sure you are fully prepared will all the necessary permits, bookings, and gear. K'gari is a very remote and well-regulated island, so it's important to do your research before visiting. Hopefully, our ultimate guide to camping on K'gari will help you plan your trip with ease!
Camping On K'gari (Fraser Island) - A Complete Guide
The world's largest sand island is one of the best places in Australia for camping, off-roading, hiking, and exploring the wilderness. Prepare for your adventures on K'gari (Fraser Island) with our complete camping guide! We'll touch on permits and bookings, camping locations, what to pack, where to buy supplies, safety tips, camping tours, and more.
K'gari (Fraser Island) Camping Permits, Bookings, and Prices
Permits are essential for any visit to K'gari (Fraser Island)! Before you can enjoy all the fun stuff, like planning your itinerary, you have to remember to get all the necessary permits. Without permits, you won't be allowed on the island. First of all, you can only visit K'gari with a 4WD. You can hire one, drive your own, or join a tour, but regardless, the island's terrain is not suitable for normal vehicles. Book your vehicle access permit online in advance, and have it displayed in your vehicle at all times!
You also need to get a camping permit for K'gari. Both camping and vehicle permits can be booked and paid for online via the Queensland National Parks website. When buying your camping permit, you also have to register which campsites you'll be staying at, and for which dates. You can't change campsites unless you amend your booking, and bookings can only be changed up to 2 days before the trip date. Also make sure your camping permit is visible in your vehicle or on your campsite at all times.
Prices for K'gari permits are as follows:
- Camping permit: $7 per person or $28 per family, per night
- Vehicle access permits: $55.90, valid for one month
If you are visiting K'gari (Fraser Island) on a tour, all permits are included!
Best Places To Camp On K'gari (Fraser Island)
There are 45 camping areas to choose from on K'gari (Fraser Island)! From simple beach camping with no amenities to fancy campsites with hot showers, you can camp as minimalist or as luxurious as you please. Campsites are scattered all over the island, so it's best to plan your itinerary and pick a camping location that is near your destinations for that day.
Just remember you have to register your campsites in advance when you book your permit, so it's best to work out a plan before you leave for your trip! Popular campsites may even book out, especially in summer. You can book campsites up to 6 months in advance, so try to plan your camping trip early to avoid any last-minute stress.
Best campsites with dingo fencing:
Ideal for families with small children - dingos roam free on K'gari and can be unpredictable!
- Central Station
- Dundubara
- Waddy Point
Best campsites to escape the crowds:
These campsites generally have little to no amenities, no defined sites, and are sometimes difficult to access - but they're usually uncrowded.
- Lake Boomanjin
- Moon Point
- Coongul Creek
- Bowral Creek
Best campsites on Eastern Beach:
The iconic 75 Mile Beach has 9 camping zones - these ones are the closest to popular attractions. There are no amenities!
- Zone 2, One Tree Rocks, Cornwells (Close to Lake Wabby)
- Zone 4, Guluri and Eli (Close to Eli Creek and Maheno Shipwreck)
- Zone 7, Wyuna and Burad (Close to Indian Head Lookout, Champagne Pools)
Best campsites with amenities:
These are private campsites that have to be booked on the individual company websites, but they have lots of luxury amenities and more of a glamping style!
- Cathedrals on Fraser
- Dilli Village
Find a full list of the 45 camping zones on K'gari on the Queensland Government website, or view them on a map here.
Or check out our quick summary of the 8 Best Campsites On K'gari (Fraser Island)!
What To Pack For Camping On K'gari (Fraser Island)
It's important to always be prepared for camping on K'gari (Fraser Island). It's a very remote and beautiful place, so make the most of it by packing all the essentials. Also, keep in mind that some camping areas are walk-in only. If you have a large campervan or trailer, make sure your intended campsites are suitable.
Everyone's needs may vary, but here is a basic list of camping supplies you may want to pack for your adventure!
- Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bags, and pillows
- Flashlights or headlamps
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Comfy clothes and footwear
- Swimsuit and towel
- Toilet paper
- Trash bags (don't litter!)
- Groceries and snacks
- Secure storage for food (to keep the dingos away)
- Camping chairs and table
- Cooler for drinks and perishables
- Dish towel, sponge, and dish soap
- Drinking water (not always available at campsites)
- Mugs, dishes, cutlery, pots, and pans
- Cooking appliances (find a list of what is allowed here)
- First aid kit
- Camera, phone, and extra batteries
- Books, card games, and other entertainment
If you're a traveler and you don't own all this camping gear, many 4WD hire companies like Fraser Dingo include camping packages! So when you rent your 4WD vehicle, you can also rent all the basic camping gear. If you book a tour all the gear and food is included.
Where To Buy Supplies
Though it's best to stock up on everything you need before your trip, there is always a chance you may run out of something. Luckily there are a few places on K'gari (Fraser Island) where you can buy fuel, basic groceries, first aid supplies, alcohol, ice, 4WD gear, and more. There are five main locations on K'gari that carry the essentials. If you're camping on K'gari and you need to buy something, head to one of these locations:
- Kingfisher Bay Resort - located on the west coast near River Heads ferry departure
- Cathedrals On Fraser - located on 75 Mile Beach, near the middle
- Happy Valley - located on 75 Mile Beach, near the middle
- Eurong General Store - located on 75 Mile Beach, southern end
- Orchid Beach Trading Post - located on the northeast coast
Is It Safe To Camp On K'gari (Fraser Island)?
It is perfectly safe to camp on K'gari (Fraser Island!). That being said, you should be aware of the environment and take the necessary precautions to ensure you stay safe. Here are a few tips to know about keeping yourself and the land safe while camping on K'gari (Fraser Island)!
Be dingo safe: Wild dingos have been known to enter campsites and cause chaos. Keep all your food locked up, never approach or feed dingos, and camp somewhere with a dingo fence if you have small children.
Don't swim in the ocean: Except for the Champagne Pools, don't swim off the beaches on K'gari! The currents are notoriously strong and there may be sharks or jellyfish. Stick to the freshwater lakes and creeks.
Bring a radio: Cell phone reception is limited on K'gari. There are phones at resorts, but there are no lifeguards or medical centres around the island. Bring a radio in case there is an emergency and you need to call someone.
Don't drive at night: Make sure you leave plenty of time to get to your campsites during daylight hours. Driving in the dark is dangerous due to wildlife, tides, and other unseen obstacles.
Pack recovery equipment for your 4WD: In case you get bogged, have recovery equipment for your 4WD so you can get yourself out of soft sand. It's also a good idea to carry extra fuel and tires just in case.
Fires are prohibited: For most K'gari campsites, fires are not allowed. This is to protect the special environment, so just follow the rules, avoid campfires, and use only permitted cooking appliances.
If you follow these safety tips, you should have a seamless, worry-free camping trip on K'gari!
K'gari (Fraser Island) Camping Tours
Lastly, on our complete guide to camping on K'gari (Fraser Island), there are some guided camping tours that make a nice, easy alternative to camping on your own. If the thought of hiring a 4WD, gathering all your equipment, buying groceries, booking campsites and permits, and planning an itinerary sounds like a lot of hassle for you, book a camping tour! Camping tours are usually 3 days and 2 nights and they bring you to a designated campsite specifically for that tour company.
Most camping tours are also tag-along tours, meaning you can sign up to drive one of the provided 4WD vehicles. There is a tour guide who drives the lead vehicle, and you can just follow along! Tag-along tours take away all the planning of a trip to K'gari. You can still drive a 4WD, camp in the rainforest or on the beach, and explore all the island's highlights but with all the food, transport, permits, gear, itinerary, and campsites sorted for you.
Here are the top tag-along camping tours to K'gari:
Check out the best K'gari camping tours here!
