Do You Have To Book Campsites On K'gari (Fraser Island)?
Do you have to book campsites on K'gari (Fraser Island)? Yes, campsites need to be paid for and booked through the Queensland Government before you arrive on the island. K'gari (Fraser Island) is a magical place! With ancient sand dunes, dense rainforests, and breathtaking beaches and lakes, you can really immerse yourself in Australia's nature and history here. Because this island is so special, it is highly regulated and you have to take all the necessary steps to prepare for your trip. Let's discuss camping permits and bookings so you can plan accordingly!
Do You Have To Book Campsites On K'gari (Fraser Island)?
Yes, you have to book campsites in advance and pay for them before arriving on K'gari (Fraser Island). With 45 different camping areas to choose from on this stunning island, you're sure to have an amazing adventure while camping on K'gari. To camp on the island, you have to apply and pay for a camping permit. When you apply for the permit, you'll need to include the campsites you intend to stay at with the corresponding dates.
To book your camping permit, visit the Queensland Government website. Here you can pay the $7.25 for your camping permit and lodge all your information, including the dates of your trip and the names of the campsites you'll stay at. You must do this before your trip to K'gari! And you have to print your camping permit with a booking number and display it on your campsite at all times.
National parks rangers do roam around K'gari to ensure travellers are adhering to the rules and regulations. Bookings can be made up to 6 months in advance, and it's better to apply for your permit sooner rather than later!
Best Camping Spots On K'gari (Fraser Island)
There are so many epic places to camp on K'gari (Fraser Island)! We have a guide to the 8 best campsites on K'gari, but there are 45 places to camp so make sure you do some research to pick the perfect locations for your trip.
75 Mile Beach, the iconic Sand Highway that stretches along K'gari's eastern coast, has 9 beach camping zones where you can pitch a tent right next to the salt, sand, sun, and surf. There are also 7 beach camping zones on K'gari's west coast, but these are harder to reach due to the softer sand. Beach camping zones are quite remote with few facilities, so make sure you have stocked up on everything you need!
If you prefer a few amenities such as toilets, showers, and picnic tables, some other amazing campsites on K'gari include Central Station, Dilli Village, and Waddy Point. These campgrounds even have dingo fencing so you can stay safe from these iconic K'gari carnivores.
K'gari Camping Tours
If you'd love to try camping on K'gari, but you don't have all the gear or you're apprehensive about all the planning, you can book a tour! There are some amazing camping tours on K'gari where you can stay with your fun tour group at exclusive campsites. All transport, permits, food, accommodation, and driving is taken care of, so you can just sit back and enjoy K'gari! But you'll have the added perk of sleeping amongst the wilderness that guided resort tours don't provide.
Pippies, Dingos, and Island Expeditions all provide travelers with an all-inclusive experience that includes camping. These are also tag-along tours, meaning you can volunteer to drive one of the provided 4WD vehicles. When you book a tag-along tour, all camping permits, vehicle permits, and national park passes are taken care of for you.
Other Things To Know Before Visiting K'gari (Fraser Island)
If you are taking on your expedition to K'gari without a tour, make sure you are fully prepared! Camping permits are just one thing you need to sort out before you arrive on the island. You'll also need a vehicle permit because only 4WDs are allowed on the island. You can also apply for this permit on the QLD Government website listed above! It's also a good idea to make sure your vehicle is equipped with recovery equipment in case you get bogged.
Then of course you'll need all your camping gear! K'gari is highly regulated and there are strict rules about what you can and can't do on the island. Read the QLD Government website in depth to ensure you follow all the rules. For example, certain cooking utensils and prohibited, and portable toilets are required at some campsites. It's also wise to have some sort of radio because mobile phone coverage is rare on K'gari! There are a few shops around the island where you can stock up on supplies, but you should still try to be fully equipped with all your food and gear before you arrive!
