Environment and Resource Management

Camping information

Camping on Fraser Island, Great Sandy National Park

The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) manages a number of formal campgrounds, informal beach camping zones and hikers' camps within Fraser Island Recreation Area in the Great Sandy National Park. The Fraser Island section of Great Sandy National Park is an e-permit camping area.

Camping permits are required and must be purchased before setting up camp - fees apply. A camping permit tag with your booking number must be clearly displayed at your campsite. Bookings can be made up to 3 months in advance - this is strongly advised during peak periods. Permits cannot be purchased from rangers on the island.

Park-specific conditions

Open campfires are prohibited on Fraser Island except in communal fire rings provided at Dundubara and Waddy Point campgrounds.

Be Dingo-Safe! Read and heed all dingo messages in brochures and on signs.

Vehicles

Vehicle access permits must be purchased and displayed on the left hand side of the windscreen before entering Fraser Island Recreation Area with the exception of vehicles remaining within the boundary of Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village (KBRV). Penalties apply.

Permit pack and visitor information

After making your bookings, and before arrival, you must collect your permit pack from one of the following DERM offices.

Permit packs contain vital travel and safety information and blank camping and vehicle permit tags - simply enter your details and booking number in the spaces provided and display them as directed.

Keep informed - before arrival, read the visitor guide and Fraser Island Conditions Report (updated fortnightly) for the latest information regarding warnings and park closures.

Large groups

Schools and large organised groups may require a Group Activity Permit and must book special group camping areas.

Group camping areas are only available at Dundubara, Waddy Point, Central Station and Cornwells camping zone.

Groups applying for camping (for school groups and other large, organised groups) must read the Teachers' and group leaders' package.

Before making your application, check the campground facilities and capacity limit information below for:

Contact us for more information about applying for a Group Activity Permit

Read more about staying safe and looking after the park.

Dundubara campground

Campground features: This is a large, developed, fenced campground with access to walks and other attractions. It has a variety of sites to choose from. Campsites are set back behind the dunes in coastal forest. A 9pm noise curfew makes it very popular with families.

Location: On the central east coast of Fraser Island, approximately 75km north of the Hook Point barge landing area and 19km south of Indian Head.

Access: The campground can be reached by 4WD only. It is accessible for off-road camper trailers and off-road trailers.

Number of sites: 40 tent sites and 5 off-road camper trailer sites (sites separate but not numbered). There is a separate large Dundubara group camping area for use by a single large group of 20-40 people.

Campsites are suitable for: tent camping; walk-in camping and off-road camper trailers - only one per site and they must be booked into a camper trailer site.

Campsite surface: Grass and sand.

Facilities: Water (treat before drinking), flushing toilets, hot showers (coin operated), picnic tables, gas barbecues, communal fire rings, washing up facilities. There is a pay phone and post box near the Dundubara office, a short walk from the campground. Rubbish bins are provided at the waste transfer station, on the beach, 1km north of the Dundubara entrance track.

Open fires: Prohibited, except in communal fire rings provided within the campground. Please note: All fires are prohibited when fire bans and prohibitions are in place. Fuel stoves are recommended for cooking.

Generators: Not permitted.

Essentials to bring: First-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, $1 coins for showers, untreated milled timber off-cuts if you wish to use the communal fire rings, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Book online, over-the-counter or by phone. Advance bookings (up to 3 months) required for holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: Not available.

Dundubara group camping area

Campground features: Large, fenced site for up to 40 campers set back among coastal forest. Group camping areas accommodate school and other organised groups. Plan your trip before you book - read the Teachers' and group leaders' package. There is a 9pm noise curfew at this group camping area.

Location: In Dundubara campground.

Access: The camping area can be reached by 4WD or walking.

Number of sites: 1 site suitable for a group of 20-40 people.

Campsite is suitable for: tent camping and off-road camper trailers.

Campsite surface: Grass and sand.

Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers (coin operated), washing up facilities, water taps (treat before drinking), communal fire rings and gas barbecues. There is a pay phone and post box near the Dundubara office, a short walk from the campground. Rubbish bins are provided at the waste transfer station, on the beach, 1km north of the Dundubara entrance track.

Open fires: Prohibited, except in communal fire rings provided within the campground. Please note: All fires are prohibited when fire bans and prohibitions are in place. Fuel stoves are recommended for cooking.

Generators: Not permitted.

Essentials to bring: First-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, $1 coins for showers, untreated milled timber off-cuts if you wish to use the communal fire ring, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Contact us for all group bookings. Bookings will not be confirmed until full payment is received and all requirements for the group visit are provided. Read more about Commercial activities and Group activity permits and applications.

Mobile phone coverage: Not available.

Waddy Point top campground

Campground features: Pleasant, fenced camping area set in coastal woodland adjacent to a rocky headland.

Location: On the north-east coast of Fraser Island, approximately 100km north of the Hook Point barge landing area and 5km north of Indian Head.

Access: The campground can be reached by 4WD only. It is accessible for off-road camper trailers and off-road trailers. Be aware that soft sand and rough track conditions can be expected between Indian Head and Waddy Point.

Number of sites: 30 tent sites and 3 camper trailer sites (separate but not numbered). There is a large Waddy Point group camping area nearby (20-40 people).

Campsites are suitable for: tent camping; walk-in camping; off-road camper trailers and off-road trailers - only one per site and they must be booked into a camper trailer site.

Campsite surface: Grass and sand.

Facilities: Water (treat before drinking), flushing toilets, hot showers (coin operated), picnic tables, gas barbecues, communal fire rings, washing up facilities and a public phone. Rubbish bins are provided at a DERM waste transfer station, on the beach, 500m north of this campground.

Open fires: Prohibited, except in communal fire rings provided within the campground. Please note: All fires are prohibited when fire bans and prohibitions are in place. Fuel stoves are recommended for cooking.

Generators: Not permitted.

Essentials to bring: First-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, $1 coins for showers, untreated milled timber off-cuts if you wish to use the communal fire rings, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Book online, over-the-counter or by phone. Advance bookings (up to 3 months) required for holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: Generally not available.

Waddy Point group camping area

Campground features: Large fenced site offering access for up to 40 campers, on the north-east coast of Fraser Island. Group camping area accommodates school and other organised groups. Plan your trip before you book - read the Teachers' and group leaders' package. There is a 9pm noise curfew at the group camping area.

Location: In Waddy Point top campground.

Access: The camping area can be reached by 4WD or walking.

Number of sites: One site suitable for a group of 20-40 people.

Campsites are suitable for: tent camping only.

Campsite surface: Grass and sand.

Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers (coin operated), washing up facilities, water taps (treat water before drinking), communal fire ring and gas barbecues. There is a pay phone near the entrance to the campground. Rubbish bins provided at the DERM waste transfer station, on the beach 500m north of this campground.

Open fires: Prohibited, except in communal fire rings provided within the campground. Please note: All fires are prohibited when fire bans and prohibitions are in place. Fuel stoves are recommended for cooking.

Generators: Not permitted.

Essentials to bring: First-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, $1 coins for showers, untreated milled timber off-cuts if you wish to use the fire ring, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Contact us for all group bookings. Bookings will not be confirmed until full payment is received and all requirements for the group visit are provided. Read more about Commercial activities and Group activity permits and applications.

Mobile phone coverage: Poor

Waddy Point beachfront campground

Campground features: Pleasant beach camping facing north, among casuarina trees. Sheltered from south-easterly winds, the area provides relatively calm water and offers the only reasonable launching point for trailer boats on the east coast of Fraser Island (although this still requires great care and is not recommended for the inexperienced). There is a 9pm noise curfew at this campground.

Location: On the north-east coast of Fraser Island, approximately 100km north of the Hook Point barge landing area.

Access: The campground can be reached by 4WD only. It is accessible for off-road camper trailers and off-road trailers; although soft sand and rough track conditions can be expected between Indian Head and Waddy Point.

Number of sites: No separately defined tent sites. The tent site area has a maximum capacity of 90 people at any one time. Please consider others when setting up your tent/s. Four camper trailer sites (separate but not numbered).

Campsites are suitable for: tent camping; walk-in camping; off-road camper trailers and off-road trailers - only one per site and they must be booked into a camper trailer site.

Campsite surface: Grass and sand.

Facilities: Water (treat before drinking), flushing toilets and communal fire rings. Hot showers (coin operated), washing up facilities and gas barbeques available in the nearby Waddy Point top campground. Rubbish bins are provided at the DERM waste transfer station, on the beach 500m north of the campground.

Open fires: Prohibited, except in communal fire rings provided within the campground. Please note: All fires are prohibited when fire bans and prohibitions are in place. Fuel stoves are recommended for cooking.

Generators: Not permitted.

Essentials to bring: First-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, $1 coins for showers, untreated milled timber off-cuts if you wish to use the communal fire rings, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Book online, over-the-counter or by phone. Advance bookings (up to 3 months) required for holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: Generally not available.

Central Station campground

Campground features: Large, developed, fenced campground set in rainforest with access to a variety of walks and information displays. There is a 9pm noise curfew. Central Station campground may be temporarily closed for visitor safety during strong winds.

Location: Inland from Eurong (southern Fraser Island), approximately 45km north of the Hook Point barge landing area, 13km east of Wanggoolba Creek barge landing area and 9km west of Eurong.

Access: The campground can be reached by 4WD only. It is accessible for off-road camper trailers and off-road trailers.

Number of sites: 44 tent sites and 16 camper trailer sites (all sites separate but not numbered). A walkers' camp is located at the western end of the campground, as part of the Fraser Island Great Walk. There is a large group area for 20-40 people.

Campsites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car; walk-in camping and off-road camper trailers and off-road trailers - only one per site and they must be booked into a camper trailer site.

Campsite surface: Sand.

Facilities: Hot showers (coin operated), flushing toilets, wheelchair access and washing up facilities. The nearby day-use area offers gas barbecues, public phone, and access to short walks. Rubbish bins are provided at the campground entrance.

Open fires: Prohibited.

Generators: Not permitted.

Essentials to bring: First-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, $1 coins for showers, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Book online, over-the-counter or by phone. Advance bookings (up to 3 months) required for holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: Generally not available.

Central Station group camping area

Camping area features: Large, fenced site for 20-40 campers. Group camping areas accommodate school and other organised groups. Plan your trip before you book - read the Teachers' and group leaders' package. There is a 9pm noise curfew at the group camping area.

Location: In Central Station campground.

Access: The camping area can be reached by 4WD or walking.

Number of sites: 1 site, suitable for a group of 20-40 people.

Campsite is suitable for: tent camping only.

Campsite surface: Sand.

Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers (coin operated), wash up facilities and water taps (treat water before drinking). The nearby day-use area offers gas barbecues, public phone, and access to short walks. Rubbish bins are provided at the campground entrance.

Open fires: Prohibited.

Generators: Not permitted.

Essentials to bring: First-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, $1 coins for showers, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Contact us for all group bookings. Bookings will not be confirmed until full payment is received and all requirements for the group visit are provided. Read more about Commercial activities and Group activity permits and applications.

Mobile phone coverage: Generally not available.

Beach and other camping

Features: Various camping areas, ranging from developed to undeveloped sites along the eastern beach, western beach and a fenced campground at Lake Boomanjin. No bins provided. Be dingo-safe! Keep rubbish bags in secured containers and in your vehicle. Take rubbish to the nearest waste transfer station or back home with you.

Location: Various locations around the island.

Eastern beach camping zones: Informal camping areas, behind the foredunes on the eastern beach. The camping zones are clearly signposted. One Tree Rocks beach camping zone requires a separate booking.

Western beach locations: offer quiet and remote campsites. Many are accessible by boat. Awinya Creek, Bowarrady Creek, Woralie Creek, Coongul Creek and Garry's Anchorage have open (unfenced) camping areas.

Lake Boomanjin: Fenced campground in open forest between the carpark and Lake Boomanjin. Tent camping only (park and walk-in).

Ungowa: Open shady sites and defined off-road camper trailer sites set back from the Great Sandy Strait. Mosquitoes and sandflies are present all year round, and are especially numerous in warmer, wetter months.

Wathumba: 20 sites in grassed open area. Good for boat users. The mangroves nearby mean that mosquitoes and sandflies are present all year round, and are especially numerous in warmer, wetter months.

Access: All beach and other camping areas are accessible by 4WD only. Many of the western beach campsites are accessible by boat.

Number of sites: Open areas, some without defined sites.

Campsites are suitable for: tent camping; walk-in camping; off-road camper trailers or off-road trailers (except Lake Boomanjin).

Campsite surface: Sand, grass.

Facilities:

Beach camping zones: None.

Garry's Anchorage: Picnic tables.

Lake Boomanjin: Fenced campground, cold showers, flushing toilets, washing up facilities and picnic tables.

Ungowa: Flushing toilets, washing up facilities, picnic tables and boat ramp.

Wathumba: Cold showers, flushing toilets and picnic tables.

Open fires: Prohibited.

Generators: Permitted - 9am to 9pm only; and with a sound rating of less than 65 decibels.

Rubbish: Waste transfer stations are provided at various locations along the eastern beach to deposit rubbish. See Fraser Island map.

Essentials to bring: First-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, $1 coins for showers (where applicable), sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Book online, over-the-counter or by phone. Advance bookings (up to 3 months) can be made for holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: Generally not available.

One Tree Rocks beach camping zone

Campground features: 2.2km of beach camping, set behind the foredunes of Fraser Island's eastern beach.

Location: 500m north of the Eurong information centre.

Access: The camping zone can be reached by 4WD only.

Number of sites: No separately defined sites. Maximum of 100 people at any one time within this zone. Consider others when setting up your tent.

Campsites are suitable for: Tent camping beside your 4WD; walk-in camping; off-road camper trailers and off-road trailers.

Campsite surface: Sand.

Facilities: None. Waste transfer station located on the beach 1km south of Cornwells camping zone. Water is available outside the Eurong information centre (treat before drinking).

Open fires: Prohibited.

Generators: Permitted - 9am to 9pm only; and with a sound rating of less than 65 decibels.

Essentials to bring: First-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts; portable toilets are recommended - portable toilet waste disposal facility is located at the intersection of Hook Point inland road and the 11km beach access track. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Book online, over-the-counter or by phone. Advance bookings (up to 3 months) required for holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: Intermittent.

Coolooloi Creek camping area

Campground features: Small camping area west of the Hook Point barge landing area facing Tin Can Bay. Good for boat users. Swamp nearby; mosquitoes and sandflies are present all year round, and are especially numerous in warmer, wetter months.

Location: West of the Hook Point barge landing area.

Access: The camping area is accessible from the Hook Point inland road, by 4WD vehicles only, and by boat.

Number of sites: 3 sites, separate but not numbered. Maximum of 12 people at any one time camping within this area. Consider others when setting up your tent.

Campsites are suitable for: tent camping beside your 4WD; walk-in camping; small camper trailers or boat-based camping.

Facilities: Picnic tables, food storage locker, boat ramp. No bins are provided. Be dingo-safe! Please take rubbish home with you. Untreated water is available outside the Eurong information centre.

Campsite surface: Grass and sand.

Open fires: Prohibited.

Generators: Permitted - 9am to 9pm only; and with a sound rating of less than 65 decibels.

Essentials to bring: Drinking water, first-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Portable toilets are recommended - a portable toilet waste disposal facility is located at the intersection of Hook Point inland road and the 11km beach access track. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Book online, over-the-counter or by phone. Advance bookings (up to 3 months) required for holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: Intermittent.

Dulara camping area

Campground features: Camping set in flat, grassy area among casuarina trees behind foredunes on the eastern beach. Watch out! Vehicles use this beach. The section of beach in front of this camping area is a shared zone for pedestrians, shorebirds and vehicles. Maximum speed for vehicles is 40km/hr.

Location: Off the Hook Point inland road. Approximately 16.5km north of the Hook Point barge landing area.

Access: This park and walk-in camping area is accessible from the Hook Point inland road only. 4WD vehicles only.

Number of sites: Maximum of 20 people at any one time camping within this area. Maximum group size of 5 people. Consider others when you are setting up your tent.

Campsites are suitable for: Park and walk-in camping - tent camping in close vicinity to your 4WD; parking area accommodates small off-road camper trailers.

Campsite surface: Grass and sand.

Facilities: None. Campers are required to be self sufficient and must bring their own portable toilet - a portable toilet waste disposal facility is located at the intersection of Hook Point inland road and the 11km beach access track. Please take all rubbish home with you. Untreated water is available outside the Eurong information centre.

Open fires: Prohibited.

Generators: Prohibited.

Essentials to bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, first-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Bookings required. Book online, over-the-counter or by phone. Advance bookings (up to 3 months) required for holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: Generally not available.

Midyim camping area

Campground features: Camping set in flat, grassy area among casuarina trees behind foredunes on the southern section of the eastern beach. Watch out! Vehicles use this beach. The section of beach in front of this camping area is a shared zone for pedestrians, shorebirds and vehicles. Maximum speed for vehicles is 40km/hr.

Location: Just off the Hook Point inland road. Approximately 15.4km north of the Hook Point barge landing area.

Access: This park and walk-in camping area is accessible from the Hook Point inland road only. 4WD vehicles only.

Number of sites: Maximum of 24 people at any one time camping within this area. Maximum group size of 8 people. Consider others when setting up your tent.

Campsites are suitable for: tent camping in close vicinity to your 4WD; walk-in camping; small off-road camper trailers.

Campsite surface: Grass and sand.

Facilities: None. Campers are required to be self sufficient and must bring their own portable toilet - a portable toilet waste disposal facility is located at the 11km beach access point on the Hook Point inland road. Please take all rubbish home with you. Untreated water is available outside Eurong information centre.

Open fires: Prohibited.

Generators: Prohibited.

Essentials to bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, first-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Bookings required. Book online, over-the-counter or by phone. Advance bookings (up to 3 months) required for holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: Generally not available.

Garulim camping area

Campground features: Very small camping area set among casuarina trees behind the foredunes on the southern section of the eastern beach. Watch out! Vehicles use this beach. The section of beach in front of this camping area is a shared zone for pedestrians, shorebirds and vehicles. Maximum speed for vehicles is 40km/hr.

Location: Just off the Hook Point inland road. Approximately 7.3km north of the Hook Point barge landing area.

Access: The camping area is accessible from the Hook Point inland road only. 4WD vehicles only; not suitable for any trailers or camper trailers.

Number of sites: 2 campsites. Maximum of 8 people at any one time camping within this area. Consider others when setting up your tent.

Campsites are suitable for: Tent camping beside your 4WD. Not suitable for trailers/camper trailers.

Campsite surface: Grass and sand.

Facilities: None. Campers are required to be self sufficient and must bring their own portable toilet - a portable toilet waste disposal facility is located at the intersection of Hook Point inland road and the 11km beach access track. Please take all rubbish home with you. Untreated water is available outside the Eurong information centre.

Open fires: Prohibited.

Generators: Prohibited.

Essentials to bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, first-aid kit, prescription medicines, fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Bookings required. Book online, over-the-counter or by phone. Advance bookings (up to 3 months) required for holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: Generally not available.

Cornwells group camping area

Campground features: Large site for 20-50 campers. Group camping areas accommodate school and other organised, non-educational groups. Plan your trip before you book - read the Teachers' and group leaders' package.

Location: In Cornwells camping zone on the eastern beach of Fraser Island, approximately 5km north of Eurong.

Access: The camping area can be reached by 4WD or walking.

Number of sites: One large site suitable for a group of 20-50 people.

Campsite is suitable for: tent camping; off-road trailers and off-road camper trailers.

Campsite surface: Grass and sand.

Facilities: None. Nearest toilets are at Lake Wabby, approximately 2km south. Campers are required to be self sufficient and must bring their own portable toilet – a portable toilet waste disposal facility is located at the intersection of Hook Point inland road and the 11km beach access track. Nearest water (treat before drinking) is at Eurong information centre, approximately 4km south. Nearest rubbish bins located in waste transfer station, on the beach, approximately 1km south of the camping area.

Open fires: Prohibited.

Generators: Permitted — 9am to 9pm only; and with a sound rating of less than 65 decibels.

Essentials to bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, fuel or gas stove, first-aid kit, prescription medicines, rubbish bags, water containers, insect repellent, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes, lockable food storage containers and smokers please bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read more about Things to know before you go.

Bookings: Contact us for all group bookings. Bookings will not be confirmed until full payment is received and all requirements for the group visit are provided. Read more about Commercial activities and Group activity permits and applications.

Mobile phone coverage: Generally not available.

Last updated: 12 June 2009

Fraser Island, Great Sandy National Park

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