Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit?
Where can I camp? Do I need to book?
Where can I camp with children?
Can I take a generator?
Are fires permitted?
Can I use a water spear (that is, a device to pierce the ground to obtain water from underground)?
What sort of vehicle is suitable?
When is it best to travel on the beach?
Is there anywhere I can't travel?
Where are suitable campsites for campervans and trailers?
Are there any group camping areas available?
Where are the QPWS offices on the island?
Where can I find out more about the Great Walk?
How do I find out about road and beach conditions?

Do I need a permit?

Yes, if you are bringing a vehicle to Fraser Island you must obtain a RAM vehicle access permit before entering. Penalties apply for entering without a permit. Monthly and annual vehicle permits are available and fees apply. The fees are linked to inflation and may increase annually.

For campers, QPWS camping permits are required and fees apply.

Where can I camp? Do I need to book?

Advance bookings are required at the Central Station, Dundubara and Waddy Point campgrounds, the One Tree Rocks beach camping zone and at all group camping areas. Bookings can be made online.

Where can I camp with children?

All campers accompanied by children up to the age of 14 are advised to camp in a fenced campground. Fenced camping areas are Central Station, Dundubara, Waddy Point (top campground), Lake Boomanjin and Dilli Village (commercially operated).

Can I take a generator?

Generators no louder than 65 decibels can only be used in informal beach camping zones (where there are no facilities), and may only be operated between 9am and 9pm.

Generators are prohibited in all formal campgrounds, including the Waddy Point beachfront campground.

Are fires permitted?

Open campfires are only permitted in the fire rings provided at Waddy Point and Dundubara campgrounds. Campers wishing to use these fire rings must supply their own clean, untreated, milled timber for firewood.

Fully self-contained heating and cooking appliances may be used at all campgrounds (unless a Total Fire Ban is in place). They must be off the ground (recommended minimum height is 200mm). These appliances must use only manufactured fuel such as heat beads. Bush timber or timber off cuts must not be used. Appliances that are not fully self-contained, such as braziers, are not permitted. All appliances, materials and fuels (e.g. heat beads) must be removed from the national park on departure.

Can I use a water spear (that is, a device to pierce the ground to obtain water from underground)?

No, this interferes with a natural resource (which is an offence under the Nature Conservation Act) and QPWS cannot guarantee the quality of the water.

What sort of vehicle is suitable?

Only four-wheel-drive vehicles are suitable for Fraser Island's sandy forest tracks and beaches. Four-wheel-drive vehicles with low ground clearance may have difficulty on some inland tracks.

When is it best to travel on the beach?

It is best to drive around low tide. Avoid driving during the two hours either side of high tide, and often for longer, because some areas are more affected than others by tidal activity and onshore winds. Read more about driving safely.

The best time to travel around Hook Point is at low tide only. QPWS recommends the use of the Hook Point inland road at other times.

Is there anywhere I can't travel?

Beach driving is not permitted between Wathumba Creek and Sandy Cape lighthouse or between Moon Point and Hook Point on the Western beach. These are no-vehicle zones.

Where are suitable campsites for campervans and trailers?

Campervan and trailer sites are found along the Eastern Beach, at Central Station, Dundubara, Waddy Point top and Waddy Point beachfront campgrounds.

Soft sand conditions make towing a caravan extremely difficult on Fraser Island.

Are there any group camping areas available?

Organised groups can book group camping areas at Cornwells Break on the Eastern Beach and Central Station with QPWS Maryborough by phoning (07) 4121 1800. Group camping areas at Dundubara and Waddy Point can be booked by phoning (07) 4127 9138 or (07) 4127 9190 respectively.

Where are the QPWS offices on the island?

QPWS offices are at Eurong, Dundubara and Waddy Point. The Central Station office is no longer attended.

Eurong office
ph (07) 4127 9128

Dundubara
ph (07) 4127 9138

Waddy Point
ph (07) 4127 9190

Office hours vary depending on operating conditions and response to emergencies.