K'gari, Great Sandy National Park Butchulla Country Fraser Coast

End your day with a quiet fish in the sunset-bathed waters around Sandy Cape. Photo credit: © Bluedog Photography

Be Dingo-Safe! on K'gari

The best way to protect yourself, fellow visitors and the dingoes (wongari) is by planning ahead to Be Dingo-Safe. Photo credit: Darren Jew © Queensland Government

Critical information for your safety

Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Beach camping zone 9 - Diray and Carree

While away the days at this camping zone in the dunes on the northern-most tip of stunning K'gari.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Camping area facilities

  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Walking
  • Scenic drive
  • Cultural and historic sites
  • Fishing

Always check

Choose from two camping areas—Diray on the east coast of the island, and Carree just around the top of the island on the northern beach.

Once you’ve found your perfect spot in the shady dune woodland, head to the beach to fish or just explore its great sandy expanse. If you’re feeling energetic, take the steep track to the Sandy Cape lighthouse, World War II radar station bunkers and a lightkeeper’s grave.

Back at camp settle in for a night under the stars and fall asleep to the gentle sound of waves rolling up the beach.

This park is part of the K'gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area, famed for its exceptional natural beauty, outstanding examples of coastal dune landform development and evolutionary history.

Getting there and getting around

Beach camping zone 9 is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

  • The camping zone nine is on the eastern side of the island between Browns Rocks and Sandy Cape. Browns Rocks is 129.7km north of Hook Point.
  • The Eastern Beach scenic drive is only accessible 2hrs either side of low tide.

Getting to K'gari

You can get to the island by high clearance 4WD, on foot, by plane or with a commercial tour.

By 4WD

  • Your high clearance 4WD must have low range functions.
  • Remember all vehicles must be registered, drivers must be licensed and all Queensland road rules apply, even on beaches.
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.
  • A vehicle access permit must be purchased. Display the permit on your windscreen before driving in the recreation area.

From Inskip Point (15mins from Rainbow Beach)

  • At the end of the bitumen on Inskip Point Road, reduce tyre pressure, engage 4WD and drive 500m onto the beach.
  • Drive onto the Manta Ray barge for the 10–15min trip to Hook Point on the southern tip of K'gari, and the start of the Eastern Beach scenic drive.
  • Bookings for this barge are not required.

From River Heads (east of Maryborough)

  • Travel 10.6km along River Heads Road to the Barges landing area.
  • The trip to Wanggoolba Creek on the western side of K'gari takes 30–45min.
  • The trip to Kingfisher Bay on the western side of K'gari takes 50mins–1hr.
  • These barges run at fixed times and bookings are essential.

On foot

  • Walkers can board a vehicle barge to the island (details above) or arrive by plane.

By plane

By private vessel

  • Access K'gari's sheltered western coastline by private vessel. The eastern coastline of the island is extremely hazardous and exposed to very rough ocean conditions.
  • Launch your boat at one of the many boat ramps on the mainland between Tin Can Bay and Burnett Heads. There are no boat ramps on K'gari.
  • See Maritime Safety Queensland's Beacon to Beacon Guides for the Great Sandy Strait and Hervey Bay for detailed navigational maps.
  • The waters adjacent to K'gari are in the Great Sandy Marine Park.
  • If you're heading out on the water make sure you know your zones so you can follow the rules.
  • Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.

Commercial tours

  • You can join a range of tours that leave from a variety of centres.
  • For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Beach camping zone 9—Browns Rocks to Sandy Cape is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Seasonal closures

To protect nesting and hatching sea turtles, you can only drive north of Ngkala Rocks on the Eastern Beach scenic drive, between 6am and 6pm from 15 November to 30 March.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting K'gari safely and camp with care.

View all park alerts