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

Walking almost the full length of the island on this 90km Great Walk. Photo credit: © Ben Blanche

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

K'gari Great Walk

Spend a week exploring towering forests, crystal lakes, golden sand dunes and significant historical and cultural sites.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
Up to 90km one way A path where the start point is different to the finish point
Time suggested
Allow eight days walking time.
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural and constructed)
  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Walking

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Lace up your boots and trek along the world's largest sand island. Enjoy ever-changing landscapes and stunning scenery—from lush rainforests to sparse, golden dunes, you’ll never know what will be around the next corner.

Follow the pathways of the island's original inhabitants, the Butchulla Aboriginal people, as well as old logging roads and tramlines. Stop at lookouts with never-ending views and walk through shady forests of towering trees.

Cool off in picturesque inland lakes on your way to secluded camping areas scattered across the island.

At the end of each day, fall asleep under the stars and rise with the sun for another day of adventure.

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

The K'gari Great Walk is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

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.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Drinking water

  • Water is available from taps, tanks, lakes and waterholes at all the walkers' camping areas although supply is dependent on rainfall and cannot be guaranteed.
  • Treat all water before use.
  • Treated water is available from the Central Station walkers' camp and day-use area.
  • Use water wisely and report damaged or leaking taps and tanks.

Before you visit

Opening hours

K'gari Great Walk is open 24 hours a day.

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

The K'gari Great Walk is generally open from 1 March to 31 October each year.

  • At all other times the fire danger risk may be too high.
  • The dates depend on environmental conditions and will vary each year.
  • Check park alerts for the latest information.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

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

View all park alerts