Things to do

Camping and accommodation

Camping

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) manages a number of camping areas in the Great Sandy National Park. Camping permits are required and fees apply.

• Summary of camping zones for K'gari
• List of campgrounds on K'gari.
• Book your camp site online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Read Before you visit for information about essentials to bring with you when camping on K'gari.

It is recommended that group leaders view the Teachers’ and group leaders’ package (PDF, 247.3KB) for planning hints and safety information.

Other accommodation

A range of privately-run holiday accommodation is available on K'gari.

For more information see the tourism information links.

Sightseeing

Take some time to visit the major sights on K'gari and appreciate the park features. Stay clear of areas with no formal walking tracks or designated roads.

Walking

The best way to explore and enjoy K'gari is at close quarters on its walking tracks. Choose from short boardwalks through rainforests, strolls around a lake or longer walks across a sandblow. Long distance walkers can enjoy the 90km K'gari Great Walk with walkers' camps along the way for a special wilderness camping experience.

• Summary of walking tracks on K'gari.

Please read Walking safely before you walk on K'gari.

Driving

K'gari's beaches and sandy inland roads are suitable only for high-clearance 4WD vehicles preferably with low-range capacity. Engage 4WD (if necessary, lock hubs on your vehicle) just before you start driving on sand. Read and pay attention to all signage. All Queensland road rules apply, even when you are on the beach.

Many of K'gari's features and walking tracks are accessed from scenic drives. Camper trailers must be high-clearance, off-road trailers that suit the vehicle towing them. Other trailers and caravans are not recommended. Be aware that road conditions can vary. During times of extended dry or wet weather, drivers can expect difficulties when traversing island roads. After severe natural events, such as storms and fires, roads may become impassable. Check road and beach conditions prior to travel.

Please read about Driving on sand and Four-wheel driving in parks before you drive on K'gari.

• Summary of scenic drives on K'gari

Mountain-bike riding

Mountain-bike riding is permitted on the eastern and western beaches of K'gari.

• Only experienced mountain-bike riders should attempt to do this.
• Bicycles are not permitted on any designated walking tracks, including the K'gari Great Walk.
• Bicycles are not recommended on inland tracks as they can have tracts of very deep soft sand, carry two-way traffic and are used by heavy vehicles and large tourist buses. You may not be able to react quickly enough if you encounter these vehicles on some of the narrow sections.
• See Mountain biking for other Queensland parks or forests where mountain-bike riding is permitted.

Take care!

• Ensure drivers can see you when cycling along the beach, especially early morning and late afternoon.
• Wear high visibility vests or reflective material on backpacks and clothing.
• Stay alert and do not wear earphones, as you may not hear approaching vehicles over the sound of surf and wind.
• Look up because authorised small planes land on and take off from the beach at any time of day in some designated areas. They need the firmer, wetter sand close to the water's edge to land safely. You may need to move quickly to get higher up the beach. Watch for traffic ahead and behind you—the beach is also a road! All Queensland road rules apply.

Guided tours and talks

Commercially-operated guided tours are available; see the tourism information links for more information.

Picnic and day-use areas

Most day-use areas on K'gari have picnic tables, toilets and water (not always suitable for drinking). Some also have shelter sheds and washing-up sinks.

Boating and fishing

Fishing is permitted on the beach on K'gari, but please read Staying safe and view the short safety video Fish bright at night.

Power boats and vehicles are not permitted in or around lakes and streams. Please read the Fish right guidelines and take note of where Great Sandy Marine Park boundaries are located before fishing around K'gari.

• Fishing
• Fisheries website for seasonal periods, rules and regulations and general fishing information
• Marine stingers warning notice (PDF, 53.3KB) .