Camping on Fraser Island (K’gari)
Camping on Fraser Island is the BEST way to experience its magic. And as a bucket list destination for many Aussie families, it’s also one of our top 10 spots in the whole of Australia.
Having lived right next door for most of my life, I’ve been camping on Fraser Island since I was four years old and now that I’m four decades old, I get to watch my kids enjoy the experience just like I did all those years ago.
Things you need to know before you go camping on Fraser Island
There are a number of public and private camping grounds on Fraser Island but you need to book both a vehicle and camping permit BEFORE you head to the island. Seriously, they check this on the ferry and you won’t be allowed on without it.
Both vehicle and camping permits can be obtained here on the QLD National Parks website.
There have been a number of dingo attacks in recent years so I recommend camping in a campground with a dingo fence on Fraser Island. Particularly if you have children under 14 years of age. I have listed these camping grounds first.
Check out this map of Fraser Island that shows all of the Fraser Island campgrounds listed below. This one makes working out the beach camping zones a little easier. It’s helpful to print these off first!
Campsites on Fraser Island with dingo fences
Camping grounds on Fraser Island that offer dingo deterrent fences include Dundubara, Central Station, Cornwells, Eli, Lake Boomanjin, One Tree, Waddy Point and Wongai.
If you plan on bringing younger kids along on your Fraser Island camping trip, which many people do, I recommend staying in one of these to be dingo-safe. Besides, this ensures there are other kids for them to play with!
Dundubara Camping Ground
Dundubara camping ground is our top pick for Fraser Island camping. This is due to its great location on the eastern beach with a neat little creek out front. It’s within walking distance to the Wungul sand blow and the rangers do a great job of keeping the facilities clean and maintained.
There are only five camper trailer sites here, but around 42 tent sites. You will need to book early if you wish to stay here during the school holidays. Download your map of the campgrounds here.
Facilities include:
- Tap water (treat before drinking)
- Showers ($2 coin-operated)
- Washing up stations for dishes
- Flushing toilets
- Communal fire pits (no fires allowed in a fire ban)
Facilities NOT included:
- Rubbish bins (located around 1km north of the campgrounds)
- Mobile phone coverage (unless you hang around the rangers office)
Central Station Camping Ground
Set in the rainforest, camping at Central Station on Fraser Island is particularly beautiful. It’s centrally located and there is a must-do walk at Wanggoolba Creek that’s easy-peasy with kids. During school holidays, this site gets particularly busy and the toilets can get a bit on the nose at times.
15 trailer sites and 40 tent sites are available here. Download your map of the campgrounds here.
Facilities include:
- Hot showers ($2 coin-operated)
- Toilets
- Rubbish bins
- Washing up stations for dishes
- Public phone (was not working last time I checked)
Facilities NOT included:
- Mobile phone reception
Waddy Point Top Camping Area
This camping site location is ideal for exploring Fraser Island’s northern end. This includes Champagne Pools, Sandy Cape, the lighthouse and WWII bunkers, and some great lakes that never get crowded.
High clearance 4WD is required here. Technically the whole of Fraser Island is recommended for high clearance, but there is really soft sand and sometimes rough track conditions between Indian Head and Waddy Point.
Six camper trailer sites and 25 tent camping site areas on grass and sand are available.
Facilities include:
- Tap water (treat before drinking)
- Flushing toilets
- Showers ($2 coin-operated)
- Picnic tables
- Washing up stations for dishes
- Communal fire rings (no fires in a fire ban)
Facilities NOT included:
- Rubbish bins (closest ones are at the southern entrance to Orchid Beach township)
Lake Boomanjin Camping Area
The largest perched lake in the world, Lake Boomanjin is pretty cool. Tannin run-off has stained the water a reddish colour and when the weather is good, it’s quite unique looking against the blue sky.
The camping site at Lake Boomanjin on Fraser Island is for walk-in tent camping only. Park your vehicle outside the camping area and carry your tent in through a gate to the fenced area.
The campsite is a large grass and sand open area with no defined sites.
Facilities include:
- Picnic tables
- Washing up facilities for dishes
- Toilets
Facilities NOT included:
- Fire pits (open fires not allowed here)
- Drinking water
NOTE – The facilities here don’t seem to get as much attention as other campgrounds so don’t expect the ritz!
Cornwells Group Camping Area
Cornwell’s camping area on Fraser Island is located on the eastern beach around six kilometres north of Eurong Resort. It’s ideally situated to enjoy the cruise up and down 75-mile beach, Fraser Island’s famous beach highway.
Schools and other large organised groups of around 20 – 40 people use this camping area. Camping is on the sand and is suitable for off-road camper trailers and tents.
Facilities include:
- None – must be completely self-sufficient
Eli Camping Area
This is one of the newest fenced camping sites on Fraser Island and is in a top location to arrive nice and early at Eli Creek for the day. It’s an ideal spot to base yourself to do the Eastern Beach scenic drive, Central Lakes and Southern Lakes drives.
There are three tent sites and three trailer sites here however, you must specifically book your camper trailer into one of the trailer sites.
Facilities include:
- None – must be completely self-sufficient
Wongai Camping Area
Wongai is one of the lesser known camping areas on Fraser Island and is also in a great location for the lakes drives founds in the south of the island. You’ll find it behind the foredunes just south of Eurong on the eastern beach. Walk down to the beach for fishing or hike in to Lake Wabby, the trail head of which is only a short drive to the north.
There are six tent sites and three trailer sites here but you must specifically book camper trailers into the trailer sites.
Facilities include:
- None – must be completely self-sufficient
One Tree Camping Area
Another lesser known camping area on Fraser Island is One Tree Camping area. Nestled behind the sand dunes, you’ll go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the rolling surf. This is another top spot to visit the southern end’s freshwater lakes and hikes.
One Tree camping area has eight tent sities but just two trailer sites. The tent sites do not accommodate trailers.
Facilities include:
- None – must be completely self sufficient
Camping on Fraser Island with no dingo fencing
There are a number of camping zones with no dingo fencing on Fraser Island including:
- Eastern beach camping: Nine camping zones on the eastern beach.
- Western Beach camping: Seven remote beach camping areas on the north-western side of the island.
- South western camping areas: Two remote camping areas along the south-western coastline
- Southern remote camping area: One remote camping area on the southern coastline.
- Camping areas for schools: Five camping areas suitable for schools and large groups.
- K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk walkers’ camps: Camping for those doing the K’gari Great Walk.
Find more detailed information on camping on Fraser Island on the QLD Parks website here. I recommend you check this out before booking as it details individual restrictions on the campsites.
Looking for more awesome Family Holiday Destinations?
For more information on visiting Fraser Island with kids, head on over to our Fraser Island / K’gari page. Alternatively, jump on back to the home page for other destinations around Australia and worldwide.
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