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

Take in the calm blue waters of the Great Sandy Strait. Photo credit: Jenna Tapply © Queensland Government

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

Ungowa day-use area

Take a break from fishing and exploring in the Great Sandy Strait at this popular getaway spot, far from the crowds.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Attraction facilities

  • Lookout (natural)
  • Picnic tables
  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)

Deep in the Great Sandy Strait and hugging the island’s south-western shore, Ungowa was once the regular island access point from Hervey Bay and a thriving forestry department base.

Take a break from exploring the island and its surrounds and set up a picnic lunch in the sun-dappled eucalypt forests.

After lunch, climb to the top of the South White Cliffs and take in the sweep ocean vistas towards Bookar, Walsh and Turkey islands. You’ll gain a real sense of the coast's spectacular beauty and have the chance to snap incredible photos.

This park is part of the K'gari 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 Ungowa day-use area is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

  • The day-use area is on Ungowa Road, 6.3km south of the intersection with Wanggoolba Road, 7.2km west of the Central Station day-use area, and 5.7km south of the Wanggoolba Creek barge landing area.

Getting to K’gari

You can get to the island by high clearance four-wheel drive (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 (VAP) must be purchased. You must be able to present a copy of your VAP (digital or printed), if requested by an authorised officer. Be sure to buy all your permits before you go, and ensure vehicle number plate details are correct on your permit.

From Inskip Point (15min 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 Mantaray 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 50min–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

The toilets are wheelchair accessible with assistance. The sand in the car parks and on the tracks is very soft and powdery and can be difficult to navigate.

Drinking water

  • Bring your own drinking water or fill up your containers at the day-use area.
  • Treat all water before use.
  • Use water wisely and report damaged or leaking taps and tanks.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Ungowa day-use area is open 24 hours a day.

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

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting K'gari safely.

View all park alerts