• Enjoy winter visits to this picturesque camping area. Photo credit: Jenna Tapply © Queensland Government
• Watch the creek carve its way through the sands of Kgari's western beach. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government

You’ll never want to leave this camping area, nestled in woodlands of white mahogany, eucalypts and wattles fringing a shallow freshwater creek.

At low tide explore the beach by 4WD, or slip your kayak into the sheltered water of Platypus Bay and explore the nearby coastline. Throw in a line from the beach and see if you can land a feed of fish for dinner.

If relaxation is more your style, settle into your camp chair with a good book. At night, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the gentle sounds of waves washing up the beach.

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

Bowarrady Creek beach camping area is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

• The camping area is 2.9km north of Woralie Road on the western beach, 19km north of the Moon Point estuary in Platypus Bay.
• It is accessible by boat via the Great Sandy Marine Park, and by vehicle along the beach at low tide. You will need to drive across Bowarrady Creek.
• The GPS location is Zone 56J, easting—513611 and northing—7223087.
• The map location is latitude S25˚06'29" and longitude E153˚08'06".
• The Western Beach is not suitable for trailers except for designated camper trailer sites in Woralie Creek beach camping 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.

• Check the K’gari conditions report (PDF, 734.1KB) for the latest information on access, closures and conditions within the recreation area.
• Subscribe to the RSS feed to receive automated updates. (About RSS feeds).

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

• Flights leave from Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

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

Bowarrady Creek camping area is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

Bookings

Book online or learn about our camping booking options. Advance bookings are required for holiday periods.

Book a camping area Book a vehicle access permit

Visiting safely

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