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

A boaties delight and still-water haven. 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

Garrys Anchorage camping area

Named after a famous Butchulla tracker, this peaceful boat-only area offers shade and shelter on the island's south-western shore.

Accessible by

  • Boat

Camping area facilities

  • Anchoring allowed
  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Picnic tables
  • Tent camping
  • Short walk to tent
  • Walking
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Boating
  • Fishing

Always check

Set in a sheltered bay east of Stewart Island, the camping area is a refuge from the wind and rough weather. Pitch your tent in the shady eucalypt forest before heading out to explore the Great Sandy Marine Park. The exposed sand flat in front of the camping area is a popular spot for roosting seabirds.

Garry Owens was born on the island in nearby Yidney Creek. He was wiry and sharp-witted Butchulla man, renowned for his horse riding and tracking skills. Garry helped the Victorian police track Australia’s most notorious bushranger, Ned Kelly.

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

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

  • The camping area is on the west coast of the island, in the Great Sandy Strait.
  • It is only accessible by boat via the Great Sandy Marine Park.
  • The approximate GPS location is Zone 56J, easting—497390 and northing—7165290.
  • The map location is latitude S25˚37'48" and longitude E152˚58'26".

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 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.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Garrys Anchorage 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.

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