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

Remember to bring your fishing gear! 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 (tent site) camping area

Escape the crowds, embrace the solitude, drink in the ocean views and relish the island's fantastic beach fishing.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Camping area facilities

  • Picnic tables
  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
  • Tent camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Walking
  • Scenic drive
  • Fishing

Always check

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.

Set up camp in the shady forest and head off to explore the South White Cliffs. From the top you’ll not only gain a sense of the coast's spectacular beauty, but also snap some incredible photos.

If you're a keen angler, the strong tidal currents and winds form an ever-shifting seascape. Throw in a line and try your luck for any number of delicious table fish.

At the end of the day, kick back with a cool drink and watch the stunning sunset splash across the sky.

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

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

  • The camping area is on Ungowa Road on the west coast of K'gari, 7.2km west from the Central Station day-use area and 5.7km south of the Wanggoolba Creek barge landing area.
  • From Wanggoolba Road, turn onto Ungowa Road and drive south for 6.3km to the camping area.

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 (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 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 preferred.

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 Resort on the western side of K’gari takes 50min–1hr.
  • These barges run at fixed times and bookings are preferred.

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

Ungowa (tent site) 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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