🥾 If you are planning on hiking K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island), then look no further than our COMPLETE guide to the Great Walk.
This comprehensive post covers everything you need to know about the K’gari Great Walk, from packing tips and campsite expectations to booking and itinerary planning. Find all the information you need in the table of contents, be inspired by our photos, and start mapping out your adventure.
I’ve taken the time to share all the resources we used, including taxi phone numbers and a link to the best Fraser Island map. And depending on your starting point, our guide can help you understand how to get to the K’gari (Fraser Island) trailhead, as well as the ferry options from Hervey Bay and Inskip Point.
If you want to know about the landscape, the flora and fauna, dingo related information and tips and tricks on keeping safe, then you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your one-stop-shop on the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk.
Having visited K’gari (Fraser Island) multiple times, I can confidently say that the Great Walk is my favourite way to explore the island. Don’t miss out – grab our hiking guide here and make sure your K’gari Great Walk experience is unforgettable.
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Table of Contents
Planning for the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk
We came up against many questions while researching and planning for our K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk. Most of which we struggled to answer ahead of our hike. As such, we’ve put together this guide, with the intention to answer ALL your questions and more.
On that note, if you get to the end of our guide and feel there is something missing, then don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Butchulla, K’gari & Fraser Island
The Butchulla people were granted native title to K’gari in 2014. This federal court ruling means that the Butchulla people are officially recognised as the Traditional Owners of K’gari (Fraser Island). Native Title recognised that the Butchulla people have an ongoing connection with the island that has never been broken. It is a place where they practice ceremonies and traditions, while also being actively involved in the protection and conservation of their land.
K’gari was officially know as Fraser Island for many years after the shipwreck of Captain Eliza Fraser spent time on the island. After many years of campaigning by Butchulla Elders, the island name reverted back to K’gari, which means paradise in the language of the Butchulla people. Certainly this seems like a fitting name, especially when considering its diverse beauty.
On a personal note, I felt very privileged, to have hiked the Great Walk with one of my closest friends who is Butchulla. We felt very lucky to be walking the island with someone who calls this piece of paradise their Country.
*Unfortunately search engines and readers, haven’t yet picked up the change in the island’s name. As such I must continue to use ‘Fraser Island’ periodically throughout the post. This is so that travellers keen to partake in the Great Walk, will find this guide in their online search.
The K’gari Great Walk & John Sinclair
To learn more about K’gari’s accomplishments over the last decades it also helps to dip into some of the more recent history. John Sinclair was a local conservationist who fought to end sand-mining and logging due to the severe environmental impact it created.
The K’gari (Fraser Island) Defenders Organisation (FIDO), spearheaded by conservationist John Sinclair, campaigned against both American and local Australian mining companies in the 1970’s. Their mission was to terminate mining contracts and safeguard the natural resources of K’gari. They were ultimately successful in their endeavour.
Additionally, another of Sinclair’s contributions was initiating the K’gari Great Walk. He aimed to demonstrate that this beautiful land could generate income in other forms.
And so it was… K’gari won its freedom from mining. A fortunate outcome for nature lovers like ourselves.
Where is K’gari & Why is it Special
K’gari is around 250km (3hrs drive) north of Brisbane, depending on which ferry crossing you take. The Island is 122km long and covers 1,840 km2. It also contributes to a significant portion of Queensland’s Great Sandy National Park.
Most interestingly, K’gari is the largest sand island in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site! And while you might think that such a claim, limits the sights to beach and ocean, you’d be mistaken. Simply put, the biodiversity on K’gari is truly exceptional!
In fact, the landscapes are incredibly varied, offering something new each day. From sandy lakes and springs, to native rainforests and long stretches of beach. Don’t miss my post on things to see on Fraser Island (post coming soon).
In the itinerary below, I provide more details about the recommended things to see and do at each destination.
Read: Things to See on K’gari (coming soon)
How to Get to K’gari
The are two main ferry points that transport to K’gari (Fraser Island), these are Hervey Bay or Inskip Point. In terms of determining the best access point for you, will largely depend on how you intend to complete the Great Walk. – North to South or South to North. But more on that just below.
I have used both of these ferries and this is what I know and have experienced –
Ferry from Hervey Bay to Kingfisher bay resort
Hervey Bay is a busy town, with many accommodation options. What’s more, it’s an easy hub from which to depart and to plan your trip to K’gari. I have both rented 4×4 vehicles and joined a K’gari tour from Hervey Bay.
This also means it’s a busy ferry and if you plan to take a vehicle, you must book your tickets and permit in advance.
The ferry departs from River Heads and connects to two different ports – Kingfisher Bay and less frequently to Wanggoolba Creek. However for this post, I will focus on the more accessible Kingfisher Bay port.
- Hervey Bay to River Heads is a 20 minute drive.
- The SeaLink ferry journey from River Heads to Kingfisher takes about 45 minutes.
- River Heads ferries start at around 7am and the last ferry is at 4pm.
- Kingfisher Bay ferries start at around 8am and the last ferry is at 5.15pm.
- Check the schedule as the timetable varies depending on season and tides.
- Be at the ferry 30 minutes before departure.
Walk-on passengers pay $45 one way, or $80 return and booking in advance can be done by calling this number 1800 372 737. To book your taxi from Hervey Bay to River Heads, call Hervey Bay Taxi Service on +61 4096 5000.
ferry from Inskip Point to Hook Point
Alternatively, you have the option of the Inskip Ferry crossing with Manta Ray Barges. The nearest town to Inskip Point is Rainbow Beach, which is considerably quieter than Hervey Bay. In saying that, there are still some great accommodation options. We stayed at and can recommend Freedom Backpackers.
If you’re taking a vehicle, it’s not necessary to reserve a time and date for your ferry crossing at Inskip. Instead book and pay for your QR code which has a use-by date of 12 months. It’s important to note, the barge loads directly from the beach. Cars line up and wait for the ferry as it makes the short passage back and forward between Inskip and K’gari. In other words be 4×4 ready… as there is even a whole Facebook Page dedicated to Getting Bogged at Inskip Point!
- Mantaray Barge departs from Inskip Point and arrives at Hook Point, the southern end of K’gari.
- Rainbow Beach to Inskip Point is just short of a 20 minute drive.
- The Mantaray Barge journey takes about 10 minutes.
- Mantaray Barges run 365 days a year, from 6am to 5pm.
- There’s no schedule, barges run continuously back and forward. But note that we recommend checking the tide times as the drive on the beach is not recommended 2 hours either side of high tide.
Walk-on passengers pay $10 each way (cash only) and there is no requirement to book in advance. Simply pay on the boat on arrival. A taxi service can transport from Rainbow Beach to Inskip Point, call +61 411 072 349 to book.
TIP: Walk onto the barge before the cars start loading or before they are all loaded. They pack the cars tight and it can be difficult to squeeze in between them with your pack.
How to Get to the Great Walk Trailhead
The start and end points of the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk are at Dilli Village and Happy Valley. The Great Walk can be hiked either way. However, to get from Hook Point to the trailhead near Dilli Village is around 25km or a 20 minute drive on the beach, and to Happy Valley it’s around 56km and a 50 minute drive. As such you’ll need transport to the start of the trailhead.
It’s also possible to hike the Dilli Village Trail from Hook Point to Dilli Village via the Jabiru Swamp. Naturally this would extend your Great Walk by a day or two.
We can recommend Fraser Island Taxi Service. Steve and Lisa were super helpful in arranging a timetable for pickup and drop-off that worked around tides.
They also offered a midweek food and gear drop, for a small extra fee. Their services, reliability and friendliness were a huge positive in organising a seamless Great Walk experience.
In terms of taxi fees, they charge a standard rate from point A to point B. And so obviously the more people travelling with you the cheaper it is per person. For reference, we were seven passengers, with a transfer from Hook Point to Dilli Village trailhead, a mid-week food drop at Lake Wabby, and a transfer from Happy Valley back to Hook Point, cost $90 AUD per person. Like everyone else on the island, the taxi service can only drive on the beach when the tide is low so you’ll have to arrange your transfers to/from the barge according to the tide times.
☎️ Call Steve or Lisa on +61 429 379 188. Or email them at admin@fraserservice.com.au to arrange your K’Gari Great Walk taxi transfers.
The K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk
As mentioned above, the start and end points of the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk are at Dilli Village and Happy Valley.
We started at Dilli Village in the south and finished at Happy Valley in the north. In retrospect, I feel this was the best way to do it, given that you can celebrate your accomplishment at the Happy Valley restaurant with some cold drinks, good food and some free wifi!
Below I will answer some commonly asked questions about the K’gari Great Walk. Before going further into our recommended campsite itinerary and detailed trail information.
How Long is the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk
Depending on the route you take, the K’gari Great Walk ranges between 75 (start at Dilli Village) to 90km (starting from Hook Point). There is a route variation option along the trail, as well as optional extra walks.
Great Walk Trail Variation
The most notable variation is from Central Station heading north. From here you have the option to walk to Lake Boorangoora (Mackenzie) via Basin Lake (6.6km) or via Pile Valley (11.3km). But note that if you opt for Pile Valley, the following day you’ll be back tracking 4.1km of the trail.
Our journey was around 76km, not including optional extra walks. We opted for the route via Basin Lake, skipping the Pile Valley trail.
How many days is the K’Gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk
The K’gari Great Walk is most commonly completed in 6 to 8 days.
We did it comfortably in 6 days, ticking up an average pace of 1km per 15 minutes. This meant most days we would start walking between 8am and 9am, and be at our next campsite by midday. Check the table further below for trail distances and our walk times.
I have seen the K’gari Great Walk listed as easy to moderate, and I feel this a fair reflection of the hike.
I’m in my 40’s, not super fit (having recovered this year from chemo) and still found this trail manageable. If anything the elevations slowed me down a little, but only to the point where I needed to pause, catch my breath and then carry on. It’s my opinion, that the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk isn’t super challenging, so long as you keep your pack light and you go prepared. Read the section below, on what to pack for more information.
Fraser Island Great Walk Map
It is wise to bring a detailed map for the K’gari trail. One that highlights the optional walks, trail distances and the topography. These can be purchased online, or on the quiet you could take a few screen shots of this one shared here. The yellow trail is the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk.
I also like using AllTrails hikes, and this one here shows the K’gari Great Walk from south to north. It also has some good recent reviews which can help with planning and preparation before your walk.
Alternative Walking routes
There are of course alternative options to the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk. We met other hikers who took the Hervey Bay ferry to Kingfisher Bay and started their journey from there. The most obvious benefit of this would be the money saved on taxi transfers on K’gari.
On the Queensland map linked above, you can see the Great Walk access trail marked in orange. This shows a 13.8km walk from Kingfisher Bay to Lake Boorangoora (McKenzie), which could easily be done on day one. Continuing the trail north means a possible camp in Lake Wabby on day 2, followed by Valley of the Giants on day 3 and then returning via the same route.
Given that you can book your accommodation at the campsites night by night, means you can piece together a hiking itinerary to suit yourself. As was the case with a couple of individual hikers that we met in the campsites along our journey.
Day Walkers
For those who prefer to hike without carrying heavy packs, there is the option of completing sections of the K’gari Great Walk as day walkers. We met a couple of hikers who chose this option and stayed each night in Eurong on the eastern side of K’gari.
If you choose to do the same, get in touch with Steve and Lisa at Fraser Island Taxi Service for your taxi transfers. They will advise which sections of the trail they can drop walkers to. From my understanding, walkers are dropped off at set locations, then they walk trail and beach back to Eurong. You can expect around 18 to 20+km of walking on these day hikes.
🏠 Check out Fraser Island Beach Houses and K’gari Beach Resort for two accommodation options at Eurong Valley.
K’gari Great Walk – 6 Day Itinerary
Now I get to the part, where we go into more detail on each day of the trail. This section of the post covers our recommended itinerary and what to expect from each day.
Below is the itinerary for the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk that we were recommended and subsequently followed. The table here shows the trails we walked over 6 days. These were the recorded distances we walked each day, the time it took (without longer breaks included) and the elevation climbed –
| Day | Trail | Distance, Time & Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dilli Village to Lake Benaroon M1 | 13.8km, 3h 10m, 313m |
| 2 | Lake Benaroon to Lake Boorangora (McKenzie) | 15km, 3h 30m, 222m |
| 3 | Lake Boorangora (McKenzie) to Lake Wabby | 12km, 2h 35m, 255m |
| 4 | Lake Wabby to Valley of the Giants | 16.4km, 4h, 345m |
| 5 | Valley of the Giants to Lake Garawongera | 13.6km, 3h, 274m |
| 6 | Lake Garawongera to Happy Valley | 5.9km, 1h 20m, 115m |
As you can see the majority of the days we walked on average 12 to 16km per day. On the last day we enjoyed a shorter and therefore relaxed walk out.
day 1 – Dilli Village to Lake Benaroon – 13.8km
Just beyond the Dilli Village campsite, the Fraser Island Great Walk sign, marks the start of the trailhead. And if you are travelling by taxi, this is where you’ll be dropped off.
The initial stage (approximately 4km) of the walk includes a steady incline as you make your way to the top of the ridge. At this point, there is an optional short, steep walk up to the Wongi Sandblow, a taster of what’s to come on the K’gari Great Walk.
One of the best spots for lunch, located about halfway along the trail, is the western shore of Lake Boomanjin. To get there, follow the trail past the campsite as it leads to a sandy plateau beside the lake. You will encounter several small streams running across the white silica sand.
Keep an eye out for the different types of wildflowers along the trail and you might even spot a dingo footprint or two in the sand. However, note that there is a general rule that eating isn’t permitted at the lakes.
When your day comes to a close, you will reach the Lake Benaroon campsite. It’s an incredibly serene spot for the first night of camping and it was one of our favourites. We suggest taking a swim in the lake to begin or end your day. The water may appear red, but this is due to the tea tree that seeps into the lake.
Day 2 – Lake Benaroon to Lake Boorangora (McKenzie) – 15km
Make sure to start early to fully enjoy Lake Boorangora (McKenzie). The first 3km of the trail loops around Lake Birrabeen. The following 3km offers views of large trees, some of which are hollowed out, as you make your way to Central Station.
Central Station is the approximate halfway and a good place to take a break and snack. You might also want to take advantage of the opportunity to have a warm shower at the walkers camp.
This area is frequented by many tour groups. It was formerly an old forestry station, but today it is home to many relics and towering kauri trees.
Store your backpacks in the dingo box and take a short (10-minute) walk around the Wanggoolba Creek loop track. Admire the giant king fern and piccabeen palms which provide shade to the creek’s crystal clear waters and white sand.
From Central Station to Lake Boorangora, you have the option of two routes.
Option 1 – 6.6km via Basin Lake. This trail to Lake Boorangora, is certainly shorter. And around 3km from Central Station take the small detour off the main trail, down to Basin Lake. It’s well worth a look, possibly even a swim. There’s also a small walk around the lake.
Option 2 – 11.3km via Pile Valley. This was once a logging camp, full of satinay trees, a whopping 40+ metres in height and some 1000 years old. If you choose this option you’ll double back 4.1km on the trail the following day.
On arrival at the walkers campsite, waste no time getting down to see the lake. The white sand and blue hues are almost unbelievable. As the afternoon sun sets, the tours pack up and leave, and you’ll enjoy the fewer crowds.
Day 3 – Lake Boorangora (Mckenzie) to Lake Wabby – 12km
On day three, the hike is an easy 12km. The middle part of the trail goes through a beautiful rainforest with strangler figs. Keep an eye out for the figs winding their way around the host tree, ultimately smothering it.
There are no obvious places to stop for lunch or a snack along this part of the trail. Our recommendation is to take breaks as needed. You might want to have a sugary snack or a protein bar before the final section of the trail to the camp. There is some incline towards the end, which may make the legs burn a little.
Lake Wabby walkers Camp is still 1.6km from the lake. At this point, you can decide whether to set up camp or drop your packs and continue to the lake. There is a lookout not far from the campsite, offering a view of the impressive Hammerstone Sandblow and Lake Wabby. From there, it’s a steady walk down to the dunes and the lake if you want to get a closer look.
It’s been reported that Lake Wabby is slowly shrinking in size due to shifting sands. After over 20 years since my last visit, I felt that the lake did indeed look smaller this time.
From Lake Wabby, you might want to continue to the beach, which is another 2.4km away (one way). There’s an access walk from the southern end of the lake.
Day 4 – Lake Wabby to Valley of the Giants – 16.4km
The longest walk of the week is this 16.4km day. The trail features lovely long stretches of rainforest and an optional lookout to the Badtjala sandblow 600m (one way).
It was also on this day that we encountered a dingo, who followed us along for around 1km. Surprisingly, we hadn’t heard it trailing us until we stopped to put on insect repellent. On that note, day four is a good time to look out for leeches. Some in our group encountered them, but applying bug spray seemed to be effective in keeping them away.
The final section of the trail, about 1km, is along a sand road. You’ll then connect back onto a walking trail for the final 400m to the campsite.
There is an optional walk to a giant satinay tree. It’s signposted as a 3.6km walk (one way), but on the map, it’s marked as 2.3km. Unfortunately, I’m unable to confirm which is correct, as we didn’t do it. Alternatively from the Valley of the Giants campsite, there’s another optional walk to the giant tallowwood 1.3km (one way). This seemed more appealing, so we set up camp first, then walked pack-free.
The trail off the road to the giant tallowwood wasn’t well signed posted. Look for the small sign, with a small car parking space across the road. From here, follow a narrow trail through the bush for a short 50 metres. You’ll see the sign marking the tree.
The Valley of the Giants campsite is a tranquil place, full of birdsong, under a canopy of satinay and kauri trees.
Day 5 – Valley of the Giants to Lake Garawongera – 13.6km
Leaving the Valley of the Giants campsite, you’ll notice the denser rainforest and cooler temperatures at first. This gradually opens up and a warm breeze takes over as you begin to walk through regenerated forest. Low shrubs, burn back and banksia trees take prominence. In fact during our walk, this section was rather overgrown with low bush.
As with previous days, there was a bit of a steady walk uphill as you get closer to the end of the walk and campsite.
Lake Garawongera was another one of our group’s favourite campsites. The sandy shore and lake, was a welcome sight, for our weary bodies and sore feet. The lake is very peaceful, not attracting many visitors, you might even have it to yourself.
Day 6 – Lake Garawongera to Happy Valley – 5.9km
The final day! It has to be said, that I’m glad we finished with this gentle shorter walking day. It meant we could take the morning slow, enjoying the last piece of solitude beside the lake.
The walk starts around the lake, then begins a small incline up and out. The walk is a simple track, with a few ups and downs as it emerges at the back of Happy Valley Village. Enter Happy Valley through the pedestrian entrance and inside the dingo fence.
We recommend legging it straight to the Happy Valley Restaurant, dropping the packs and ordering a cold drink! You can’t miss this place, as it’s located at the centre of the village. And it’s basically a one stop shop, hotel, pub, convenience store, petrol station, and even a mini-museum dedicated to the Maheno wreck. They even have Wifi.
While you wait for your taxi pickup, take 10 minutes to walk to the beach, grabbing a dingo stick at the pedestrian exit gate on the way down. This is perfect opportunity to look for humpback whales cruising the beach.
And that is a wrap! Read on for the 8 day itinerary and our thoughts on each campsite.
K’gari Great Walk – 8 Day Itinerary
Options to extend this to an 8 day hike could be planned with the following itinerary. The distances vary slightly to ours recorded above, as they are from the official Queensland Parks website. I might also add, that their suggested hiking timings listed on the website are considerably longer than ours.
| Day | Trail | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dilli Village to Lake Boomanjin | 6.3km |
| 2 | Lake Boomanjin to Lake Benaroon | 7.2km |
| 3 | Lake Benaroon to Central Station | 7.5km |
| 4 | Central Station to Lake Boorangora (McKenzie) | 6.6km |
| 5 | Lake Boorangora (McKenzie) to Lake Wabby | 11.9km |
| 6 | Lake Wabby to Valley of the Giants | 16.2km |
| 7 | Valley of the Giants to Lake Garawongera | 13.1km |
| 8 | Lake Garawongera to Happy Valley | 6.6km |
Great Walk Campsites on K’gari
There are 9 dedicated walkers campsites available to hikers on the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk trail. The following is the list in order of south to north. These sites are also marked with a red triangle on this map. Note that the Jabiru Swamp Campsite is marked on the K’gari (Fraser Island) map inset.
- Jabiru Swamp Great Walk Campsite
- *Dilli Village Campsite
- Lake Boomanjin Great Walk Campsite
- Lake Benaroon Great Walk Campsite
- Central Station Great Walk Campsite
- Lake Boorangora (McKenzie) Great Walk Campsite
- Lake Wabby Great Walk Campsite
- Valley of the Giants Great Walk Campsite
- Lake Garawongera Great Walk Campsite
*Dilli Village isn’t a Queensland Park Campsite, but can be booked through University of the Sunshine Coast. The cost to stay in 2024 was $20 per adult, per night.
Each of the Great Walk Campsites provide between 8 to 16 available tent sites. Therefore if you’re hiking as a group it’s important to book your dates early, to avoid disappointment. Below we list the facilities available at each of the campsites.
All campsites have toilets with ample toilet paper. In some locations there is just one toilet, and in the busier areas there are several.
Some of the campsites are situated within dingo fences, while some are unfenced. Each individual campsite also has a small wooden platform and dingo-proof storage box.
It is not permitted to light any fires within these Queensland Parks Campsites.
How To book K’gari great walk campsites
K’gari campsites are booked online through the Queensland National Parks website. Click here to make an account then login and follow the below instructions to book and pay –
- Click the Enter Park Name drop down and select K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk.
- Adjust the Stay Length (night) to the number of nights you intend to stay.
- Adjust the calendar to your start date.
- Then select Search. All 9 available K’gari walkers campsites will appear below.
- Then select Continue to go to the availability booking table.
- Highlight the campsite dates in yellow, according to your chosen itinerary.
- Select the drop down to Walk In.
- Select Reserve Facility.
- Set the number of adults required.
- Select Book Walk and complete the payment instructions.
From July 1st 2024 campsites on K’gari cost $7.25 per night, per person. See the full fee schedule here.
Jabiru Swamp Great Walk Campsite
Jabiru Swamp campsite is only needed if walkers plan to hike the 25.3km Dilli Village trail from the Hook Point Barge drop-off to the trailhead at Dilli Village. In other words, if you plan to break up the walk, you might like to book a night here, 15.3km north of Hook Point and 10km south of Dilli Village.
🏕️ Unpowered tent sites
🐕 Unfenced
🚽 Bathroom
🗃️ Dingo-proof storage boxes
💧 Water 900m north or better water 2.4km north (must be treated)
Dilli Village USC Campsite
As mentioned above, Dilli Village is a University Campsite, but open to people doing the K’gari Great Walk. The Campsite offers cabins, powered and unpowered tent sites, hot showers and more. The K’gari Great Walk trailhead is just 150 metres from the Dilli Village Campsite.
🏕️ 6 Unpowered and 9 powered tent sites
🛌 Cabins and bunk rooms
🐕 Dingo fenced
🚿 Bathrooms and showers
💧 Bore-water available (must be treated)
🥩 BBQ
🍴 Picnic tables
Lake Boomanjin Great Walk Campsite
The campsites are located very close to the lake edge. While cars can access this area, generally speaking this campsite isn’t as busy as some of the others.
🏕️ Unpowered tent sites
🐕 Dingo fenced camping
🗃️ Dingo-proof storage boxes
🚽 Toilets
💧 Water from tap available (must be treated)
🍴 Picnic tables in fenced area
🏊♂️ Swimming in the lake
📞 Phone reception: Optus by the lake
Lake Benaroon Great Walk Campsite
This was one of our favourite campsites. Primarily because, it was a smaller campsite, without vehicle access and so less visitors. It was very close to the lake, a serene location to start and finish the day.
🏕️ Unpowered tent sites
🐕 Unfenced
🗃️ Dingo-proof storage boxes
🚽 Toilet
💧 Water from lake available (must be treated)
🏊♂️ Swimming in the lake
📞 Phone reception: Optus by the lake
Central station Great Walk Campsite
Central Station is a busy area with many tour groups coming and going. However the campsites are located a few hundred metres away from the main recreation area. There are hot showers available, they cost $2 for 3 minutes, so don’t forget to bring coins. We didn’t stay here, as we carried on through. But from what I can tell there are two campsites, one for walkers and the other for people exploring the island with 4×4.
🏕️ Unpowered tent sites
🐕 Dingo fenced camping
🗃️ Dingo-proof storage boxes
🚿 Bathrooms and hot showers
💧 Water from the tap (must be treated)
🍴 Picnic tables
🚶 Optional walks nearby
Lake Boorangora (McKenzie) Great Walk Campsite
Lake Boorangora is one of the most photographed lakes on K’gari, making it one of the most visited on K’gari. It’s also accessed by tour buses during the day.
Of course this means, the campsite is also very busy with two campsites. One for walkers, and the other for large groups. During our visit there were two school groups staying. That said the picturesque lake is one not to be missed! It’s a short walk to the lake from the campsite.
🏕️ Unpowered tent sites
🐕 Dingo fenced camping
🗃️ Dingo-proof storage boxes
🚽 Bathrooms
💧 Water from the sink tap or lake (must be treated)
🍴 Picnic tables in fenced area
📞 Some phone reception available at the back of the campsite
🏊♂️ Swimming in the lake
Lake Wabby Great Walk Campsite
The campsite is 1.6 km (one way) from Lake Wabby, so be prepared for an additional walk if you want to go to the lake.
This was the first campsite that we came across a dingo. At night we heard it trying to get into the dingo-proof boxes and sniffing at our tents.
Also, we found these toilets were smelly and full of insects. But this was most likely due to the flush not working at the time of our visit.
🏕️ Unpowered tent sites
🐕 Unfenced
🗃️ Dingo-proof storage boxes
🚽 Bathrooms
💧 Water from the sink tap at bathroom (must be treated)
📞 Some phone reception available at Lake Wabby Lookout
🚶 Optional walks nearby
🏊♂️ Possible to swim in the lake, but with a long walk and slightly stagnant water
🍷 The best location for a food drop (and maybe a bottle of wine)
Valley of the Giants Great Walk Campsite
As the name suggests, this campsite is located under a canopy of giant satinay, kauri and tallowwood trees. Naturally, the birdsong is incredible! There are no nearby lakes, but you can collect water from the tap at the bathrooms. If you feel like a wash you can also squat under the tap for a freshen up!
🏕️ Unpowered tent sites
🐕 Unfenced
🗃️ Dingo-proof storage boxes
🚽 Bathrooms
💧 Water from the tap (must be treated)
📞 Some phone reception available near the toilet
🚶 Optional walks nearby
Lake Garawongera Great Walk Campsite
The last on the list, Lake Garawongera was another of our group’s favourite campsites. It was very quiet, despite being accessible via road. The lake was a welcome sight after not having nearby access to swimming lakes the previous two nights.
🏕️ Unpowered tent sites
🐕 Unfenced
🗃️ Dingo-proof storage boxes
🚽 Bathrooms
💧 Water from the sink tap or lake (must be treated)
🍴 Picnic tables
📞 Some phone reception available at the bathrooms and lake
🏊♂️ Swimming in the lake
What to Pack
Given that this post has become rather large, I’ve made a separate K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk packing list. It highlights ALL the things that you need to take, as well as some of the optionals. I also go into extra detail on some of our favourite items, backpack weights and I share plenty of pack hacks.
Here I list a few of the essentials, but don’t miss my complete packing list linked below!
- Tent
- Sleeping Mat
- Sleeping Bag
- Gas Cooker + Gas
- Lighter/Matches
- Dehydrated Meals & Lunches
- Breakfast Meals and Snacks
- Camp Pot & Cups/Bowls
- First Aid Kit
- Water Filtration System
- Drink Bottles/Water Bladders
- Hat, Sunglasses, Suntan Lotion
- Small Towel
- Solar Charger & Cables
- Camp Shoes
- Blister Solutions
- Insect Repellent
Read: Complete Packing List for the K’gari Great Walk (coming soon)
When is the Best Time to do the K’gari Great Walk
The K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk trail closes for the dry season from November through February. This means, from the start of March to the end of October the weather is cooler, so less fire risk and more pleasant temperatures for hiking. Keep an eye out on the Queensland Parks booking platform (linked earlier) for when the bookings are open.
Keeping Safe on the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk
The best advice I can provide here, is be prepared!
You may like to take a satellite phone in case of emergency. Definitely pack a first aid kit, with some Stingose for those unfortunate insect stings.
Treat or Filter Water
As you will have noticed above, I have mentioned that water is available at most campsites, but it must be treated. Keep yourself safe with a good water filtration system, or pack some water treatment tablets.
We always recommend our gravity fed LifeStraw filter. It has travelled the world with us and has never let us down.
Things to Know About Dingos
The dingo… or wongari to the Butchulla people! This is the number one to look out for on K’gari. They are surprisingly quiet as they sneak up behind you on the trail, and they are very persistent in trying to find snacks. In saying this, the island is well set up for it, and the dingo notices are everywhere.
Following are the key things to know before you go –
- Do not feed dingos, and keep food locked in the dingo-proof boxes.
- Do not keep food in your tent at night.
- Obey signs on where to eat, for example food is prohibited beside lakes.
- Keep a dingo stick handy, a hiking pole works well for this.
- Always walk in pairs or more.
- Never run from a dingo.
Swimming – Ocean & Lakes
The presence of great white, tiger and bull sharks is a major reason why swimming along the eastern coast of the island is greatly discouraged. There are also very strong rips on the Eastern side of K’gari.
Instead however, you can enjoy swimming in the lakes and rivers. Do be mindful when diving into the lakes as there may be hidden shallow areas. Signs are displayed around Lake Boorangora (McKenzie) and Lake Wabby reminding swimmers of this, following previous incidents.
At the same time, in order to protect the delicate ecosystems, it’s best not to wear suntan lotions, body creams and insect repellent in the lakes and rivers.
Landscape, Flora & Fauna on the K’gari Great Walk
The Landscape & Plant life
Over a 12km hike, you might pass through three or four very distinct landscapes, each with its own micro-climate and ecosystem. This allows you to experience dunes, deep rainforests, and freshwater lakes along the way. The hike offers a variety of plant life, including giant satinay, kauri, and eucalyptus trees, palms and ferns, wildflowers, and banksia.
There are three types of lakes on K’gari: perched lakes, barrage lakes, and window lakes. Making the island home in fact, to more than 40 lakes. The K’gari Great Walk is an excellent way to explore these lakes.
One unique aspect of K’gari is the presence of rainforests that grow in sand. Despite the challenges of growing in sand, giant trees have managed to take root and thrive in this environment.
The wildlife
The island is home to a wide range of wildlife, both on land and in the surrounding waters. You can find several varieties of snakes, including both venomous and non-venomous ones, as well as goannas, gliders, wallabies, and several rodent species.
In the Jabiru Swamp, you might come across the Jabiru stork and acid frogs. Also keep an eye out for the musk duck at Lake Boorangora or Lake Garawongera.
There is a diverse array of birds, such as coastal, forest, and birds of prey. Although it can be challenging to spot birds in the dense forested areas of the hinterland, the birdsong in the early morning and evening is exceptional. That said, we were fortunate enough to see black cockatoos, eagles, owls, and more.
We were incredibly lucky to witness the local dingo population up close. While it was a bit unsettling to have them sniffing around our tents at night, it was a reminder that we were truly camping in the wilderness.
To finish, seeing the humpback whales breaching so near to the beach was the perfect end to our experience.
I’m no expert, but based on what I’ve seen and learned from the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk, it’s clear that you don’t have to be a conservationist to appreciate the incredible diversity of this place.
More on K’gari (Fraser Island)
We hope this post has helped fill in the gaps with your upcoming hiking and camping trip on the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk. There is more to come over the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more. And in the meantime, why not sign up to our website for more awesome travel and hiking content!
Also don’t forget to save this post for later or get in touch if you have any questions.
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