Fraser Island
The AdventuringPals uncover the best K’gari campsites for safe family travels
K’gari – Fraser Island has got to be one of the most beautiful places in Australia we have come across on our travels. K’gari translates to paradise and we reckon it’s spot on! From the enchanted crystal clear creeks and dazzling blue lakes to towering lush rainforests, there’s so much to see and experience on the world’s largest sand island.
There’s an abundance of campsites on offer, 45 to be exact! Most of them with differing facilities from showers, flushing toilets to the bare minimum, we explore what kind of sites are the best for family camping.
Where to Stay
When it comes to camping on K’gari with kids, our biggest concern is with dingoes, or Wongari as the Butchulla people call them. They are part of the ecology of the island and represent thousands of years of survival. They are beautiful, wild and untamed and it is important to respect and maintain that. They are intelligent and opportunistic apex predators whom over time have been involved with incidents and sadly fatalities involving small children. Being dingo-wise is a must, especially during their mating season which occurs from March to May.
Staying at Wongari deterrent fenced campsites is preferred and recommended by Queensland Parks for families camping with children 14 years and under. There are 8 fenced areas available:
- Central Station
- Cornwells
- Dundubara
- Eli camping zone
- Lake Boomanjin
- One Tree
- Waddy Point
- Wongai
With additional camper trailer sites also available at Waddy Point, Dundubara and Central Station.
Six of these sites are on the Eastern Beach and in proximity to the beach, if not on the beach, making it ideal for fishing and beach based activities. There are dump points and rubbish disposal sites available at multiple locations along the Eastern Beach. With fresh water creeks such as Eli Creek at hand shower facilities can be foregone.
Night-time Matters
From our experiences, Dingoes at night are a lot different to their daytime selves. As nightfalls, they become more alert, energetic and very inquisitive.
We were reassured knowing that once we came back to camp and shut the gates, our kids were safe and able to run free without having the need to be an arm’s length away in case a Wongari was nearby. This allowed all members of the family to relax and enjoy their evenings even more. We didn’t have to worry about things like packing all the kitchen, rubbish and food gear away once we turned out the lights or remove any items out of curious canine reach.
Camping on K’gari is pretty special and should be experienced at least once. It is an affordable and accommodating option for families wishing to explore and experience K’gari at its best.