K’gari is the largest sand island in the world, stretching 123km in length and 22km in width. It is such a diverse island, it offers incredible camping, 4WD tracks, fresh water lakes, ancient rainforests, rock pools, hiking trails, fishing and beach driving. It really does have it all!!! We spent five incredible nights exploring this paradise and could easily have stayed longer! Here is our complete guide for anyone thinking of traveling over to K’gari!

**Getting there:**

There are two options for traveler’s wanting to get their vehicle to K’gari.
Take the **Manta Ray Barge** from Inskip Point (10 minute drive from Rainbow Beach). This option is notorious for 4WDs getting bogged in soft sand. The barge takes roughly 10 minutes to cross the channel and runs every 30 minutes, dropping you off on the southern end of the island. First departure is at 6am and last departure at 5pm. Costing $130.00 return for a 4WD. This is the option we chose to take and had no issues.
**Sealink** from River Heads (Hervey Bay) takes roughly 20 minutes to cross and prices start from $230.00 return for a 4WD. You can find departure times on their website. Sealink drops passengers at Kingfisher Bay or Wanggoolba Creek (Western side of the island).

Important information:

Tide times: The most important advice for traveling around K’gari is to know low and high tide times. It is advised to travel along the beach two hours prior to low tide and two hours after low tide. This window allows you to drive along the beach without the stress of driving through soft sand and rising water along the beach.

Vehicle access permit: Before traveling to the island you must have a vehicle permit which allows you to drive on the island. The pass costs $57.80 which is valid for one month. You can obtain your permit on the qwps website.

Tyre pressure: Before traveling on the island make sure you lower your tire pressure. It is recommended to lower them to 15-20 psi.

Inland track conditions: These roads can be narrow, slow going and one lane but two way traffic. Be sure to stick to speed limits and pull over for other vehicles when safe.

Dingo Safety: Always carry a stick, don’t walk alone, never run and if one is at your camp scare it away immediately. They may look harmless but they are fearless and at time aggressive. There are a few fenced in campgrounds around the island for added safety.

Water: Drinking water available at Eurong, Kingfisher Bay, Orchid Beach and Happy Valley. Car wash available at Rainbow Beach, Eurong and Hervey Beach.
Fuel: Fuel is expensive on the island (at time of visiting $2.37 for diesel) but available at Eurong, Happy Valley, Kingfisher Bay, Orchid Beach and Cathedrals on Fraser.

Campsite bookings: We recommend booking all campsites before arrival since there is limited to no phone reception. We would suggest a minimum of five nights on the island, and we chose to spend one night at a different campsite just to try and experience as many as possible.

Phone reception: You get Telstra 4G phone reception at Eurong and along the beach from Eurong up until Home Valley. You can also get reception at Kingfisher Bay.

Our favourite campsites:

Awinya Creek- West coast
This campsite is only accessible at low tide as it requires beach driving along the west coast and a few creek crossing to get into. The Woralie track was a little rough with deep corrugations, tree roots and small parts of soft sand but we had no issues taking it slow. The camping area offers incredible sunset views, a fresh water creek and is nice and shady. We spent one night here but could easily have stayed longer! This campsite it suitable for tents, rooftop tents but not ideal for caravans or trailers.
Guruman- East coast zone 6
We had the perfect conditions for camping on the East coast since the winds were westerly. We found a private spot on grass with direct beach views, where we spent all afternoon watching the whales cruise by. It was incredibly peaceful watching the sunrise every morning. Suitable for all camping set ups.
Central Station
The camping area is fenced, has rubbish bins, water, paid showers ($2 coin) and toilets. This beautiful campground is surrounded by ancient rainforest and under towering pine trees. Close to the camping area are short walks through the Pile Valley and along the Wanggoolba Creek. Central Station is also a great campsite with easy access to Lake Mckenzie (Boorangoora) and Lake Boomanjin,

Must see: