Central Station day-use area
Discover the historic hub of K'gari, set in lush rainforest alongside the upper waters of Wanggoolba Creek.
Accessible by
- High clearance 4WD
Attraction facilities
- Picnic tables (some sheltered)
- Toilets (non-flush)
- Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
Enjoy a quiet picnic in the central high dunes of K'gari beside a crystal-clear stream that creates a cool retreat and great photo opportunities.
This picnic area is the heart of a range of island adventures. Walkers are spoilt for choice with a variety of short, medium and long distance walks, and history buffs will love exploring the heritage trail that runs through the middle of the day-use area.
Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts can spend the day exploring the feature-packed Southern Lakes and Central Lakes scenic drives or head across the island to the Wanggoolba Creek barge landing.
This park is part of the K'gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area, famed for its exceptional natural beauty, outstanding examples of coastal dune landform development and evolutionary history.
Getting there and getting around
Central Station day-use area is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.
- The day-use area is 9.4km from the Eurong township on Eurong Road, 8.6km from the Wanggoolba Creek barge landing on Wanggoolba Road, and 800m from the Central Station 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.
Check the K'gari conditions report for the latest information on access, closures and conditions within the recreation area.
- Subscribe to the RSS feed to receive automated updates. (About RSS feeds).
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 50mins–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
- Flights leave from Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
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.
Wheelchair access
The toilet and picnic facilities are wheelchair accessible with assistance. The sand in the car parks and on the tracks is very soft and powdery and can be difficult to navigate. The track from the eastern car park has steps.
Drinking water
- Bring your own drinking water or fill up your containers in the day-use areas. The water is treated.
- Use water wisely and report damaged or leaking taps and tanks.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Central Station day-use area is open 24 hours a day
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting K'gari safely.
- Central Station visitor facility upgrades planned from April to June 2024 4 March to 21 June 2024
- Park Alert-Tukkee Wurroo (Indian Head) walking track temporary closure 14 June 2021 to 30 June 2024
- Woralie Road Dump Ezy Temporary Closure 13 July 2023 to 13 July 2024
- Prescribed Burn - Duck Creek 19 March to 31 May 2024
- Prescribed burn - Exploration Break East 1 March to 31 August 2024
- Planned burn - Binngih Sandblow to Orchid Beach 1 March to 31 August 2024
- Dingo Awareness - Eurong township and fenced area 28 February to 31 March 2024
- Dingo (Wongari) Seasonal Information - Mating Season 1 March to 31 May 2024
- Marine Stingers Warning 1 November 2023 to 31 May 2024
- Park Alert - K'gari Planned Burn Season 2024 12 February to 31 August 2024
- Threatening dingo activity - Eli Creek, Waddy Point and Wathumba 8 December 2023 to 30 April 2024
- Poison canisters washing up on Southeast Queensland beaches 4 September 2023 to 31 March 2024
- Beware crocodiles
- Be dingo-safe
- Beware marine stingers (jellyfish)
Conditions report
K'gari conditions report Updated 28 Mar 2024
Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.