• Discover the green heart of the island on this fantastic scenic drive. Photo credit: Adam Creed © Queensland Government
• Stretch your legs and wander to the lake's edge. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government

You'll travel off the beaten track on this enchanting adventure. From the Happy Valley township head inland through resilient coastal woodlands and then into a more open forest of gums, bloodwoods and blackbutts.

Gradually the vegetation softens and transforms into lush rainforest. Stop for a break at the Lake Garawongera day-use area and cool off in the nearby lake, perched high in the dunes. If you’ve got a kayak, this is a great place to explore.

Back on the track you’ll pass through a reverse of the vegetation types as you head towards the coastline. The drive finishes on the Eastern Beach.

For something different, try this drive in the opposite direction!

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

The Lake Garawongera scenic drive is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

• The scenic drive joins the Happy Valley township and Bogimbah Road in Poyungan Valley.
• The Happy Valley township is on the Eastern Beach scenic drive, 20.7km north of the Eurong township and 11.1km south of the Dundubara camping area.
• Poyungan Valley is also on the Eastern Beach scenic drive, 14.6km north of the Eurong township and 17.2km south of the Dundubara camping area.
• The Eastern Beach scenic drive is only accessible 2hrs either side of low tide.
• The Lake Garawongera scenic drive is not suitable for trailers.

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

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Lake Garawongera scenic drive 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
• Four-wheel drive with care
• Trail bike with care.