• Relax with the family and take in the wonderful view. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government
• Set up camp and then wander down to the tea-coloured waters of Lake Boomanjin. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government

At almost 100ha, the lake is actually a combination of window and perched lake. The centre of the 5m-deep lake sits in the water table (window) while the rest is ‘perched’ on an impermeable organic layer.

Set up camp in the shade of scribbly gums, blackbutt and a scattering of bloodwoods and listen to the songs of birds in the treetops, or stroll down to the lake for a cool swim or kayak.

After a peaceful night and an early morning swim, pack the car and continue your Southern Lakes scenic drive adventure.

Note: this camping area has a dingo deterrent fence and is recommended for families with children 14 years and under.

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

Lake Boomanjin camping area is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

• The camping area is on the Southern Lakes scenic drive, 17.3km south of Central Station day-use area and 10.3km north of the eastern beach at Dilli Village.
• The Southern Lakes 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 (PDF, 1.6MB) 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.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Lake Boomanjin camping area is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Map: K'gari Recreation Area map (PDF, 570.5KB)

Camping area features: a fenced camping area is ideal for families with children after a quieter stop away from the busy eastern beach camping zones. Set in tall open forest, with a short stroll to Lake Boomanjin. The fenced camping area is suitable for walk-in camping only—vehicles stay outside and tents must be inside the fenced camping area.

Location: along the Southern Lakes Scenic Drive—on the southern inland section of K'gari—approximately 12km north of Dilli Village, or 18km south of Central Station.

Access: high clearance 4WD.

Number of sites: large open area, no defined sites.

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping, walk-in camping.

Camp site surface: sand, grass.

Facilities: fenced camping area, toilets, washing-up facilities, picnic tables.

Open fires: prohibited—fuel stoves only.

Generators: prohibited.

Essentials to bring: fuel or gas stove, first-aid kit, prescription medicines, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes and lockable food storage containers. Smokers should bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Also see: before you visit .

Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options. Advance bookings (up to 6 months) required for holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: generally not available.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting K'gari safely and camp with care.