• Listen for the calls and chattering of wrens and honeyeaters in the wallum. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government
• Soothe the soul with scenes like this at Hidden Lake. Photo credit: Jenna Tapply © Queensland Government
• Clothed in its winter colours, the vegetation is a rich backdrop to Lake Coomboo's dark waters. Photo credit: Jenna Tapply © Queensland Government

From the northern entry point on the Northern Forests scenic drive venture through heathlands and low wallum banksia woodlands dotted with grass trees, swamp banksias, and stunted eucalypts and paperbarks.

After a short detour through eucalypt forest to Coomboo Lake the vegetation begins to tower over you. Look up at the canopy of scribbly gums, blackbutt, rusty gums and bloodwoods.

Hidden Lake appears suddenly on your right and then the vegetation transforms into lush rainforests of satinay, hoop pine and brush box.

Just before the southern picnic area, the forest once again opens up. Return back along the track or arrange for someone to pick you up.

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 Northern Forest walk is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

• The walk is on the Northern Forests scenic drive and has two entrances.
• The northern entrance is 23.2km from the Happy Valley township and 19.2km from Woralie Road. The southern entrance is 11.3km further south.
• The Northern Forests 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.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Northern Forests walk 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 and Walk with care.