• Lunch in the dappled shade of cypress pines. Photo credit: © Steven Nowakowski
• Absorb the stillness and the superb scenery. Photo credit: © Ben Blanche

As you unwind in this shady picnic area, you’ll catch enticing glimpses of the lake's calm waters through the trees. Follow your instincts and stroll down to the water's edge. The expansive views of this pretty lake mirroring the green trees and blue sky will inspire you, so be sure to take your camera.

Stay and watch the waterbirds, slip into the cool waters for a swim or hop into your kayak and explore the sheltered water.

If you’d rather head out for a walk, take the Cypress circuit through an elaborate forest of twisted paperbark trees and giant white cypress pines to Ocean Lake and onto a lookout.

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 Ocean Lake 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 on the Eastern Beach scenic drive, about 7.3km north of Waddy Point.
• The Eastern Beach scenic drive is only accessible 2hrs either side of low tide.

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

Ocean Lake 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.