Ungowa (tent site) camping area
Escape the crowds, embrace the solitude, drink in the ocean views and relish the island's fantastic beach fishing.
Accessible by
- High clearance 4WD
Camping area facilities
- Picnic tables
- Toilets (non-flush)
- Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
- Tent camping
- Tent camping beside car
- Walking
- Scenic drive
- Fishing
- Photo credit: Jenna Tapply © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: Jenna Tapply © Queensland Government
Always check
- Park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
- Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts.
- Current bushfire warnings and incidents and also fire bans and restrictions.
- Your camping permit is booked.
- Any park-specific camping information for
K'gari.
- Visiting K'gari safely for important safety information.
Deep in the Great Sandy Strait and hugging the island’s south-western shore, Ungowa was once the regular island access point from Hervey Bay.
Set up camp in the shady forest and head off to explore the South White Cliffs. From the top you’ll not only gain a sense of the coast's spectacular beauty, but also snap some incredible photos.
If you're a keen angler, the strong tidal currents and winds form an ever-shifting seascape. Throw in a line and try your luck for any number of delicious table fish.
At the end of the day, kick back with a cool drink and watch the stunning sunset splash across the sky.
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
Ungowa camping area is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.
- The camping area is on Ungowa Road on the west coast of K'gari, 7.2km west from the Central Station day-use area and 5.7km south of the Wanggoolba Creek barge landing area.
- From Wanggoolba Road, turn onto Ungowa Road and drive south for 6.3km to the 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.
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
Ungowa 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.
Upcoming camping area availability
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting K'gari safely and camp with care.
- Central Station visitor facility upgrades planned from April to July 2024 4 March to 31 July 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 - Figtree Creek 14 April to 31 May 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 (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
- Beware crocodiles
- Be dingo-safe
- Beware marine stingers (jellyfish)
Conditions report
K'gari conditions report Updated 26 Apr 2024
Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.