• Choose a site under the Moreton Bay Ash trees. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• While away your days in the shade. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government
• Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government

This convenient camping area sits on the Eastern Beach scenic drive, close to the Champagne Pools and Ocean Lakes.

After you’ve set up camp, wander down to the beach for a walk or a game of cricket. Cast a line and see if you can reel in dinner—you can cook it over an open fire if you’ve brought your own firewood.

If being on the water is more your style, launch your canoe or kayak and explore the sheltered water of Marloo Bay.

After falling asleep to the soothing ocean sounds, wake to a melody of birdcalls and ready for another day exploring K'gari.

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

Waddy Point top 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 Eastern Beach scenic drive via the 5.7km Middle Rocks Bypass Road. The camping area is 26.9km north of Dundubara and 42.3km north of Eli Creek.
• 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.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Waddy Point top 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: Waddy Point camping and day-use area map (PDF, 1.3MB)

Camping area features: formal, fenced camping area set in coastal woodland near a rocky headland.

Location: on the north-east coast of K'gari, approximately 100km north of the Hook Point barge landing area and 5km north of Tukkee Wurroo (Indian Head).

Access: high clearance 4WD only, off-road camper trailers.

• Be aware: Soft sand and rough track conditions exist between Tukkee Wurroo (Indian Head) and Waddy Point. Ensure your vehicle is powerful enough for the trailer you are towing.

Number of sites: 25 groups permitted (tent camping) in large open areas and 6 camper trailer sites. Trailer sites are not numbered on the ground but are defined by the trailer symbol. There is a large group site for schools and other organised groups of between 20 and 40 people.
Please note: You must specifically book your camper trailer into a trailer site. Only 1 camper trailer per trailer site. Tent sites do not accommodate trailers. Please consider others and keep your camp compact. Some camping capacity is reserved for commercial operators.

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping—walk-in camping; trailer sites—off-road camper trailers or walk-in.

Camp site surface: grass and sand

Facilities: water taps (treat water before drinking), flushing toilets, coin-operated hot showers, picnic tables, communal fire rings, washing-up facilities. Rubbish bins available at QPWS waste transfer station on the southern entrance to Orchid Beach township.

Open fires: Permitted in QPWS provided fire rings only (refer to map). No fires are permitted at Waddy Point when QPWS fire prohibition or local fire bans are imposed—check the K'gari Conditions Report.
Please note: If you intend to use one of the fire rings, you must bring your own untreated milled timber (or mill off-cuts). It is illegal to collect firewood—including leaves and twigs for kindling—in the recreation area. Read: Bushfire Safety.

Generators: not permitted

Essentials to bring: first-aid kit, prescription medicines (if needed), fuel or gas stove, water containers, rubbish bags, insect repellent, $2 coins for showers, untreated milled timber off-cuts if you wish to use the communal fire rings, sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles, ropes and lockable food storage containers. Smokers should bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Read: 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, nearest pay phone is at the Orchid Beach store.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

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