Lakeside camping in Fraser Island
This rugged sandy island is one of Australia’s adventure hotspots.
- Fraser Island
Popular camping styles for Fraser Island
Under $50
Available this weekend
4 top lakeside campgrounds in Fraser Island
Dog-friendly getaways
Star Hosts in Fraser Island
Lakeside camping in Fraser Island guide
Overview
Queensland’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fraser Island (K'gari) may be the world’s largest sand island but its landscape offers even more spectacular sights than the giant dunes for which it is famed. The scenery here is dotted with shimmering freshwater lakes, crystal-clear creeks, wind-sculpted cliffs, and lush rainforests, promising ample adventures from swimming to 4WDing and wildlife spotting. Fraser Island is also famed for its dingos, so campers with small children may want to opt for fenced-in campsites. You can visit all year-round but spring (September through November) offers the most comfortable temperatures, reduced humidity, and low rainfall. Plan ahead, especially during school holidays, as camping permits must be acquired before arrival.
Where to go
Central Station
Set inland, 20 minutes west of Eurong Beach Resort, and surrounded by rainforest, campers staying in Central Station can have a great walk along the banks of the freshwater Wanggoolba Creek and through the lush rainforest. Flora and fauna you may come across include the rare king fern Angiopteris evecta, which has the largest fern fronds in the world, as well as turtles and eels, and you’ll also be within easy access of Lake McKenzie, a popular swimming spot. The camping area, typically one of the island’s busiest, is surrounded by dingo-deterrent fence.
Waddy Point
On the island’s northeast coast, Waddy Point offers both beachfront (unfenced) and inland (fenced) camping areas with coin-operated hot showers and picnic tables, as well as capacity for camper trailers. Making Waddy Point your base puts you within easy access of some of the island’s top attractions, including the coastal headland of Indian Head (a good spot for watching dolphins and whales) and the rock pools filled with bubbling water known as the Champagne Pools. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
Dundubara
Dundubara is located in the middle of the 75-Mile Beach scenic drive on the east coast, halfway between Indian Head and the rusting S.S. Maheno shipwreck, which ran aground in 1935. You’re also within easy reach of Eli Creek, a popular freshwater swimming spot with a long boardwalk. Camping is available in a large fenced-in area behind great sand dunes and it's one of the few camping sites on the island that allows campfires.
Lake Boomanjin
Along the Southern Lakes scenic drive, the distinctly red-hued Lake Boomanjin offers a peaceful setting and opportunities for swimming and kayaking. The secluded lake is typically far less visited than Lake McKenzie, the island’s other famed perched lake. You can camp right by the lake at the fenced-in camping area with picnic tables and surrounded by forest: note that it is walk-in camping only, so there's no vehicle access to the tent sites.
