Going camping whilst bushwalking or 4WD four wheel driving is one of the best ways of appreciating Fraser Island attractions.

There are 8 main camping areas:  six managed by the government Department of Environment, and two operated privately.

Developed camping areas are provided by the Dept of Environment at Central Station, Lake Boomanjin, Lake McKenzie, Dundubara, Waddy Point and Wathumba.  Facilities include toilets, showers, picnic tables, barbecues and limited supplies of wood are provided.  Campers need to bring non-wood stoves as firewood is not always available.

Facilities at the commercial camping areas located at Dilli Village and Cathedral Beach include toilets, showers and barbeques.

Beach camping is permitted along sections of the east and west coasts.  Some areas will be periodically closed to camping to allow revegetation and to prevent excessive erosion.  These areas will be clearly signposted.  Camping is not permitted within 50 metres of a lake, watercourse or stream.

Camping along the eastern beach is very popular with those who like to rough it.  Camping permits are still required.  At busy times of year even along this 125km long stretch of beach you will find it hard to get a decent spot.  All beach camping sites are set back just beyond the main dune ridge that skirts the high tide mark.  These sites are usually quite tricky to drive into particularly with a trailer.  The sand is very soft and often deep.  At high tide some sites are virtually cut off.

Permits

Permits are required in advance for camping in the Fraser Island Recreational Area, covering almost the whole of the Island.  These permits are not necessary nor valid for the commercial camping areas at Dilli Village and Cathedral Beach Resort.  Fee details are given in the government Department of Environment's Fraser Island visitor information sheet ($3.85 per person per day in March 2001).

Permit Issuing offices are located at:

• Brisbane Naturally Qld. Shop, 160 Anne St (07) 32278185
• Gympie Q.NPWS, Bruce Highway (07) 5482 4189
• Maryborough Q.NPWS, Cnr Lennox & Alice Sts (07) 4123 7100
• Bundaberg Q.NPWS, Quay St (07) 4153 8620
• Hervey Bay City Council, 77 Tavistock St, Torquay (07) 4125 0222
• Marina Kiosk, Buccaneer Dve., Urangan (07) 4128 9800
• River Heads General Store, Ariadne St (07) 4125 7133
• Rainbow Beach Q.NPWS, Rainbow Beach Rd (07) 5486 3160

Advice for Campers:

All domestic animals are prohibited from the Recreation Area except for guide dogs for the disabled, for which a permit is required.

• Do not camp within 100 meters of a lake or 50 meters of a creek.
• Avoid digging trenches around your tent.
• Use fuel stoves in preference to wood fires. If using BBQ's, use wood provided.
• Do not feed or encourage the dingoes, goannas or other wildlife.
• Do not bury rubbish. Dispose of it in the proper bins or remove it from the island when you leave.
• Do not use detergents, soaps, toothpaste or shampoos in the lakes or waterways, it encourages damaging algal growth.
• Observe hygiene standards when camping without toilet facilities and bury human waste.
• Respect the peace of other campers. Do not create noise or play loud music.
• Boil water taken from natural sources.
• Leave the campsite tidy for other campers.