Vehicle permit
Every vehicle needs its own K’gari vehicle access permit for the dates it is on the island.
Book a permit ↗01
Before you go
Ferry
Manta Ray barges run from Inskip Point to Hook Point. Book ahead for the school-holiday long weekend.
Book Manta Ray ↗Camping cost
Steve is confirming final numbers before dividing the group camping cost. QPWS camping fees are charged per person.
Cost to follow
Planning visual · GPT ImageBefore you go checklist
0 of 14 ready
Tick these off as you prepare. Each family’s name and ticks stay only on the phone or browser being used—nothing is shared publicly.
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Travel plan
Thursday 1 October · Main group arrivalArrive Rainbow Beach by 11:00 am for fuel and last-minute supplies. Reach Inskip 11:45 am–12:15 pm, lower tyres to around 18 psi (adjust to conditions), then aim for a 12:30–1:00 pm barge. Use the Hook Point inland road and target Waddy arrival 4:45–5:30 pm.
Saturday 3 October · Later arrivalsBest option is first 6:00 am barge. For a relaxed arrival, stay Saturday night at Wongai/Eurong, then drive north to Waddy early Sunday.
Monday 5 October · ReturnBe packed and ready by 6:30 am. Leave Waddy around 7:00 am, allowing time for the Hook Point barge queue.
Drive time guide
QPWS places Waddy about 100 km north of Hook Point. Allow 3–5+ hours wheels-on-island for a family convoy, depending on tide, sand, traffic and stops. A perfect-condition run can be quicker, but is not the plan.
The beach is quickest when firm, but drive to the conditions and follow the signed speed limits: up to 80 km/h on beach, 30 km/h inland, 40 km/h in pedestrian areas.
QPWS driving safety ↗03
Beach-driving windows
Use the beach roughly two hours either side of low tide. Conditions change—check the official tide sheet and park alerts just before travelling.
| Date | Low tide | Best beach window | Useful for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 1 Oct | 5:33 pm | 3:33–7:33 pm | Main group northbound run |
| Fri 2 Oct | 7:04 pm | 5:04–9:04 pm | Local Waddy / north island |
| Sat 3 Oct | 5:41 am · 8:47 pm | 3:41–7:41 am · 6:47–10:47 pm | First ferry for later arrivals |
| Sun 4 Oct | 7:15 am | 5:15–9:15 am | Wongai/Eurong to Waddy |
| Mon 5 Oct | 8:59 am | 6:59–10:59 am | Return south to Hook Point |
Saturday’s evening low is not a practical Inskip arrival: the final Manta Ray barge leaves Inskip at 4:45 pm, leaving too little daylight for a northbound drive.
04
Ideas for the days
Friday · Waddy & north
Settle in, Waddy Point headland, Champagne Pools and an optional tide-aware run north.
Saturday · Sandy Cape
A full-day, tide-dependent option for experienced, well-prepared vehicles. Check conditions before committing.
Sunday · Lakes
Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek and Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), with beach legs planned around the tide.
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Vehicle readiness
Every vehicle
- High-clearance 4WD with low range
- Rated front recovery points
- Tyre gauge and compressor; ability to lower and reinflate pressures
- Long-handled shovel, spare tyre, jack and suitable jack base
- UHF radio preferred—ideally 5 W
- Maxtrax optional, recommended
Group recovery gear
Steve’s Everest and Yin’s Prado will carry recovery equipment including straps/ropes. That supports the group; it does not replace each vehicle’s recovery points and tyre-management gear.
K’gari map ↗Gear starting points
These are shopping categories, not required brands. Check compatibility with your vehicle and get recovery advice or training before using straps or other recovery equipment.
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At camp
Waddy Point Top
Fenced group camping with flushing toilets, paid hot showers, washing-up facilities, picnic tables and communal fire rings. Treat tap water before drinking. Mobile service is generally unavailable.
Dingo safety
Keep children close, never feed dingoes, secure all food and rubbish, and do not run. Follow ranger directions and the campsite rules.
Waddy information ↗08
Sand-driving refresher
Watch before you leave
Independent K’gari / Inskip driving overview. Conditions and access change—always follow current QPWS advice and signs on the island.
The short version
- Use a high-clearance 4WD with low range; AWD is not recommended.
- Plan beach travel around low tide and arrive well before dusk.
- Slow down for people, washouts, wildlife and changing sand.
- Only trained operators should use snatch straps or tow ropes.
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K’gari: place and story
Butchulla Country
K’gari is the traditional home of the Butchulla people. QPWS records that Butchulla people lived with the seasons and land and sea for more than 5,000 years—possibly far longer. The island holds sites of continuing spiritual, social and archaeological significance.
Butchulla people ↗A remarkable island
At 123 km long, K’gari is the world’s largest sand island. Its evolving dunes, lakes, soils and forests earned World Heritage listing in 1992. Lake Boomanjin is the world’s largest perched lake; its brown colour comes from natural tannins.
K’gari information ↗10
Family fun
K’gari quick quiz
Beach driving is best within about two hours either side of…
Who are the Traditional Custodians of K’gari?
Which is the world’s largest perched lake?
Choose an answer to start.
Word hunt
Find the six trip words. Type a word, then tap Find.
Hint: start with the island’s name.
11
Useful links
Permits, ferries and park information
Saturday stopover option
Steve has a spare Wongai booking. It is a fenced area just south of Eurong, but has no facilities—bring a portable toilet. See Wongai details.