K'Gari / Fraser Island on Butchulla Country is a World Heritage listed, subtropical paradise famed for being the largest sand island on earth. Visitors flock from all over the world to come and experience this island paradise first-hand. Many Australians in particular love to camp here, but like many wild places, there are risks. Dundabara Camping Area helps to mitigate these risks by providing a fenced camping area between some of the island's highlights along its east coast surf beach.
Dundubara fenced campground has 42 tent sites and 5 camper trailer sites, each in their own large, clearly marked area
Dundubara Camping Area - safety and facilities
The main reason for staying in a fenced camping area is the presence of dingoes. Sadly, many have been fed by visitors over the years leading to aggressive behaviour. In April 2019,
a father fought off a dingo who had snatched his sleeping son from their camper trailer during the night. Since then there have been renewed calls for families with children under 14 in particular to use the fenced camping areas on the island.
Although Dundubara is fenced, dingoes can be seen all along the island's eastern beach
There are other benefits to staying at a fenced campsite such as Dundubara. Most notably, the amenities block has showers that will run hot water for $2 coins. As there are no shops at Dundabara, visitors should remember to get all of the change they think they will need for hot showers before leaving the mainland.
Dundubara also has a ranger station, and a payphone (there is some weak Telstra reception around the campsite, and we found it was strongest at the ranger station as well). The rangers are friendly, and have excellent knowledge of the island's fauna and flora. Picnic tables are also provided around the campground and can be used by day visitors who are staying in other parts of the island.
Interesting fauna and flora thrive within the fenced area, and the friendly rangers are very knowledgeable
Finally, Dundabara is one of the few campgrounds on the island that allows campfires (in the fire rings provided), which allows families to enjoy that great camping tradition - marshmallows!
Dundabara is one of only 3 campgrounds on the island that allows campfires
Nearby attractions
Dundabara is our favourite of the fenced camps due to its location which is convenient to a number of the island's attractions. About 10Km to the south, driving along the surf beach, is the Maheno Shipwreck which washed ashore during a cyclone in 1935.
The Maheno Wreck is just 10Km from Dundubara Campground
About another 8Km beyond this (the eastern beach is about 120Km long in total) is gorgeous Eli Creek with its boardwalk and excellent (but cold!) freshwater swimming.
Eli Creek offers cold but refreshing freshwater swimming
Looking north, Champagne Pools and their boardwalk are about 20Km from Dundubara, also along the eastern beach. These tidal pools are a very popular swimming spot for visitors in summer. Visitors should keep in mind, however, that there are no patrolled beaches or surf lifesavers on the island.
Champagne Pools and boardwalk to the north of Dundubara is another popular swimming area
Getting here and bookings
There are two routes to the island from the mainland. The first is to take the 10 minute
Manta Ray vehicle barge trip from Inskip Point to the southern tip of the island. This barge (they run two during peak holiday times) runs between the mainland and the island all day, only stopping for vehicles to embark and disembark, and there is no need to book in advance.
The second vehicle barge to the island is the
Kingfisher Bay Ferry which leaves from Hervey Bay and lands at Kingfisher Bay Resort. This is a scheduled service that requires advance booking.
Crossing to the island on a vehicle barge, and travelling in a 4x4 vehicle are necessary to reach Dundubara Camping Area
Whichever vehicle barge is most convenient for you, visitors will need a 4x4 vehicle to reach Dundabara Camping Area. Purchasing details on vehicle permits for driving on the island can be found
here.
Keep your eyes open when driving along the beach for all sorts of interesting objects and wildlife
What to bring
In addition to your usual camping gear, the following items are recommended when camping at Dundabara Camping Area:
Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing
Insect repellent, especially from spring to autumn
Untreated firewood for campfires
Drinking water or water treatment tablets for the campground water
Lockable food containers. Although dingoes are unable to enter Dundabara, the goannas are surprisingly adept at food theft!
Crafty goannas scour the campground for unattended food
