Why camp on the Fraser Coast?
The Fraser Coast is one of Queensland's great camping destinations — a region where the outdoors truly is your backyard. You can wake to the sound of humpback whales breaching offshore in Hervey Bay, watch the sunrise paint the coloured sand cliffs of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) in amber and ochre, or simply sit beside a campfire on the Burrum River while a kingfisher darts overhead. The range of experiences on offer — from powered sites in well-appointed holiday parks to raw, permit-only beach camping on a World Heritage island — means every style of camper will find their place here.
Hervey Bay: holiday parks with everything at your doorstep
Hervey Bay is the natural base for many Fraser Coast visitors, and its caravan and holiday parks are among the most well-serviced in regional Queensland. Parks dotted along the foreshore put you within easy reach of cafes, the famous Urangan Pier, the marina, and whale watching departures. The Torquay strip — one of Hervey Bay's liveliest precincts — is home to beachfront parks where calm, child-safe waters front the camping grounds, making them ideal for families. One park sits directly on the foreshore at Torquay, while another is positioned just a stone's throw from the iconic Urangan Pier, close to local restaurants, markets, and the beach. Inland options offer subtropical garden surrounds with pools, playgrounds, and camp kitchens — a great all-rounder for longer stays. Parks in Hervey Bay typically offer tour-booking desks where you can arrange whale watching, K'gari day trips, and other experiences.
Camping near the marina and River Heads
For travellers heading across to K'gari, positioning yourself near the marina or River Heads makes a lot of sense. Harbourview Caravan Park sits within a lush 5-acre oasis in Hervey Bay's marina precinct — the closest campground to both the marina and K'gari. It caters for a wide range of travellers, with discounts for seniors and off-peak visitors, pet-friendly sites, and access to a tour information office on-site. The adjacent Boat Club is a welcome bonus after a day on the water. Further south towards River Heads, Fraser Coast RV Park spans 75 acres and caters for all configurations — RVs, motorhomes, caravans, and tents — on a large nature reserve. The park is just three minutes from the K'gari ferry, with over four kilometres of walking trails, 69 recorded bird species, and facilities that are fully wheelchair-friendly.
Camping on K'gari: a truly wild experience
Camping on K'gari itself is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you've packed up your tent. There are 35 camping areas spread across the island, set among long beaches, freshwater lakes, dramatic coloured-sand cliffs, natural sandblows, and rocky headlands. Beach camping zones stretch along the spectacular Eastern Beach, close to the Central and Southern Lakes scenic drives. At Waddy Point in the island's north-east, a beachfront tent camping area sits under casuarina trees facing the ocean — sheltered from south-easterly winds, with communal fire rings, flushing toilets, and coin-operated hot showers nearby. Camping permits and vehicle access permits are required and can be booked through the Queensland National Parks website in advance. High-clearance 4WD access is essential for most areas, and beach driving conditions are tidal-dependent — plan your drives around the tide times and always check the K'gari conditions report before you travel.
Burrum Coast: peaceful river and coastal camping
Just 30 minutes from Hervey Bay, the Burrum Coast offers a quieter, more laid-back camping experience. The fully upgraded Burrum Heads Beachfront Tourist Park sits at the mouth of the Burrum River, offering stunning water views, a modern amenities block, a BBQ area, camp kitchen, and an on-site tinnie ramp for boaties. The park's non-riverfront Southside area is dog-friendly, and a tour desk allows guests to book K'gari and Lady Elliot Island tours year-round. Whale watching tours depart from nearby Hervey Bay from late July to early November. Just south of Burrum Heads, Riverside Burrum Heads is an eco-tourist park nestled between the Burrum Coast National Park and the Isis River — campfires are permitted, pets are welcome, and river access is available for kayaks and tinnies.
Maryborough: caravan parks in Queensland's heritage city
Maryborough, Queensland's heritage city and birthplace of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers, offers a quieter base for those exploring the region's history and hinterland. Huntsville Caravan Park sits on the banks of the Mary River, a short drive from the town centre, the golf course, the RSL Club, and a nearby boat ramp. The park includes a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, a camp kitchen and BBQ, and a clean amenities block with laundry facilities. For travellers who want a more central location, other parks in Maryborough are situated within a couple of kilometres of the CBD, with access to shopping, entertainment facilities, and all town conveniences.
Practical tips for planning your Fraser Coast camping trip
A few things to keep in mind as you plan your trip. Advance bookings are strongly recommended during Queensland school holiday periods, especially for K'gari and popular Hervey Bay foreshore parks. If you're travelling with pets, check ahead — parks like Burrum Heads Beachfront, Riverside Burrum Heads, and Fraser Coast RV Park welcome four-legged companions, but policies vary. For K'gari, remember that a high-clearance 4WD is essential for island driving, tyre pressures should be reduced to around 18 PSI on sand, and recovery gear is advised. K'gari has a subtropical climate with warm to hot temperatures year-round; average summer temperatures reach around 29°C, while winter days are milder at around 22°C — ideal for camping. Browse our operator listings to find the park that suits your travel style, and click through to their websites to check availability and make a booking.