Beach Camping on Fraser Island?

Submitted: Thursday, Feb 02, 2006 at 21:40

ThreadID: 30364 Views:2785 Replies:4 FollowUps:10

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Stu A

Has anybody beach camped on Fraser Island's surf (Eastern) side recently? Predominently in the area north of Happy Valley but South of Dundubara?
I am thinking of looking for a spot in that area but I have a camper trailer so therefore need something relatively flat.

What really peeves me is that I am sick and tired of camping in beach locations where the sand under your feet around the campsite is dark grey or black because of open fires that were not cleaned up or just rubbish thrown around and over use.

I can remember the days as a kid when we would camp and have pure white sand under the tent and kitchen areas. It makes me want to camp on the dune areas away from the "regular" spots. Perhaps I should, is it allowed on Fraser Is?

Anyway, there's my ranting and raving for the year done !

If anybody thinks this or any other part of the Fraser Island beach is good for camper trailers with Kids and neer a creek or swimming at Eli then I am all ears and would appreciate some recommendations.

Cheers

Stu

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Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Thursday, Feb 02, 2006 at 21:54

Thursday, Feb 02, 2006 at 21:54

Hi Stu, me again.
There are heaps of good camping spots along the beach between Happy Valley and Dundubara. They are sign posted.
We were up ther last week-end for the clean up and camped at Poyungan Valley Camp area, just north of Poyungan Rocks . This is a bit to the south of Happy Valley.

Heaps of places suitable for CTs. There must have been close to 200 of them beach camped for the clean up. About a dozen with our club.

No problem with old camp fires. Fires are banned outside a couple of the major camp grounds, and then only in the provided rings. And the place is now nice and clean as well!!

Enjoy and keep it clean.

AnswerID: 152608

Follow Up By: Patrick - Saturday, Feb 04, 2006 at 08:49

Saturday, Feb 04, 2006 at 08:49

Hey Norm, what 4WD club do you belong to as many of mine (Moreton Districts Off-Road Club) were also at the annual Australian Day weekend clean up?

Unfortunately I couldn't attend but those who did said that a great time was had by all.

Thread Lightly....

Cheers, Patrick

FollowupID: 406678

Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Saturday, Feb 04, 2006 at 10:20

Saturday, Feb 04, 2006 at 10:20

Gold Coast 4WD Club Patrick, as is Brain (also on this thread). Saw some of the Morton guys up there.

FollowupID: 406696

Follow Up By: Patrick - Saturday, Feb 04, 2006 at 13:18

Saturday, Feb 04, 2006 at 13:18

Thanks for the feedback, I hope you enjoyed the weekend away as the weather from memory was pretty good. I know our team did.

Had I looked at your profile I would have found the info on clubs by myself....Deeeeerrrrr

Cheers, Patrick

FollowupID: 406734

Follow Up By: Stu A - Sunday, Feb 05, 2006 at 07:45

Sunday, Feb 05, 2006 at 07:45

Thanks Norm C
Are fresh water creeks very abundant in the area between Happy Valley and Dundubara?
Because of the kids (4yo & 2yo) and hot weather, a local creek really helps the "playtime!".
In the past I have camped more south around the Eurong area and creeks seems to be fairly regular down there.
I had the impression in my mind that after Happey Valley the hills behind the camping areas become steep cliffs and the qty of creeks is reduced - do you agree?

Stu A

And a BIG THANKYOU for doing the cleanup, it's nice to think the island will be at it's best when we get up there in about 6 weeks!

FollowupID: 406934

Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Sunday, Feb 05, 2006 at 10:13

Sunday, Feb 05, 2006 at 10:13

Stu, If you haven't done so, have a look at the QPWS web site. Lots of god info, including a map showing all the camping areas.

There is good camping not far from Eli Creek. Not sure how old the kids are, but you might need to watch them closely there. Not deep, but runs pretty fast for little ones. Also bl**dy cold. But a great spot.

I think in another question you indicated a concern about dingos with the kids. If that was you, it was suggested that a fenced camp ground might be best. QPWS recommends using them if you have small children. For these places, you are supposed to book before, but they cost no more than beach camping.

If beach camping, there are heaps of good places. Get across there an hour or so before the low and you have plenty of time to look around and select one.

QPWS web site:

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=1

FollowupID: 406968

Reply By: the real chopper - Thursday, Feb 02, 2006 at 23:00

Thursday, Feb 02, 2006 at 23:00

I know of a couple of great spots just south of the Maheno. Have a bit of a look around and you'll find something suitable

AnswerID: 152630

Reply By: Member - Brian (Gold Coast) - Friday, Feb 03, 2006 at 08:10

Friday, Feb 03, 2006 at 08:10

I was there with Norm C and you'll find some nice CLEAN spots all the way up the east coast!

I think Fraser is under a Total Fire Ban that has been in place for some time, so blackened sand shouldn't be a drama.........

AnswerID: 152663

Follow Up By: Moose - Friday, Feb 03, 2006 at 14:30

Friday, Feb 03, 2006 at 14:30

I was under the impression from what was said at our last club meeting that fires are banned anywhere on the beach. I think it's a NP fire ban, one that may never be lifted.

FollowupID: 406457

Follow Up By: Member - Brian (Gold Coast) - Friday, Feb 03, 2006 at 16:38

Friday, Feb 03, 2006 at 16:38

Yeah Moose, i'm with you, I think it is a total ban

FollowupID: 406516

Follow Up By: Member - Brian (Gold Coast) - Friday, Feb 03, 2006 at 16:40

Friday, Feb 03, 2006 at 16:40

This copied from 4WD QLD web site;

Fire Prohibition

Effective 7 October 2005.

Great Sandy National Park

(Fraser Island and Cooloola)

Due to high fire risk, please be advised that from 7 October 2005 until further notice, fires must not be lit in the Fraser Island section and Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park and the Fraser Island and Inskip Peninsula Recreation Areas.

Contravention of this prohibition is an offence under:

The Nature Conservation Act 1992. A maximum penalty of 165 penalty units
($12,375) applies. On-the-spot penalty $375.
The Recreation Areas Management Act 1988. A maximum penalty of 20 penalty
units ($1500) applies. On-the-spot penalty $50.
Your co-operation in the protection of people, property and wildlife is appreciated.

For further information please contact:
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Rainbow Beach Office
PO Box 30 Rainbow Beach QLD 4581
Phone: (07) 5486 3160

FollowupID: 406519

Reply By: Turbo Diesel - Friday, Feb 03, 2006 at 10:34

Friday, Feb 03, 2006 at 10:34

Anywhere below the Maheno is generally pretty good, some good spots below eli creek as well. There are pletny of spots you will be fine, the laws come in in april regarding camping so take a good look at the camp area you are in so that you can remember it for next time. Remember no exercising on fraser just the gentle lifting of stubbies.

AnswerID: 152692