Tourists to return to K'gari following bushfire

Issued: 14 Dec 2020

Tourist accommodation providers on K’gari-Fraser Island have been given the green light to welcome guests for Christmas following the recent bushfire, with access restrictions to be lifted from tomorrow.

In great news for those who planned to stay or visit the island over the Christmas-New Year break, authorities have determined it will be safe to open vehicle access along the eastern beach tomorrow, allowing visitors to travel to K’gari’s townships.

This means resorts, private accommodation such as beach houses and residential Airbnb style accommodation can be open for business.

The island’s most popular visitor destinations will also be progressively reopened following hazard assessments and any essential works.

These include:

  • Lake McKenzie
  • Central Station
  • Lake Wabby
  • Eli Creek
  • Maheno
  • Champagne Pools

Campers don’t miss out either, with many campgrounds and beach camping zones reopening and available for booking from tomorrow afternoon.

Those re-opening are:

  • Beach camping zones south of Poyungan Rocks
  • Waddy Point beachfront camping
  • Waddy Point campground

Other camping opportunities will become available as hazard assessments progress.

Those who booked a site in an area that continues to be closed beyond tomorrow will of course also be given a refund.

QPWS will provide information via park alerts and @QldParkAlerts on Twitter for campground information up until the Christmas-New Year break to keep visitors informed about the status and impacts on their booking.

Visitors should be aware that some areas affected by fire or the fire response will remain closed while they are assessed for risks and necessary maintenance is undertaken.

This includes many of the island’s walking tracks which will take time to fully assess and are currently still too dangerous to re-open.

The closure of access to townships and campgrounds has been necessary and in the interests of public safety.

QPWS staff have worked hard alongside Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation and local businesses to do everything they can to both ensure safety and get the island open to tourists as soon as possible.

QPWS regrets the inconvenience caused to those who planned to camp or visit K’gari prior to tomorrow, however public safety is always the top priority.

Visitors to the island should also continue to check park alerts and Twitter to keep up-to-date on information such as weather, fire or restrictions.

Media note: Please find a dropbox link which includes audio from Deputy Director-General Ben Klaassen.