Fraser Island, Mother Nature’s very own theme park in Australia, has become a popular destination for a great number of travellers and adventurers ever since it was listed as a World Heritage site in 1992. Its uninterrupted stretch of white, powdery sands, unique freshwater lakes and precious flora and fauna are only some of the things that add up to the spectacular beauty of this place. That’s why it’s only reasonable that strict measures are established by the authorities to protect and preserve the island, allowing everyone to appreciate and enjoy this prized jewel for many years to come.
One of the ways that the government is implementing regulated entry and activities on Fraser Island is through issuing permits to visitors. Whether you’re camping, driving a 4WD, or tying the knot, you need to be able to obtain a permit first to ensure a smooth, safe and hassle-free holiday. And to help you, here we’ll offer important information and a guide on how you can secure Fraser Island permits for your next getaway.
Camping Permits
As we have discussed in a previous post, visitors who shall be staying at any of the Fraser Island camping sites should get a permit from the Department of Environment and Resource Management, along with a Fraser Island information pack, before arriving at the island.
According to the official website of Tourism Fraser Coast, “National Park campers must have a camping permit attached to their tent for inspection by the Department of Environment & Resource Management (DERM) Rangers.” The Department manages five out of the seven main Fraser Island camping areas. You need not obtain camping permits if you are staying at a commercial accommodation provider however. But for more information about camping permits and fees or to book in advance, you can refer to Dept. of National Parks.
Vehicle Permits
Fraser Island’s sandy roads make it definite 4WD territory, which is why a separate permit is required for Fraser Island 4WD vehicles. As listed on the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing’s website, “All vehicles with the exception of those remaining within the boundary of Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village (KBRV) must have a current Fraser Island vehicle access permit.” It must be bought prior to your arrival and displayed prominently on the windscreen.
Vehicle permits to Fraser Island cost $43.60 for a month or less. But for frequent travellers you can choose to avail yourself of vehicle access permits for $218.70 -good for more than one month or up to a year. You can buy an access permit online or at an over the counter booking office. Nevertheless, vehicle permits won’t be necessary if you book one of our Fraser Island 4WD tours at Dropbear Adventures.
Other Activities
For those planning to organise group activities or competitive events you must notify and seek approval first from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services (QPWS). You can use this form found here to register your activity.
Fraser Coast Chronicle also reports that changes to the permit system have been recently approved. The report says, “Couples who choose to get married on the island will also now only have to enter a booking, rather than complete the much-larger group activity permit. School trips and recreational events will also be able to use a booking system instead of permits.”
Now that you know what Fraser Island permits are required, it’s time to grab your phone and give us a call at K’gari Fraser Island Adventures. We can arrange the most exciting and hassle-free trip to Fraser for you with all the necessities covered, including the permits! We invite you to speak with us today for more information.