Event Information

Transferring a K'gari Clean Up registration to another financial member in their own club.

Member receiving the registration transfer must have a 4WD QLD Account before completing form. The registration fee is to be sorted between the members. No transfers accepted after the 20th April

Please follow this link and fill out the form. Transfer Vehicle & Camping Permits for K'gari Clean Up

 

To help make each clean-up event safe and pleasant for everyone please read

the below information and acknowledge upon registration at check in.

Four Wheel Drive Queensland and the K'gari clean up committee have pledged to QPWS that all volunteers registered for the K'gari Clean-Up will commit to a minimum of 6 hours work on the event day. To ensure the health and safety of all volunteers it is mandatory for all volunteers to agree, understand, fill in and sign a Volunteer Event Registration Check In Form to be able to participate in any 4WD QLD K’gari Clean Up event.

All volunteers or legal guardians agree that 4WD QLD K'gari Clean Up and the event organisers will not be liable for:
1. Any injuries sustained by the volunteer
2. Any act or omissions, negligence or fault of any person participating in the clean up event
3. Any loss or damage to property owned by, or in the possession of the volunteer

All volunteers or legal guardians agree that they:
1. Have received a thorough site safety trip briefing by the club trip leader prior to commencing the clean up and will comply with all directions at all times
2. Will take reasonable care for their own safety and will not do anything to harm themselves or other volunteers
3. Will accompany and supervise all volunteers 15 years of age or under who are registered under their signature
4. Will not handle syringes or other sharps but will inform the club trip leader immediately to ensure safe removal
5. Will supply and wear all mandatory personal protective equipment, high visibility clothing or vest, fully enclosed footwear, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses / eye protection and hat. Long sleeved shirt and long pants are mandatory for weeding activities and recommended for volunteers carrying out beach cleaning. Volunteers who are not dressed in accordance with the mandatory PPE requirements will not be able to participate for safety reasons.
6. Will obey all lawful directions and instructions of the club trip leader or 4WD QLD K'gari Clean Up Officials including QPWS Rangers, Police and Ambulance.
7. Have informed the club trip leader of any pre existing medical conditions that might affect their participation in the Clean Up event
8. Are not affected by drugs or alcohol

Event Code of Behaviour

1. All clubs and their members agree to abide by the 4WD QLD Code of Behaviour
2. All members agree to live in harmony with respect to other club members, the general public and not behave in a way that brings the association and its members into disrepute.
3. Aggressive behaviour, bullying towards members, office bearers of clubs or the association will not be tolerated.
4. Any dispute between members needs to be addressed through the clubs and/or association's management committee dispute resolution process.

Event Code of Conduct

1. All drivers must be licensed
2. Vehicles must be registered and in a roadworthy condition
3. All standard road rules apply when driving on the beach / inland tracks
4. All vehicles attending trips must have approved tow / recovery points (front & rear)
5. All vehicles must carry recovery equipment
6. All vehicles are driven at the owners risk. It is up to the individual to have adequate off road and camping insurance
7. All members and guests must conduct themselves in a responsible manner
8. All camp sites must be left free of rubbish and tidy
9. Dune driving / parking – IS NOT ALLOWED
10. K'gari is a heritage listed National Park – Fires only allowed where permitted
Do not make food available or feed the wildlife, FINES APPLY. Store all food and waste securely in vehicles.
The below Code of Conduct have been produced by Four Wheel Drive Australia in the interest of promoting responsible vehicle use.

 

Off Road Drive – Code of Conduct (Code of Ethics)

1. Obey the laws and regulations for Recreational Vehicles that apply to public lands.
2. Respect the cultural, heritage and environmental values of public/private land, by obeying restrictions that may apply.
3. Respect our flora and fauna. Stop and look, but never disturb.
4. Keep to formed vehicle tracks.
5. Keep the environment clean. Carry your own, and any other, rubbish out.
6. Keep your vehicle mechanically sound and clean to reduce the environmental impact.
7. Adopt minimal impact camping and driving practices.
8. Seek permission before driving on private land. Do not disturb livestock or watering points, leave gates as found.
9. Take adequate water, food, fuel, basic spares and a first aid kit on trips. In remote areas travel with another vehicle and have Royal Flying Doctor Service, or equivalent emergency contact by radio or satellite.
10. Plan ahead and lodge trip details with a responsible person.
11. Enjoy your recreation and respect the rights of others.
12. Support four-wheel drive touring as a legitimate family activity.
13. Consider joining an affiliated four-wheel drive club.

 

On Road Drive – Code of Conduct (Code of Ethics)

1. Obey all the laws and regulations that apply to vehicles on public and private roads.
2. Respect the rights of others to use and share the road space – acknowledge that your vehicle may be wider and higher than others, so keep as far left of the road as possible so as to allow a following driver some oncoming line of sight before fully committing his vehicle to the opposite side of the road.
3. Keep a safe distance between vehicles – acknowledge that increased weight and tyre choice can affect braking distance.
4. When following a smaller vehicle, increase the distance so that its mirrors have adequate vision beyond the larger vehicle.
5. Break up convoys into groups of no more than 5 vehicles with larger separation between groups.
6. Leave overtaking space between groups – be aware of overtaking vehicles and their requirements when moving through the group.
7. Take care when cornering – acknowledge that increased weight combined with a raised centre of gravity can affect vehicle handling.
8. Take care when reversing – check blind spots and ensure that no one has walked behind your vehicle before you reverse. If necessary get out of the vehicle to make sure the area behind is clear.
9. Be aware of vision limitations and be particularly observant near children to avoid accidents.
10. Ensure your vehicle complies with relevant State legislation in relation to roadworthiness and modifications.
11. Keep your vehicle clean and in good mechanical condition to reduce the environmental impact.
12. Make others aware that your four-wheel drive is a legitimate choice of lifestyle or family vehicle.
13. Consider joining an affiliated four-wheel drive Club.

 

Camping – Code of Conduct (Code of Ethics)

Four Wheel Drive Australia supports dispersed vehicle based camping. Campers stopping in unspoiled areas are responsible for the next camper’s enjoyable stay. This is achieved by those who have been there before you, having left nothing but footprints when they have departed.

Upon departure, leave the area as if no one had been there and in the same or better condition than previously.

Ensure that the area you are visiting is not so sensitive that your presence will leave a permanent impact.

 

 

Camping

1. Dispersed camping is recommended so as not to compact the ground surface and inhibit vegetation growth or regrowth.
2. Use huts where provided only under the advertised conditions of use – many are for emergency shelter only. Use established campsites. When on a camping trip campers must be self reliant and carry your own tent or swag.
3. Do not dig trenches or gutters around tents or swags.
4. Locate your camp out from the drop zone of suspect trees and in particular keep clear of eucalyptus which may shed branches at any time.
5. Camp on elevated land and avoid at all times dry river beds, which are extremely dangerous as flash flooding can and does occur.
6. Camp at least 30m from any natural waterhole, creek or river in such a way that you do not prevent native fauna and station stock from gaining access to water.
7. Do not camp within a 500m radius of a dam or constructed stock watering point.
8. Do not camp within a 100m of any building unless specific permission has been granted.

 

Washing

1. Don’t wash anything using soaps or detergents in streams and lakes.
2. Wash points should not be located within 50m of any creek, stream, river or waterhole to prevent contamination of such waters.
3. Care must also be taken to ensure that a wash point is not located over a watercourse that feeds into the water supply.
4. When disposing of waste water spread it across the ground to enable natural filtration.
5. Do not use waste water to feed the root systems of native flora as the residue contained within the water could be harmful.

 

Rubbish

1. Adopt the practice of “leave no trace” camping.
2. Take out what you bring in and dispose of rubbish in designated rubbish bins or dumps.
3. Carry suitable containers in which to store rubbish and re-use where possible.
4. Avoid carrying high rubbish potential items such as bottles, cans and plastics, and remove unnecessary packaging prior to departure on trips.
5. Do not bury rubbish as it may be dug up and scattered by native animals.
6. Dispose of plastics in disposal facilities provided or take it home with you for approved disposal.
7. Nappies and sanitary napkins must not be disposed of in composting or deep pit toilets but should be packed safely and taken out to an approved disposal point.

 

Campfires

1. Always check for fire restrictions with local authorities and comply with their regulations.
2. A Total Fire Ban is applicable to all types of fuel other than electricity, so be prepared.
3. Do not create a new fireplace where one already exists.
4. If a fire pit needs to be dug, try to remove the topsoil as a sod and place to one side. When the fire has been extinguished and is not to be used again, replace the sod
   over the cold ashes.
5. Keep the area surrounding any open fire be clear of vegetation for a radius of 4m, or as required by the local authority.
6. Spare firewood is to be kept a minimum of 3m from a fire.
7. Do not use stones in the construction of a fireplace as they are prone to explode from the heat of the fire sending dangerous fragments in all directions.
8. Use only dead fallen timber for fuel if permitted.
9. Campers are not to cut standing trees as these are a key part of the environment.
10. Never burn ‘treated’ timber in a fire. Suitable alternative fuels are heat beads, shellite, gas and unleaded petrol used in appropriate cookers.
11. Never leave a fire burning unattended.
12. Campfires should not exceed one metre in diameter and 0.5m in height. Separate cooking fires may be permitted if fuel is in abundance but should be kept to as few as possible. Set a time at which combustible rubbish, food etc, may be reduced in the fire.
13. Do not place plastic/foam/metal objects in a campfire.
14. When decamping, ensure that the fire is completely extinguished as residual hot ashes present a fire hazard and are likely to cause injury to foraging animals.
15. Dispose of cold ashes around plants as these will liberate nutrients in the soil.

 

Toilets

1. Use properly constructed toilets where provided.
2. Self dug toilets should be not less than 100m distant from campsites and water courses or water holes.
3. Individual toilet holes should be as deep as practicable to prevent excavation by fauna.
4. Do not attempt to burn toilet paper in toilet holes. Bushfires have been started by this practice.
5. Fill in hole with removed soil and compact as much as possible.
6. Chemical toilets should be used in those areas where the ground surface prevents digging adequate toilet holes or the soil is of a type that is not suited to such a purpose. They should also be used in those areas which have a sensitive environment and ecology which is easily disrupted. Waste from chemical toilets should be disposed of at authorised sewerage points.

Driving & Tidal Information

Check beach and track conditions and tide times before visiting K'Gari Fraser Island.

Fraser Island’s beach and tracks are suitable for 4WD vehicles with low range capacity. All wheel drive vehicles are not recommended.
The National Parks, Sports and Racing publishes a fortnightly conditions report which provides up to date information on track and beach conditions along with up to date track conditions, park alerts and campsite availability.

 

Tides

 

For the weekend of 23rd – 26th May 2025 the tide times for Waddy Point are as listed: –

Click here to download the Waddy Point K'Gari Fraser Island Tides for 2025

Driving

• Lower tyre pressure to increase tyre surface area to prevent getting stuck in the sand.
• All vehicles must be registered, drivers must be licensed and all Queensland road rules apply.
• Beach conditions change daily. Deep washouts can form at any time, particularly after heavy rain and rough seas. Wave action can expose dangerous rocks, wash up debris and expose tree roots. Approach washouts, rocks and debris slowly, and use bypass roads if necessary. Avoid travelling at night as these hazards can be difficult to see.
• Do not drive on the beach 2 hours either side of the high tide.
• Stay on the formed tracks and do not drive or park on the fragile foredunes. The dunes may be soft and unstable which may collapse under the weight of a vehicle.
• Cross Eli, Wyuna and Coongul creeks 2 hours either side of low tide (under normal conditions). The creeks on the western beach should only be crossed on the low tide. If it’s safe, walk beach creek crossing before you drive across. Never stop your vehicle midstream as your vehicle may sink or stall. never attempt to cross Wathumba Creek or Moon Point estuaries.
• Four wheel driving on sand is different to driving a normal car and handling can be difficult. Slow down, pack light and store gear inside the vehicle.
• Follow and stick to the speed limit. Slower is safer and a safe driving speed may be lower than the signed speed limited. In good conditions 80km/h on the astern beach,  30km/h on inland roads, 40km/h in beach pedestrian areas including the Maheno shipwreck site, 50km/h hook point inland road and 10km/h in shared use areas.
• Drivers headed north of Ngkala Rocks must travel in groups and have the necessary experience and recovery gear
• Authorised aircraft have signposted landing zones on the eastern beach and you must follow directions from the air traffic controllers.
• When driving on inland roads give way to buses, trucks and to vehicles travelling downhill or towing trailers.

Culture and History

Captain James Cook, recorded the first European sighting and he originally believed the island was part of the mainland. Sailing past without stopping, on the HMS Endeavour at a distance of four miles offshore on 20th May 1770, he apparently penned the name of, The Great Sandy Peninsula, though this is not recorded in his ship log like the name he gave Indian Head. 

This sighting was also spoken of in aboriginal history. It is understood a group of Butchulla people watched the Endeavour sail past the island, when this ship got dangerously close to a known sand shoal and they began shouting and waving warnings to the ship. Cook, watching them from the Endeavour, logged that he sighted natives on a prominence.  He recorded that he chose to call this place Indian Head.

From Captain Cook’s log for 20th May 1770

https://www.nma.gov.av/exhibitions/endeavour-voyage/cooks-journal/may-1770

“Sunday 20th Winds southerly gentle breeze. At 1o’clock in the PM we pass’d at the distance of 4miles having 17m water a black bluff head or point of land on which a number of the natives were assembled, which occasioned my nameing it Indian Head/Lat25’NBW.”

Historically, it was Captain Matthew Flinders, the young English navigator & cartographer, who was the first white man to set foot on the island, landing on the beach at Sandy Cape in 1802 when he was further exploring Captain Cook’s records of the coastline with George Bass. But it wasn’t named Fraser Island until after the remaining shipwreck survivors were rescued and stories told of the fate and the subsequent death of its captain, James Fraser who was allegedly speared by the local natives that these survivors were taken in by. There are a variety of tales about this shipwreck and it’s survivors which makes it impossible to clarify for whom the name Fraser Island was coined, but it is the name which has stuck. 

However, the island we know by the name Fraser has always been called K’gari (pronounced gurri) by the native aboriginal people. It was named after the sky spirit, who, in the dreamtime, the island was created from. 

It has a very long and rich indigenous history. To the Butchulla (Sea) people this place has always been paradise. Archaeologists believe that Fraser Island supported up to 3000 people who lived on marine animals and terrestrial plants. Evidence of Butchulla settlement in archaeological sites, midden heaps, ceremonial bora rings, fish traps, scarred trees, campsites and stone implements date back to between 1500 and 2500 years ago. However, the Butchulla People are thought to have lived on Fraser Island for more than 5000 years. The Butchulla have three principles they live by:

1. What is good for the land comes first;
2. Do not touch or take anything that does not belong to you; and
3. If you have plenty you must share.

There are many sites of social and spiritual significance. It is very important to respect those sites. European settlement had a devastating impact on the indigenous population.

Although a few descendants continue to live on K’Gari Fraser Island their cultural heritage and ability to maintain their traditional practices have considerably diminished. Though native title was granted in 2014 which recognised the Island’s indigenous heritage and native owners the Butchulla People it was only in late 2021 that Fraser Island was renamed to it’s original, K’gari! What a significant step for the first nations people!

Additional Information on National Parks Sport and Recreation Website

MEDIA STATEMENT  

4WD QUEENSLAND K’GARI CLEAN UP 2024  

Four Wheel Drive Queensland in collaboration with our partners, Queensland Department of Environment and  Science (DES), Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) and Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation promote  responsible use of the environment and support the K’gari Clean Up event to keep our public land in pristine condition allowing access and enjoyment on Country and in ou National Parks for all, for years to come.

The event is held annually over a weekend where the main objective is removal of marine debris and other types of waste found on the Eastern Beach and with appropriate approvals small groups of up to 20 people assist QPWS Rangers with the removal of noxious weeds.  

The 23rd K’gari Clean Up event was held on the 17 – 20th May 2024. This year’s Four Wheel Drive Queensland K’gari Clean Up organising Committee comprised of 11 volunteers. The event continued to receive significant interest from members of the public and businesses in addition to FourWheel Drive Queensland affiliated clubs and their members.  

The K’gari Clean Up event did not receive any grants or funding and the event was organised and run by  volunteers. This year we had a total of 40 businesses who sponsored the event and 6 supporters, 13 of those  sponsors attended the event and assisted in caring for country on K’gari. Thank you to CAOS the 2024 major  event sponsor for their continued support. The event was provided 4 x 15m2 bulk waste bins by QPWS and  Fraser Coast Regional Council ensuring debris collected would appropriately be disposed and managed  following the event with the removal of the bins conducted by Rainbow Beach Recovery. Without the  continued support from our volunteers and event sponsors the event wouldn’t be possible.  

Volunteers were treated to a sausage sizzle on Saturday afternoon thanks to Orchid Beach Trading Post & Driftwood Bar where volunteers enjoyed a lunch  with a view from the main deck overlooking the crystal waters of Marloo Bay.  

21 four wheel drive clubs attended the event from Rockhampton to the Gold Coast. We had a total of 758 people register to attend the event (659 adults and 99 children) however based on registration / attendance forms received at the event confirmed a total of 532 participants (450 adults and 82 children), volunteers provided a minimum of 6 hours cleaning up K’gari across the event weekend.  

112km of the Eastern Beach of K’gari from the Manta Ray Barge Landing south of Hook Point to the southern entrance of Ngkala Rocks was completed. 50% of  the beach was cleaned on Saturday with the remaining beach completed on  Sunday. All waste removed by volunteers was taken to the designated event waste collection stations position at Burad (Saturday) and Cornwells (Sunday) where all waste was weighed, and a partial audit conducted by Tangaroa Blue with 600kg of debris sorted with data recorded in the Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database.  

Volunteers removed a total of 6,545.11kg which was an average of 12.3kg of waste collected per volunteer. A total of 4 sharps were located. Waste that dominated the 75 Mile Beach were foreign labelled bottles, hard plastics, containers and hundreds of meters of rope. Other items found were a large light, hospital IV bags, porta potty, BOM weather balloon responders, 2021 Brisbane Ekka wristband, Sydney Fish Market crate, water filter system, tent set up with pillow and sheets, giant light buoy, winch motor and part of a surfboard. 

This year the most waste was collected by the Caloundra City 4WD Club. The Club cleaned a 7.1km  section of beach between 500m south of Wyuna camp zone headed north to 1.5km north of Burad camp zone where the average weight collected by each volunteer was 32.93kg which was almost twice the amount collected in comparison to other clubs and areas on the beach. The least amount of debris collected was north from Tukkee Wurroo (Indian Head) to Ngkala Rocks with an average weight of 5.3kg collected by each volunteer.  

Unfortunately, this year we saw an increase in debris collected versus the 6,309kg which was collected in 2023 where an average of 9.85kg of debris was collected. 80% of the debris that was collected was washed ashore with approx. 20% being left by those visiting K’gari.  

The event saw QPWS Rangers share their knowledge and educated volunteers in keeping Wongari (Dingo) safe. Volunteers and their families thoroughly enjoyed the interactions with QPWS Rangers at the event registrations held at Eurong on the 17 May.

Volunteers and event sponsors following the conclusion of the clean up were welcomed to Cathedrals on Fraser for the Volunteer Thank Evening held on Sunday where the evening was MC by MadMatt from MadMatt 4WD.

Volunteers, after their hard work and efforts were treated with a delicious campoven cooked meal by Michael Patch a Camp Oven Experience. The evening was filled with fun, laughter with opportunities for networking with other clubs, volunteers and sponsors.  

Generous donations provided to the event by sponsors were provided to volunteers as giveaways, vehicle lucky draws and island raffle draw which raise much needed funds to ensure the event’s continuation for 2025 and into the future.  

The 2024 K’gari Clean Up was a resounding success.  

Four Wheel Drive Queensland would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication to ensuring the success of the Four Wheel Drive Queensland K’gari Clean Up and the committee looks forward to delivering another incredible event and welcoming volunteers to K’gari in May 2025. 
 

Charlene Brown
Coordinator
Email| admin@kgaricleanup.au 
Web | https://www.4wdqld.com.au/kgari 

Registration

Registration for the event is $11 per vehicle and includes discounted barge rates from barge operators, free 4 day vehicle access permit and free 4 day camping permit (within QPWS zones) during period of the event (23rd May 2025 - 26th May 2025)

Members need to create an account on the 4WD QLD website and log in to be able to register for the event. Registrations close on the 19th of March. 

Meals 

Meals are available for the Sunday night thank you dinner. The subsidised price is $16.50 for adults and $8.50 for children 12 and under. Meals are available to pre-purchase in the online shop.

Merchandise

Merchandise is available from the online shop, including event shirts, and jackets. Orders for Event Sublimated Shirts close on 1st February, with other merchandise orders closing 1st March.