Tourist accommodation providers on K’gari-Fraser Island have been given the green light to welcome guests for Christmas following the recent bushfire.
In great news for those who planned to stay or visit the island over the Christmas-New Year break, authorities determined it safe to open vehicle access along the eastern beach from December 15, 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.
A Department of Environment and Science (DES) spokesperson said 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, and Champagne Pools.
Campers don’t miss out either, with many campgrounds and beach camping zones reopening and available for booking.
Those re-opening are: beach camping zones south of Poyungan Rocks, Waddy Point beachfront camping, and 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,“ a DES spokesperson said.
“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 the opening date, however public safety is always the top priority.“
