Pictures shows Aussie campers’ costly disaster as car is swamped off K’gari

They say a rising tide lifts all boats – if only it did the same for these campers.

They say a rising tide lifts all boats – if only it did the same for Jeeps.

An off-road trip to one of Australia’s premiere adventure destinations became a costly disaster for one group of campers this weekend as incredible photos emerged showing an immense towing operation on Fraser Island (K’gari).

In the captivating series of images shared online, a Jeep and camper trailer are plucked from the depths just off the shores of the famous island.

According to Fraser Island Towing, which needed to call in a second tow crew for assistance, the group became stuck while travelling to Coongul Creek, a popular campground on the western side of K’gari.

Incredible photos show a massive towing operation to recover a Jeep and camper trailer from the depths just off the shores of K’gari (Fraser Island) over the weekend. Picture: Fraser Island Towing

Fraser Island Towing had to call in a second tow crew for assistance. Picture: Fraser Island Towing

In one image, presumably taken when the crew first arrived, the car and camper are so swamped that a boat can be seen floating just metres from the vehicle.

Subsequent photos show the vehicle and trailer emerging as the tide drops before being winched to dry land by a tow truck.

In its post, the towing company urged extra caution in the area with the presence of “unforgiving terrain on that side of the island”.

The car and camper were swamped, and a boat can be seen floating just meters from the vehicle. Picture: Fraser Island Towing

The car and trailer were worth upwards of $54,000, excluding camping gear and other possessions. Picture: Fraser Island Towing

Based on similar models of each selling online, news.com.au estimates the car and trailer are worth upwards of $54,000 – that’s excluding the group’s camping gear and other possessions.

Motoring forums suggest the car would not run again with such an inundation of salt water.

If by chance it could, it would be due to a repair job that would most likely exceed the value of the car.

News.com.au tried to reach the towies involved in the impressive rescue but was told they were out of range.

The car would not run again with such an inundation of saltwater, and repair costs would exceed the value of the car. Picture: Fraser Island Towing

Fraser Island Towing’s website warns of high tow costs, depending on coverage plans. Picture: Fraser Island Towing

Whether or not it is a classic case of “all the gear – no idea” remains a mystery but the court of public opinion in Fraser Island Towing’s comment section was quick to give its two cents on the camping disaster.

“Seriously, how does it get that far into the water – I’m no expert, but even I know there are things to avoid or wait to do because of the tide,” one person wrote.

“As the owner of a two-door Jeep, these things are the most capable 4x4s money can buy,” another said.

“I can’t get mine bogged if I try. So either they drove into an extremely soft bog hole, or they had no idea what they were doing.”

Others say the first image of the car and trailer underwater appear to show it may have jackknifed causing it to bog.

K'gari (Fraser Island) is a must-stop destination for adventure lovers – but it’s not without risks. Picture: TEQ

Others felt for the campers, who no doubt will be left with ruined holiday and a damage bill likely to exceed tens of thousands of dollars.

“Oh no. That would spoil their holiday. Poor things,” one woman said.

Another man added: “Well that’s their travels done. Very sad.”

Fraser Island, which was formally renamed K’gari in 2023, is a World Heritage-listed island made mostly of sand which presents challenging off-road conditions.

Its wide beaches, fishing, wildlife, and wilderness camping have made it a must-stop for outdoor-oriented Australians and tourists alike over the decades.

However, Fraser Island Towing’s website warns of high tow costs, given the logistics of such operations, and a potential lack of roadside assistance and insurance coverage when on the island – depending on coverage plans.