fraser island ohne tour

A first-timer’s guide to visiting Australia’s Fraser Island

Aug 4, 2020 • 6 min read

The Ss Maheno is one of the island's top sights. ©Odair Faléco/500px

There’s something quite magical about first stepping foot on Fraser Island . Stretching over 120km, this raw, rugged sand island – the world’s largest – off Queensland’s southeast coast feels utterly otherworldly.

With its wild untamed beaches, towering old-growth forests, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and bountiful wildlife including Fraser’s most famous resident, the dingo, this Unesco-listed island offers one of Australia’s best wilderness adventures. It's currently open to visitors (as of August 2020) but there may be some restrictions on interstate travel. Please check local restrictions before booking a trip and always follow government advice.

Half the fun of visiting Fraser Island, which lacks sealed roads, is the challenge of driving in the national park. It’s for this reason that many visitors opt for an organised tour from the mainland. Travelling here independently, however, gives you the flexibility to explore the breathtaking island at your own pace, and cranks up the adventure factor big time.

There are two ways to access Fraser, located about 300km north of Brisbane . Most visitors take the Manta Ray barge that runs continuously between Inskip Point (which has a picturesque beachfront campground) and Fraser’s southern tip from 6am to 5.15pm daily. The 10-minute journey costs AU$130 return (per car) as of August 2020. Booking ahead is recommended.

The other option - aside from landing on the beach in a tiny Air Fraser Island plane  - is Fraser Island Barges  which runs less frequent daily services from River Heads (20 minutes south of Hervey Bay ) to Wanggoolba Creek and Kingfisher Bay Resort on the west side of the island (both services from $180 return per car; about 50 minutes journey time).

What you need for driving on Fraser Island

Driving anything other than a 4WD with low-range capacity and high clearance onto Fraser is strongly discouraged. This isn’t to say you can’t take your SUV, but the likelihood of damaging the underside of your vehicle on the island’s bumpy roads or getting bogged in sand is much greater, especially if you don’t have much experience driving on sand. If your insurer doesn’t cover off-road driving, you’ll face a hefty bill to have your car towed off the island.

If you don't have your own wheels, there are also several companies in Hervey Bay that specialise in renting 4WD vehicles for touring Fraser. Rental companies can often organise necessary vehicle permits through the Queensland National Parks office  for you, and help with ferry and campsite bookings.

What to pack for Fraser Island

There are several supply shops on Fraser’s east coast – at the main settlement of Eurong (which also has a bakery and a pub), Happy Valley, Cathedrals and Orchid Beach, all of which sell fuel, ice and basic supplies – but it’s advised to bring everything you’ll need for the duration of your visit, including water (for drinking and washing), medical supplies (there’s no doctor on the island), AU$2 coins for coin-operated showers available at some campgrounds, and extra fuel.

Distances between attractions might not look far on the map, but it is a slow, fuel-guzzling process navigating Fraser’s roads.

Campfires are only permitted in a select few campsites (outside of 'total fire ban' periods of course), so you’ll need to bring a suitable stove for cooking. Some campsites have refuse bins, but as the island lacks a recycling system, so plan to take your rubbish out with you. Personal portable toilets are a requirement at Coolooloi Creek and Cornwells group camping area, and are recommended for other camping areas without facilities. If you get caught out, bury your business in a deep hole.

For your car:

An air pressure gauge is essential to deflate your tyres for sand driving (check the requirements for your car in advance). No matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving, it’s worth investing in or renting recovery gear including recovery tracks, a shovel, and a snatch strap. Get your hands on a good map and ideally a GPS, as mobile phone reception is non-existent in some areas.

Before you set off, be sure to check the car’s oil and water levels. Also consider bringing a ‘mechanical first aid kit’ including radiator coolant, a spanner set, gaffer tape, a can of WD40, jumper leads, zip ties and a spare fan belt.

Where to camp on Fraser Island

The island has a handful of hotels and guesthouses (centred in Eurong and Happy Valley, and there’s also Kingfisher Bay Resort on the west coast), but many would argue camping is an essential part of the Fraser experience. There are 45 camping areas across the island with varying facilities. For those with small children (under 12) opt for one of the five campgrounds with dingo deterrent fences. Arguably the most picturesque is Central Station . As the name implies, the leafy camp is roughly in the centre of the island, and makes a good base for exploring inland lakes, as well as the Valley of the Giants .

As it’s not possible to drive on the island’s boggy west coast, most seaside campsites are located along the east coast. In the island’s northeast, Waddy Point is a crowd favourite. Sheltered from south-easterly winds, it’s one of the few campsites where fires are permitted.

You’ll need to book camping permits in advance (AU$6.75 per person per night); in peak periods, it’s also worth pre-booking spots at preferred campgrounds.

Dingo safety

Spotting Fraser’s iconic wild canines is a memorable experience, but dingo safety is paramount. While the sandy-coloured canines generally steer clear of humans, there have been attacks on Fraser, some of them fatal. Follow these tips to stay safe, while helping to keep Fraser’s dingoes wild.

- Ensure food is never left unsecured (lock it in your vehicle) and never feed dingoes. Fines apply for both offences. - Don’t leave anything lying around an unfenced campsite that dingoes can chew though or tear at – even toiletries left in a tent can attract. - Clean up straight after cooking and eating, and pour washing up water into a deep hole away from your camp if washing facilities aren’t available. - Always keep small children, which can excite dingo attention, at arms reach. Running can have the same effect, so be sure to walk everywhere. - If you’re threatened by a dingo, stand still and fold your arms across your chest. Face the dingo, then calmly back away (if you are with another person, stand back-to-back). Call for help, but wait until the dingo is gone before you continue on your way. Never run or wave your arms. In an emergency, call 000 or 112.

What to see and do on Fraser Island

Most visitors spend their days exploring the island by 4WD, either returning to the same campsite each night, or moving around every couple of nights. Unmissable activities include taking a dip in the vivid blue Lake McKenzie, and floating down turquoise Eli Creek. Just north of the creek lies popular photo stops including the wreck of the SS Maheno , and the coloured sand cliffs known as the Pinnacles .

If time allows, schedule a hike to Lake Wabby (a 4.8km round-trip from the east coast), and enjoy the pretty inland drive to peaceful Lake Birrabeen. Near Waddy Point, the rockpools known as the Champagne Pools are a safe spot for a saltwater dip. Ocean swimming is generally not recommended on Fraser due to treacherous sea conditions and shark activity – from Indian Head, a bluff just south of the pools, you can often spot sharks patrolling below. If you make it as far as Fraser’s northeastern tip, don’t miss the heritage Sandy Cape Lighthouse .

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This article was first published June 2017, last updated August 2020.

This article was first published Jun 12, 2017 and updated Aug 4, 2020.

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The Travel Quandary

How To See Fraser Island Without A 4WD

Australia boasts several jaw-dropping, sandy beaches but few can compare to the raw natural beauty of the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island. The traditional owners of the land are the Butchulla people who named this spot, K’gari, meaning ‘paradise’.

Few would refute this description as the name K’gari is more than apt. Long sandy beaches, a WWI shipwreck, dingoes, rainforest and freshwater lakes. At the right time of the year, humpback whales can even be spotted from the westside looking out towards Platypus Bay. Yes, you can discover all of this on Fraser Island. 

But you need to have the appropriate transport to get you to this magnificent paradise. Only 4WD vehicles can navigate the terrain of this sand island so if you don’t have access to one, read all the details below to learn how to see Fraser Island without your own 4WD.

HOW TO VISIT FRASER ISLAND WHAT TO SEE & DO AT THE WORLD’S LARGEST SAND ISLAND

A 4WD vehicle is necessary to be able to get around Fraser Island so if you don’t have your own, here are several ways to access one.

THINGS TO DO ON FRASER ISLAND​

A one-day tour to the east side.

Key attractions in the middle and on the west side of Fraser Island include:

Central Station

The lush rainforest forms part of Pile Valley and now engulfs the historical logging station. A sturdy wooden platform trail runs parallel to the banks of Wanggoolba Creek where you will enjoy the birdsong as the sun filters slivers of light through the lush canopy.

A peaceful spot where you’ll take your morning tea or lunch break. Beware of a few feathered friends who hang around waiting to snatch crumbs from your chocolate cake.

S.S. Maheno Shipwreck

The SS Maheno was a New Zealand ocean liner that operated on the Tasman Sea between 1905 and 1935. It was even employed during World War I. It was washed ashore on Fraser Island’s west coast by a cyclone in 1935 and since this time, the rusting wreck has remained for visitors and photography enthusiasts to admire.

We visited the shipwreck as the tide was coming in, so unfortunately we were unable to walk around the entire wreck. It is best to observe the disintegrating ship from a respectable distance as parts of the ship continue to fall off with the ebb and flow of the ocean. There is a commemorative plaque and information board further up the shore for history buffs.

Seventy Five Mile Beach

This long rugged stretch of sand is the famous sandy highway of Fraser Island. Vehicles are permitted to travel up to 80 km/hour, navigating the bumps and fisherman wielding lines in the rough waves.

The experienced and the brave set up camp on this side of the island, exposed to the elements. Swimming is not advised as the waves are unforgiving and the beach is unpatrolled. Sharks and irukandji jellyfish have also been seen in these waters.

Barely knee deep, Eli Creek is the fastest flowing freshwater creek on Fraser Island. Depending on your tour choice and time permitting, you may have time to grab an inflatable donut and float peacefully down the creek leading to the ocean. Wading through the warm shallows is also permissible.

The Pinnacles Coloured Sands

The Pinnacles Coloured Sands is a visually compelling sight and bears significant historical importance to the Butchulla people. Legend says that the Rainbow Serpent of the Butchulla people died for his lover whilst protecting her from her jealous husband. When he died, he fell to the earth and shattered into many coloured pieces, thus forming what we know and see as the Pinnacles.

There are 72 different colours in the Pinnacles, formed by the fusion of sand and clay over many years. The coloured sands are found north of the Maheno Shipwreck and there is a short pathway from the beach where you can witness the sand cliffs up close.

Unfortunately, poor weather and limited time meant that the beauty of the Pinnacles was slightly dulled during our visit. We’d expect the different hues would be more evident with sunshine and a clear sky.

Lake McKenzie

The second largest lake on Fraser Island is renowned for its crystal clear fresh water that wouldn’t look out of place in the Philippines. The beautiful perched dune lake is rimmed by picture perfect white sand that dazzles no matter the weather.

The lake covers 150 hectares and is over five metres deep! But there’s no need to worry about dumping waves, unseen rips or dangerous marine animals in this body of water. Carefree swimming and lounging on the sandy shores is a wonderful way to round out a day trip to this island paradise.

Keen to see the east side of Fraser Island?

We experienced all the above attractions with Fraser Experience Tours on their 1 day Fantastic Fraser Island Experience Tour. Pick up and drop off from your accommodation is available and lunch is provided.

Tours start from $239 per person – booking link here.

A One-Day Tour to the West Side

Great sandy straits & platypus bay.

Departing from the marina, the boat will cross the Great Sandy Straits and towards Moon Point (the halfway point of Fraser Island). You’ll continue north into Platypus Bay and witness marine life frolicking in the calm waters off Fraser Island.

Hervey Bay is home to some of the best whale watching encounters in the world. The best period for whale watching in Hervey Bay is during mid July – mid October as the humpback whales migrate south. Peak season is August – September. The whales are curious and social creatures so don’t be shy and give them a wave. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, dugongs and turtles too.

For the super duper lucky folk, you may get the chance for an intimate, immersive experience allowing you to swim close to the majestic humpbacks in their natural environment. This is entirely dependent on conditions and the tour operator’s discretion.

Awinya Creek

Hop into a kayak and paddle up this freshwater creek into the hinterland of Fraser Island. You’ll glide past local flora and fauna including mangroves and bird life. The water is so fresh here that it is possible to drink (despite the unappealing colour!).

Paddle far enough up the creek and you’ll no longer hear the sounds of the ocean. Here, you can pause and sit for a moment in this pocket of serenity. Once you reach the edge of the mangroves (they thrive on a mixture of salt and freshwater), take care not to venture too much further. The water system is a complex maze and for those who do not know the land, they will find themselves lost.

If you’re quick, you may spot a kingfisher flitting between the reeds and branches of the creek. Kingfishers are notoriously territorial with only one male kingfisher occupying an area at any one time. We learned that should another male enter an occupying kingfisher’s territory, the alpha will attack the intruder and try to drown it!

Bowarrady Creek

Landing at this location, you’ll be taken to the foot of the ancient sand dune which is held up by lumps of coffee rock. Coffee rock is the compilation of compressed sand and vegetation of the island over many years. It crumbles rather easily within your hands but wouldn’t taste anything like our beloved caffeinated beverage!

Get your leg workout for the day climbing up the sand dune and marvel at the 360 degree views of Platypus Bay and Fraser Island hinterland. If you’re lucky, a white bellied sea eagle may make an appearance.

Wathumba Creek

The iconic Wathumba Creek transforms into a large ocean lake at high tide. You’ll have the opportunity to snorkel here to try to spot many species of fish, turtles and stingrays.

Keen to see the west side of Fraser Island?

We experienced most of the above attractions with Tasman Venture on their Remote Fraser Island and Whale Experience . Pick up and drop off from your accommodation is available and lunch is provided.

This tour costs $195 per person – booking link here.

We did not visit Wathumba Creek on the day of our expedition as given the presence of several whales in Platypus Bay, more time was allocated to whale watching encounters. Snorkelling was offered off the shore close to Bowarrady Creek. Wetsuits, flippers and snorkels are all provided.

A Weekend on Fraser Island

Fraser Island’s terrain is vast and varies so sometimes a day trip isn’t enough! Here are some other sights and attractions generally not covered on a day trip alone.

Champagne Pools

Between Waddy Point and Indian Head, you’ll find natural rock pools by the ocean. They’re known as the Champagne Pools thanks to the bubbling water caused by waves crashing over the volcanic rocks.

This is a safe spot to swim but be careful of sharp and uneven rocks.

Boomerang Lakes

The world’s highest perched dune lake sits 130 metres above sea level and smack bang in the middle of Fraser Island. A safe and suitable spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Hammerstone Sandblow & Lake Wabby

Hammerstone Sandblow is found on your way to Lake Wabby. Located on the lower east coast of Fraser Island, it has been formed by the wind and the tides over thousands of years. The wind from offshore continually blows sand across this sand dune and eventually will fill Lake Wabby (a barrage lake) until it ceases to exist.

It is a mighty trek over the sand dune but a dip in the swimming hole awaits you on the other side. Best to check out this natural formation before it disappears forever!

Keen to see more of Fraser Island outside the usual day trip options?

This 2-day tour offers more sights and attractions plus accommodation over a couple of nights – booking link here.

GETTING TO FRASER ISLAND

How do you explore fraser island.

The options for exploring Fraser Island are:

• A trip with a tour company
• Driving your own 4WD
• Hiring a 4WD

Where do the ferries depart from?

If you are travelling to Fraser Island with a 4WD (either privately, with a rental 4WD or with a tour company), the ferries depart from River Heads, approximately 20 minutes drive from Hervey Bay.

If you are visiting Fraser Island on a boat (either privately or with a tour company), you will depart from Great Sandy Straits Marina Urangan Hervey Bay

Can you go to Fraser Island without a tour?

Yes, but you must have access to a 4WD as these are the only types of vehicles that will be able to navigate the sandy terrain. Vehicle access permit fees apply.

How much does it cost to go to Fraser Island?

The cost to go to Fraser Island depends on your method of transport. If you choose to go without a tour company, a brief summary of costs would look something like this:

• 4WD Rental - starting from $300 for one day (discount for increased number of days)
• Return ferry tickets (standard 4WD) departing Rainbow Beach from $130
• Return ferry tickets (standard 4WD) departing River Heads from $180 (inc. driver passage)
• Fraser Venture Barge from River Heads - cost varies depending on season and vehicle
• Vehicle Access Permit Fee - $53.65 (1 month or less)
• Walk-on Ferry Passengers - $60 adult, $30 child (4 - 14 years) return
• Campsite fees - $6.75 person/night, or $27.00 family/night
• Insurance - variable
• Fuel - variable (petrol station on the island)
• Food & Drink - variable

How much does it cost to hire a 4WD for Fraser Island?

From $300/day. Rates will vary between companies and you will need to have sufficient insurance too. Some companies may not allow you to rent a 4WD if you have little to no experience driving this type of vehicle so check each company’s terms and conditions.

For more information visit rainbowbeach4x4hire.com.au which offers 4WD hire from Rainbow Beach.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT FRASER ISLAND

Why is fraser island so dangerous.

Australia has a reputation for its wild and (sometimes) dangerous animals and a lot of this information is true. But some of its dangers are often unseen, such as the strong waves and rips of the ocean and smaller critters.

Fraser Island is home to wild dingoes, irukandji jellyfish and its beaches are all unpatrolled. None of these elements will be dangerous to you if you exercise common sense. Do not approach or agitate the dingoes and do not swim in the oceans.

Can you swim in the sea at Fraser Island?

Swimming in the sea off Fraser Island is not recommended. The beaches are unpatrolled, the ocean is wild and home to unpredictable and fatal marine wildlife.

It would be best to swim in the shallows of the freshwater lakes and swimming holes. Always have another adult nearby.

What to do if you see a dingo?

Leave it alone. Do not panic. Do not antagonise it or try to pat it. Never feed the dingoes. Stay within reach of children, even small teenagers. Do not run as running or jogging could trigger a negative dingo interaction.

Dingoes are wild animals and should be observed from a safe, respectable distance. If you are camping on Fraser Island, camp in fenced areas when possible and secure all food, rubbish, fish and bait. Food and drinks are not permissible at lakeshores.

Can you camp on Fraser Island?

Yes. Camping permits must be purchased online in advance before setting up camp.

For further information of campsites, fees and conditions for camping in K’gari, visit this website .

How many days do you need in Fraser Island?

As long as you want. If you love camping, fishing, 4WD-ing and being outdoors, you will adore your time on Fraser Island.

Want to know about getting to Fraser Island without a 4WD? Ask us below!

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3 thoughts on “how to see fraser island without a 4wd”.

• Pingback: A Long Weekend in Hervey Bay, Queensland | The Travel Quandary

absolutely no information about how to get around without a 4wd 🙁

Hi Anonymous, we’re sorry to hear that this blog post wasn’t useful for you. Basically, if you don’t have access to your own 4WD, you would need to rely on a tour company. As we participated in two tours, we are able to comment on these based on our experience. Hopefully you can plan a trip to Fraser Island nevertheless. Safe travels.

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Things to Do on Fraser Island Without a Car (K’gari & No 4×4)

Welcome to the world’s largest sand island – K’gari Fraser Island! If you’re in the midst of planning a trip, you might be wondering about the things to do on Fraser Island without a car?

Is it even possible? Can you explore K’gari without a 4×4?

The answer is yes! It’s easier than you think.

I’ve visited the island on many occasions, most of them without a vehicle.

K’gari is a UNESCO World Heritage area, so if you’re planning a visit, there’s no reason you should miss out on seeing the incredible natural beauty on offer, simply because you don’t have a 4WD vehicle.

Because the island is a tourism mecca, there’s plenty of alternatives to exploring Fraser Island without a car.

Things to do on Fraser Island without a car: 

• Swim in the sparkling waters of Lake McKenzie
• Visit the towering forests among Central Station
• Relax & float effortlessly down Eli Creek 
• Visit the Champagne Pools
• Indulge in a nights stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort

All of this and much more is achievable even without access to a 4WD on Fraser Island. 

Let’s dive into your alternative options for your next trip to K’gari Fraser Island. 

1. K’gari Fraser Island Explorer Tour (full day)

This is without a doubt, the most cost effective and simple option to see the island without a car.

Spend an incredible day in an airconditioned 4WD specialist vehicle, exploring the beauty spots of the island with K’gari Explorer Tours .

Natural Attractions 

• Lake McKenzie (stop & swim) 
• Central Station 
• Eli Creek 
• The Pinnacles (coloured sands)

This is a full day out on the island, with lunch and snacks included. 

Pick up drop off is available from Kingfisher Bay Resort and Hervey Bay.  

2. Remote K’gari Experience with Tasman Venture

This is one of my favourite experiences in Australia! 

This experience is like stepping off into The Whitsundays, but here in Southeast Queensland. 

This remote west coast tour of Fraser Island is a must do experience. 

It departs from Hervey Bay, but you’ll be exploring untouched havens on K’gari. 

Tour Includes

• Water activities 
• SUP paddle boarding
• Tea, coffee, morning & afternoon tea + lunch. 
• Guided walks
• Hotel pickup & drop off in Hervey Bay

• Awinya Creek
• Bowaraddy Creek
• Wathumba Creek
• Untouched, incredibly beautiful beaches along the way

This is one of the best tours you can do on the island without needing a 4WD to see Fraser Island. 

3. Hire a 4WD from Aussie Trax 4×4 Rentals

If you’ve been itching to drive a 4WD on the island, but you don’t have access to your own, you can actually hire one from Aussie Trax 4×4 Rentals at Kingfisher Bay Resort . 

There’s full day, half day and extended hire available on the island. 

You can visit Aussie Trax at the village center, located across from reception at Kingfisher Bay Resort . 

4. Book an Experience with Fraser Island Taxi Service

This is a brilliant service offered by Chris & Lisa who’ve been on the island for almost 20 years. 

They were able to pick us up from Kingfisher Bay Resort nice and early (6am) and drop us into Lake Mckenzie (short 20-25 minute drive)

Fraser Island Taxi Cost

The cost for this service between 3 people was $220 AUD total (approx $73 AUD each). Keep in mind, we booked this in peak Christmas Holiday season (Christmas eve morning).

You can request to stay for as long as you’d like throughout the day given that is ties in with their schedule throughout the day. 

We booked a pickup-dropoff service from 6am to 11am. 

This timeframe was perfect as we had the lake to ourselves for a good hour or two!

5. Hike from Kingfisher Bay Resort to Lake McKenzie

There’s a tonne of incredible walking trails on K’gari, one of my favourites being the hike from Kingfisher Bay Resort to Lake McKenzie. 

The trip is approximately 20 kms return and you should allow a full day for the experience.

This factors in a swim at the lake, lunch and any other photography opportunities along the way.

I’d recommend leaving early to get a jump on the crowds you’ll likey experience later on in the day at Lake McKenzie.

Ensure you’re being dingo safe with any activities you’re undertaking on K’gari. 

If you’d like to read more about how to hike to Lake McKenzie from Kingfisher Bay Resort , you can do so by reading this comprehensive post here . 

6. Embark on a 2-Day Tour with K’gari Fraser Explorer Tours  

See almost every corner of the island with a multi-day tour with K’gari Explorer Tours . 

Similar to the full day tour mentioned earlier, you can choose a pick up point from Hervey Bay or Kingfisher Bay Resort. 

You’ll even experience a comfortable overnight stay at the K’gari Beach Resort at the end of day one (formerly Eurong Beach Resort).

This tour visits the following locations

• Lake McKenzie
• Central Station
• The Maheno Shipwreck
• Champagne Pools 
• Overnight at K’gari Beach Resort  
• The Pinnacles 

So, Can You Go to Fraser Island Without a Car?

You absolutely can, and you’ll have a blast doing so!

While it is slightly more limited than if you hired a 4×4 or have your own vehicle, you’ll still get to see an incredible amount.

No to mention the number of experiences and tours you can part take in from Hervey Bay as well. There’s plenty of things to do on Fraser Island without a car and it’s definitely achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see fraser island without a 4wd .

Absolutely! There’s plenty of opportunity to see this incredible island without having a 4×4 vehicle of your own. 

To do so, I’d recommend booking a sightseeing experience with K’gari Explorer Tours . 

Where to Stay on Fraser Island (K’gari)?

There are two main choices for Fraser Island accommodation…

Kingfisher Bay Resort

Kingfisher is an incredible, eco and immersive experience and is easily accessible from Hervey Bay (River Heads) on a short 45-minute ferry ride.

K’gari Beach Resort (formerly Eurong Beach Resort)

Located on the Eastern side of the island, K’gari Beach Resort is perfect for those needing a break from camping, families and backpackers looking for a comfortable stay.

How Do You Get to Fraser Island?

Fraser Island is accessible via ferry from River Heads (Hervey Bay) and Inskip Point. 

If you’re flying into the region, you’ll either fly into Hervey Bay or Brisbane, and drive from either location. 

Fraser island is approximately 330 kms north from Brisbane and is an approximate 3.5 hour drive. 

How Many Days Are Enough for Fraser Island? 

This is totally dependent on your style of travel, but typically speaking you could uncover a chunk of the island in 3-5 days.

If you’re staying at Kingfisher Bay Resort, a weekend away with a K’gari Explorer Tour added in the mix is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. 

Can You Take Your Own Food to Kingfisher Bay Resort?

Yes! You absolutely can! 

Just keep in mind, if you’re staying in one of the serviced rooms or apartments, there’s only a small bar fridge. 

However, if you’re staying in one of the self contained villas, you can bring over as much food and drink as you need provided it meets the checked in luggage requirements. 

Can You Get Around Fraser Island Without a Car?

Technically, yes! You absolutely can. 

To do this, you’ll need to arrange a K’gari Explorer Tour or the Fraser Island Taxi Service. 

If you plan to camp on the Eastern side of the island, it’s much more practical and simpler to have your own 4WD vehicle to really experience the island. 

Disclaimer: These are my experiences, honest opinions and stories. We are proud to partner with many beautiful digital education & travel products and services as an affiliate. On some occasions, we may benefit from a commission when you make a purchase with these links. This commission helps to support the ongoing publication of free and readily available content designed for those who wish to get started in the online business and creator space. This is not financial advice.

Scott is a travel & lifestyle creator from the Sunshine Coast, Australia. After travelling to some of the world's most remote and bucket list worthy destinations, Scott now writes, photographs and documents his travels for others to enjoy, draw inspiration from and experience for themselves.

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How to plan the perfect k’gari fraser island day trip from noosa: itinerary, tips, tours and more.

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Want to go on a Fraser Island day trip from Noosa? We are here to help!

It’s the largest sand island in the world and has so much to offer! It’s a must-see on the East Coast of Australia. Often compared to the Whitsunday Islands, it’s actually completely different.

They are both amazing places to visit in Australia but offer a very different experience.

Visiting Fraser Island is a popular day trip from Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach but it’s also one of the best day trips from Noosa.

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know to plan the perfect day trip to K’Gari from Noosa.

LOOKING FOR THE BEST DAY TOUR TO FRASER ISLAND FROM NOOSA?

This tour from Rainbow Beach is perfect. The guides are great, it’s amazing value for money.

Prices here

There are various ways to get there and make the best of your day.

In this article, we tell you exactly how to go on a Fraser Island day trip from Noosa and make the best of your time and money.

🔎 Table of Contents

Where is Fraser Island and why is it a good day trip from Noosa?

Fraser Island is located 150 km from Noosa Heads. It takes about 2h30 to get there.

Going on a day trip from Noosa to Fraser Island is entirely doable, however, let’s be honest, it will be a bit of a tiring day. Especially if you are driving yourself!

How to get to Fraser Island from Noosa

First things first, let’s set the basics. Fraser Island is entirely made of sand which means you must have a 4WD vehicle to get around the island.

You won’t be allowed to even get on the ferry without a 4WD.

Self-driving and ferry

LOOKING FOR THE BEST 4WD CAR RENTALS IN NOOSA?

Check out the Discover Car Website and filter on 4×4 vehicles.

If you own a 4WD, you can take it to Fraser Island however you must get a permit for Fraser. It costs $53.65 for up to a month. You can buy it on the official website .

If you don’t have your own 4WD, you can rent one from Noosa.

To do this, go to Discover Cars website and search for your dates (please note that you might have to rent the vehicle the day before departure since a lot of car rental places in Noosa don’t open too early).

Once you get the results, make sure to filter on the 4×4 option and you can pick one of the vehicle then.

Please note, even with a rental, you still need to get your permit!

From Noosa, drive up to Rainbow Beach and head to Inskip Point. There, you will find the Manta Ray Fraser Island Barges which is the ferry to Fraser Island.

Make sure to pop by the office first to buy your ticket. If you are visiting during the high season, you can also give them a ring beforehand at +61 7 5486 3935.

The ferry service operates from 6.00 am to 5.15 pm.

The return ticket to Fraser Island costs $130 for a 4WD and its passengers. It’s a bit more expensive if you have a trailer but if you are only coming for a day, you shouldn’t have one.

The ferry ride lasts 15 minutes. You will arrive at the Southern end of Fraser Island. From there, you can head north and start exploring!

Fraser Island Tours from Noosa

If you don’t have a 4WD and want to go to Fraser Island from Noosa for a day trip, you can also opt for a day tour from Rainbow Beach.

Although self-driving gives you more freedom, it’s also a lot of hassle and money. It will cost you at least $250 and that’s if you have your own car. Driving on Fraser Island can also be tricky and risky.

Opting for a Fraser Island tour from Noosa is way easier. The tour company will organise everything for you. The only thing you have to do is having fun!

If you are travelling on your own (or 2 people) it will also work out way cheaper.

The only inconvenient thing is that the tour doesn’t start in Noosa but in Rainbow Beach. This means you will need to drive to Rainbow Beach (which takes about 1 hour) or arrange a transfer.

Once you get there though, everything for the day will be included.

Ferry, petrol, lunch… everything!

The K’gari Fraser Island Full-Day Coach Tour is ideal.

You will be meeting in Rainbow Beach and hop on a 4WD minibus. You’ll travel all the way up through the Great Sandy national park to Inskip Point where you will take the ferry to Fraser Island.

Once on Fraser Island, you will visit Lake McKenzie and Central Station. On the way back, you will also be dropped off in Rainbow Beach.

Meals are included. Your driver will cook you an authentic Aussie barbecue on the island!

It’s the perfect way to make the best of your time, money and truly enjoy Fraser Island without stress. You can easily book the tour online and keep your ticket on your phone.

Click here to see the latest prices.

Fraser Island one day itinerary from Noosa

Fraser Island is a bigger island that it seems so one day is not that much to explore however, you can still get to see some of the most beautiful places on Fraser Island.

Here is how to plan your day.

7 am: Start driving from Noosa to Inskip Point

We recommend an early start if you want to make the best of your K’Gari day trip from Noosa.

For that, you should be leaving at 7AM (or even before). If you’ve opted for the day tour from Rainbow Beach, it will take you about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to the meeting point.

If you chosen to hire a 4WD, it will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to Inskip Point where you can take the ferry.

9 am: Take the ferry from Inskip Point to Fraser Island

The ferry to K’Gari operates from 6AM to 5PM so you can easily get one at around 9AM (or before if you are an early bird).

Make sure to contact the ticketing office first to get your tickets and permits.

Once you arrive, the ferries are every 30 minutes and it only takes 10 minutes to cross.

9:15 am: You arrive on Fraser Island and start driving to Lake McKenzie

You will arrive on K’Gari in the southern part of the island, at Hook Point. From there, you can take the Fraser Island Beach track and start heading north to Eurong.

Eurong is the main town on Fraser Island and where you can find the resorts.

From there, you will start driving inland to go to Boorangoora (Lake MacKenzie). Altogether, it takes about 2 hours to get there.

11:30 am: You arrive at Lake McKenzie

Once you arrive at the lake, you will find a large carpark where you can leave your vehicle. Park your car and start walking down to Lake McKenzie.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk down to Lake McKenzie but once you get there, there won’t be any amenities so make sure you take everything you need.

💡 PRO TIP: There are toilets in the car park, make use of them while you’re there.

Once at Lake McKenzie, you can go for a swim and relax on the beach for a couple of hours.

The water is absolutely stunning. It’s so blue, you won’t believe it! It’s a great spot to take beautiful photos so don’t forget your camera.

If you have a GoPro , it will be even better!

Also, since the sand is so soft, you can use it to do a natural scrub on your legs. Simply take the sand in your hands and scrub your legs.

1 pm: Go back to the car park for lunch

While we know it can be tempting to take a picnic to the beach, you should not be taking any food to the lake as it can attract dingoes so make sure to leave any food in the car and eat at the picnic area.

The idea of having a picnic by a car park might not be the most appealing thing but it’s actually a nice place and there is a lot of shade.

Alternatively, you can stop on the beach later and eat there.

1:30 pm: Start driving to Central Station

Central Station is an area of the rainforest on K’Gari where you can find beautiful walks along the river.

It’s about 20 minutes drive from Lake McKenzie.

1:50 pm: You arrive at Central Station

Once you arrive at Central Station, park your vehicle near the campsite.

You can then start walking along the boardwalk to discover the creek and the beautiful strangling trees.

This part is way better with a tour guide I must say. If you’ve opted for the tour from Rainbow Beach , your guide will give you loads of facts about Fraser Island. It’s very interesting.

💡 INTERESTING FACT: Central Station was a sacred site for the aboriginal communities. It was a sanctuary where women would birth their babies.

It’s such a peaceful place, you will love it.

2:50 pm: Start driving back to the ferry

Once you’re done with the walk at Central Station, it will be time to head back to the ferry. Don’t forget, the last ferry to Inskip point is at 5PM so it’s very important you make it on time.

It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there so you shouldn’t leave any later than 2:50 PM.

5 pm: Take the ferry to Inskip Point

Once you get to Hook Point, take the ferry back to Inskip Point. The crossing lasts 10 minutes but you should be there a bit early to check in.

7 pm: You are back in Noosa

From Inskip Point, it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get back to Noosa so you should be there around 7 PM.

It will usually be early enough to return your car but if you want to be on the safe side, make sure to extend the booking until the morning after.

It will also potentially give you the opportunity to do another great day trip from Noosa.

💡 PRO TIP: If you are not too tired, you can also stop in Rainbow Beach on your way back. It’s a very pretty area and it’s worth checking out.

Map of your Fraser Island 1-day itinerary from Noosa

You can find below the map of your itinerary for your Noosa Fraser Island day trip.

What to wear on a day trip from Noosa

When going on a day trip from Noosa to Fraser Island, make sure you pack the following items:

• Comfortable shoes (you will be walking at Central station)
• Swimming costume
• Eco-friendly sunscreen (Lake McKenzie does not drain so please don’t apply sunscreen before swimming)
• Camera and phone
• Shorts and t-shirts
• A jumper just in case
• A bottle of water

If you are driving, make sure to also pack a lunch that you can leave in your car. If you are on a tour, this will be included.

Fraser Island day trips from Noosa: Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you know everything to plan your perfect Noosa Fraser Island day trip, it’s time to answer some of your most frequently asked questions.

Can you do a day trip from Noosa to Fraser Island?

Absolutely! Fraser Island is about 2 hours from Noosa which means that you can do a day trip to K’Gari from Noosa. However, it’s important to note that it will be a packed day.

We highly recommend opting for a tour to make this day more optimised. Unfortunately, you can’t book a Noosa to Fraser island tour but you can from Rainbow Beach.

How far is Fraser island from Noosa?

Fraser Island is located 150 km from Noosa Heads. It takes about 2h30 to get there. The drive from Noosa to Inskip Point (where the ferry is) takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. The crossing on the ferry is 10 minutes long.

Can you do a Sunshine Coast to Fraser island day trip?

Technically yes but it’s important to note that it will take about 3 hours to get from Sunshine Coast to Fraser Island so it’s preferable to go for a couple of days if you really want to see what Fraser Island has to offer.

Where is the ferry from Noosa to Fraser island?

There is no ferry from Noosa but you can still go to Fraser Island from there. You simply need to drive from Noosa to Inskip Point (1h45) and take the ferry from there (10-minute crossing).

What is the best way to go from Noosa heads to Fraser island?

If you have a 4WD, you can drive from Noosa Heads to Inskip Point (1h45) and take the ferry to Hook Point from there.

How to get from Noosa to Fraser island?

There are two ways you can get from Noosa to Fraser Island. The first one is to drive to Inskip Point and take the ferry to Fraser Island from there. This takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. You will need a 4WD and a permit to visit K’Gari.

Alternatively, you can book a day tour from Rainbow Beach. It will all be organised from there, you simply need to drive 1 hour and 15 minutes to Rainbow Beach from Noosa.

Now you are all set to organise your Fraser island day trip from Noosa! Have fun!

You may also be interested in:

• Things to do on Fraser Island, Queensland
• Fraser Island day trip from Hervey Bay
• Visiting Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island: Ultimate travel guide
• Visiting the Champagne Pools on Fraser Island: Ultimate Guide
• Travel guide to visiting the Fairy Pools in Noosa National Park
• 12 Best Pet-Friendly Airbnb in Noosa
• Pet-friendly accommodation in Rainbow Beach, QLD
• Australia Travel Guide

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

Fraser Island 3-Day Tour: The BEST Fraser Island Tour?

Posted on Last updated: August 30, 2020

Fraser Island, located just off the coast of Australia, is one of the most famous and visited destinations in Australia. The island is famous for its wild nature, driving on sand, rock pools and big freshwater lakes you can swim in.

We did a 3-day tour of Fraser Island and it was one of the best parts of my Australia trip. In this post I’ve listed our exact 3-day itinerary, plus useful information like what to pack and getting there. 

If you’re planning a trip to Fraser Island, but aren’t sure whether to go solo or do a tour, this is the guide for you!

All your Fraser Island tour questions will be answered here, so let’s dive in!

• 1.1 Driving on Fraser Island
• 1.2 Do a Fraser Island tour instead
• 1.3 How to get to Fraser Island: tour starting points
• 1.4 What to pack for a Fraser Island tour
• 2.1 Day 1: Travel to Fraser Island & Lake McKenzie
• 2.2 Day 2: Eli Creek, Champagne Pools & SS Maheno
• 2.3 Day 3: Lake Wabby

Drone shot of Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island, Australia

Before you go

Before we jump straight into my Fraser Island 3-day tour I wanted to give you a bit of an introduction about the island and some things you should know.

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia .

It’s famous for the wild landscapes and rugged feel the island has, if you’re lucky enough you might even see dingoes on Fraser Island!

Driving on Fraser Island

One of the main characteristics of Fraser Island is that there are very few paved roads on the island. The vast majority of driving on Fraser Island is either on sand on the beach or dirt roads, and has to be done driving a 4WD.

To drive a 4WD on Fraser Island you have to be older than 21 and have had your licence for longer than 3 years.

Regardless of how long you’ve had a driving licence though, you have to be comfortable driving on sand and do it carefully.

I’m 24 and have had a driving licence for 5 years, but I didn’t want to drive on Fraser Island (admittedly I drive very little but you get my point).

Driving on the beach on Fraser Island, Australia

Do a Fraser Island tour instead

Which leads on to my next point, if you don’t feel comfortable driving on Fraser Island you can easily do a tour instead. We did a tour with Nomads and it was the best decision we could have made.

We had a knowledgeable and fun guide and a great group of young backpackers to share the experience with. Even if we were only together for three days, it was a good amount of time to make some new friends on the road.

Years later and we’ve met up with our fellow Fraser Island travellers in London and Copenhagen. It’s a great way to meet new people and make lasting and international friendships!

Click here to see prices and availability for your Fraser Island 3D/2N tour!

Our Fraser Island 3-day tour group

How to get to Fraser Island: tour starting points

Fraser Island is 15km off the coast of Australia and can be reached by ferry. The main harbour from which you can get the ferry across to Fraser Island is Hervey Bay, which takes approximately 50 minutes.

Alternatively you can get a barge from Rainbow Beach or River Heads.

We picked a tour that started in Noosa Heads since it was easier for us to fly into Sunshine Coast from Melbourne after our Great Ocean Road trip and from there to then fly out to Sydney .

From Noosa Heads we drove to Rainbow Beach and took the barge across to Fraser Island.

If you’re doing an Australia east coast road trip I would recommend adding Fraser Island as a stop during that trip instead of flying in and out like we did as it saves you time.

The 4WDs for our Nomads tag along tour of Fraser Island

What to pack for a Fraser Island tour

I thought I’d include some essentials that you should pack and bring with you on Fraser Island.

On our tour they told us to only bring a small day backpack with us and leave our big backpacks or suitcases in Noosa Heads since there isn’t much space in the 4WDs for everyones bags.

So once you’ve got the essential underwear, swimwear, tops and shorts, these are some additional things I think you might need.

Fast drying towel : Bring a fast drying towel with you so that when you go swimming in the creeks or champagne pools or if the hostel doesn’t provide one you have a towel available.

I love the fast drying ones because they dry super quick and take up little space so they’re easy to carry around.

Reusable water bottle : Tap water is drinkable in Australia so why pay for bottled water? Bring a reusable water bottle with you so that you can refill it on the go.

Power bank :   Especially if you do the tour with Nomads and are staying in the dorm rooms, there might not be enough sockets for everyone to charge their phones at the end of the day.

The champagne pools on Fraser Island, Australia

Our Fraser Island 3-Day Tour

Day 1: travel to fraser island & lake mckenzie.

We started our Fraser Island tour from Noosa Heads. Before setting off we all locked up our suitcases in the deposit of Nomads Hostel.

Since we would do most of the driving there and back in 4WD jeeps with limited space we were all advised to pack a small bag for the 3 days.

We left Nomads around 8AM and after a couple hours drive we reached Rainbow Beach, where we swapped out our tour bus for the 4WD jeeps.

The tour we did was called a “Tag Along Tour”, meaning that our tour guide would be driving the first 4WD and taking turns other tour participants would be driving the other jeeps in single file following the lead of the first jeep.

Driving on the beach in Australia

From the jeep depot it was a short drive to Rainbow Beach where we then got the ferry across to Fraser Island. Don’t expect to find a harbour.

I got off the jeep and looked around for somewhere for the ferry to dock and was surprised to find we were on a beach, with nothing else in sight other than sand, sea and palm trees.

The ferry docks directly on the sand and you have to drive your 4WD on it.

The ferry journey from Rainbow Beach to Fraser Island is only around 15 minutes but you can step out from the car to enjoy some fresh air and check out the view during the crossing, just make sure to be back in when it’s time to drive off.

As soon as we docked on Fraser Island we immediately had our first experience driving on sand and on dirt roads. We drove straight to the hostel to drop off our bags and have lunch.

Driving on Fraser Island, Australia

Our group was pretty big so we had four jeeps and each car was assigned one meal duty, in turns we all had to help cook and clean.

Top tip; get on a lunch duty if you can, lunch is usually wraps and sandwiches so it’s much easier to prep and clean up!

After lunch we set off en-route to Lake McKenzie, one of the most popular attractions on Fraser Island.

Lake McKenzie is a huge freshwater lake with crystal clear turquoise water and surrounded by fine white sand, it basically feels like being on a tropical beach!

Our guide took out a beach volleyball, frisbee and other beach type games for us to play around with while there. On the way back we did a bit of driving both on the sand and inland in the dirt roads of Fraser Island.

In the evening we had dinner at the hostel and spent some time socialising at the hostel bar. We had the option of either staying in a tent or a dorm, you just have to select what you prefer when you book.

Click here to book your Fraser Island 3D/2N tour!

Lake McKenzie in Fraser Island, Australia

Day 2: Eli Creek, Champagne Pools & SS Maheno

Day 2 started bright and early and after a quick breakfast of cereal and toast we set off en-route towards Eli Creek. Eli Creek is a powerful freshwater creek that pour million of litres of clear water into the ocean every day.

There is a very strong current in the creek so no need to swim, you can just float and let the fast flowing water carry you to the beach.

We parked the 4WDs on the beach and from there followed a wooden boardwalk that follows the creek inland for about 5 minutes, where you will then find steps that let you get in the creek.

The strong current lifts a lot of sand from the bottom of the creek so you might have to jiggle a bit of sand out of your swimsuit when you decide to leave.

Eli Creek on Fraser Island, Australia

From Eli Creek we continued our day in search of cool swimming spots and drove onwards to the famous Champagne Pools.

These are big rock pools on the coast of Fraser Island and the only place where you can safely swim in the sea on Fraser Island.

The beaches of Fraser Island are extremely dangerous, with strong waves and currents and infested by sharks and poisonous jellyfish (I’m exaggerating a little here but you get the gist of it).

The rock formations of the Champagne Pools create pools of relatively calm seawater, where you can swim in safety.

Big waves will occasionally crash into the pools and cause you to get floated around a bit, this isn’t usually dangerous and just adds to the excitement of the location.

Just make sure to always be careful not to slip on the rocks or swim too close to them as the current might push you against them.

The champagne pools of Fraser Island, Australia

After all the swimming in creeks and rock pools we then stopped at a camping ground for lunch.

On the drive back to the hostel we did a stop at Indian Heads; an interesting rock formation that has epic views over the coastline of Fraser Island.

Indian Heads is also an important site for aboriginal history and should be respected.

The view from Indian Heads on Fraser Island, Australia

During the drive back we also stopped at the famous SS Maheno shipwreck.

The ship was originally part of the New Zealand naval forces and ran aground on Fraser Island in 1935 during a cyclone.

Attempts to make the ship operational again have all failed, and it now remains on Fraser Island as a popular tourist attraction. We spent the evening once again having dinner and drinks at the hostel.

SS Maheno shipwreck on Fraser Island, Australia

Day 3: Lake Wabby

On our final day in Fraser Island we visited Lake Wabby, another popular freshwater lake that you can swim in. The water isn’t as clear as in Lake McKenzie, but the surroundings are more scenic.

We had to park our jeeps on the beach and then walk for 45 minutes in the trees to reach the lake. The final stretch of walk is on huge sand dunes with a rather impressive incline that ends into the lake.

Our guide drove us to the parking area but didn’t come to the lake with us. Before setting off he specifically told us not to run down the slope and jump into the lake as the water is quite shallow and you can get hurt.

Guess what the boys did? They ran down the slope and jumped into the lake.

As you can imagine, one of them sprained an ankle and as a group we then had to take turns carrying him back to the beach for 45 minutes since he couldn’t walk.

Moral of the story, follow the instructions of your guide, they know better. After visiting Lake Wabby we had lunch at the hostel before leaving Fraser Island and heading back to mainland Australia and Noosa Heads.

Included in our tour package was a post-tour night at Nomads Noosa Hostel, where we had a big end of the tour party with all the other participants.

Lake Wabby on Fraser Island, Australia

Final thoughts on doing a Fraser Island tour

Have you been to Fraser Island before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below! For me the Fraser Island 3-day tour we did was me one of the highlights of my whole Australia trip.

I loved the wild beauty of the island, and exploring it with a big group of travellers my same age made it all the more fun. As much as I love doing my own thing, sometimes I prefer to have a guide and a group to travel with.

I hope you will find this post useful in planning your own 3-day tour to Fraser Island!

Looking for more Australia travel tips? Check out these guides:

• Best places to visit on day trips from Cairns
• Great Barrier Reef – should you snorkel or scuba dive?
• Uluru & Aussie outback 3-day tour
• Daintree Rainforest tour from Cairns
• The best day tours to the Whitsunday Islands
• Australia road trip planner – everything you need to know
• What to pack for a trip to Uluru
• The most beautiful places in Sydney
• Day tour from Sydney to Blue Mountains
• Discover the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

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K’gari Fraser Island

Our guided tours, thank you….

To everyone at The K’gari Fraser Island Adventures (formally Dropbear Adventures) we really couldn’t have asked for anything more from our Fraser Island Tour! Welcoming hosts, cosy accommodation, super well organised & an authentic Australian experience on a magical island. Our guide Troy was super passionate/knowledgeable about the island and its history and people. We hit up all the hotspots on a flexible itinerary adapted to the daily conditions to get the best out of some of the awesome island spots! The boomerang lessons and paddle boarding on Lake McKenzie were definitely a highlight and no better time to visit as the wildlife was at its best, seeing plenty of Whales on our beach drives!

K’gari is such a beautiful place..

K’gari Fraser Island Adventures did an amazing job of showing us around. Their accommodation is great – clean and cosy. We stayed in winter and they had hot water bottles and extra blankets in the room, which was much appreciated! Hannah and Mark are such great hosts. They truly care about the island and did a fantastic job of showing us around and telling us about the history of the island. I loved hearing about the Indigenous history of the island and their stories about its creation. The 4WDriving was so much fun too! I would recommend this tour to everyone – it’s truly amazing!!

K’gari Fraser Island Adventures is a tour company like no other, we don’t just do ‘Fraser Island Tours,’ we tailor a K’gari Fraser Island tour experience which will create a memory in your mind that will last forever.

There are many K’gari Fraser Island Tours to choose from but none quite like the adventures of K’gari Fraser Island from Noosa. Having founded Drop Bear Adventures in 2010 that grew into an award-winning tour company before becoming a travel guide, we know what it takes to create and deliver one of the best tour experiences in the world.

Our scheduled and private K’gari Fraser Island tours offer so much more than a Fraser Island trip. We take care of everything you need along the way to feel comfortable, safe and entertained so you can relax and just take it all in.

Visit K’gari Fraser Island from Noosa with a company that cares deeply about our impact on the island and the environment as a whole. Dedicated to true sustainability, we do our best to live by the first law of the island, what is good for the land must come first. We invite you to respectfully explore K’gari with us. Let your mind wonder as we share stories of the island’s history and her peoples. It’s important that we protect the world’s most fragile ecosystems and that’s why we founded the Community Beach Clean Ups and dedicate $10 of every ticket to our clean up events.

‘FOLLOW THE LEADER’ STYLE 4WD FRASER ISLAND TRIP

Tag along in our 4WDs for the best K’gari Fraser Island tour from Noosa and experience an amazing adventure. We take care of all of the logistics as we lead the convoy of 4WDs around the island. All cars are in full radio contact and you can choose from a variety of driving conditions to learn all about 4WD on sand.

Our Toyota 4WDs are rugged and reliable vehicles that are geared up perfectly to suit beach driving and they all have automatic transmissions so you can concentrate on taking in all the sights of the most beautiful scenic drive in the world.

See K’gari Fraser Island Differently

Every K’gari Fraser Island Tour will show you the highlights of the island but not like us. We’ll take you to the crystal clear waters of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), to the salty rock pools named Champagne Pools and of course to the ‘natural lazy river’ of Eli Creek but you wont feel like a visitor, you will feel like a local. Our K’gari Fraser Island Adventures are backed by our love of fun, flair for story telling, respect for culture and passion for protecting our planet.

We care deeply for this island, it’s where our love story began. It’s our home, our hobby and our happy place. The Butchulla people’s translation for K’gari is paradise and though she can be a tricky place to navigate, losing yourself in island time is always breathtaking. We also offer private Fraser Island Tours so do reach out if you have something super special in mind.

Tour Highlights Include:

• Crystal clear waters of Lake Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie)
• Cascading sand blow and emerald green waters of Lake Wabby
• 4WDing 75 Mile Beach and through the bush 
• Golden Sand Dunes 
• Picturesque rusty icon of the Maheno Shipwreck
• Frothing rock pools of Champagne Pools
• Natural, lazy river of Eli Creek
• Towering Rainforest growing in sand 
• Coloured sands of Rainbow Beach (only with K’gari Fraser Island Tour from Noosa)

Our K’gari Fraser Island Tours depart from…

Our K’gari Fraser Island Tours Depart from Noosa and Rainbow Beach.

If you are looking for a Fraser Island Tour from Hervey Bay,  we can arrange transfers for groups of 4 or more people or you can drive to Rainbow Beach to meet us.

If you are looking for a Fraser Island Tour from Brisbane, drive to Noosa. It’s only a ‘shortish drive’ in Australian terms and we promise, our Tours to K’gari Fraser Island from Noosa are totally worth it.

If you are looking for K’gari Fraser Island Day Tours, don’t do it, the island is too magical to spend just one day here. Trust the locals, 3 days is the absolute minimum amount of days you should spend on the island. In fact if you can spend even longer! Check out our 4WD hire car and accommodation packages .

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCES

• AGE 18+ FOR TOUR GUESTS
• AGE 25+ FOR ACCOMMODATION STAYS AT THE HAVEN
• TOUR DEPARTURES FROM NOOSA AND RAINBOW BEACH
• 4WD HIRE FOR 25+ PICK UP FROM NOOSA ONLY
• PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE FOR 9+ (subject to availability)
• MEDIUM FITNESS REQUIRED
• COMMON DIETARY REQUIREMENTS CATERED FOR ON ALL TOURS

K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour

New Full-day Tours Resuming From 1 September 2024.

Departing Rainbow Beach & Noosa - Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays.

Book Today >

Discover for yourself why K’Gari (Fraser Island) is a World Heritage listed icon and a memorable highlight for many travellers! With ancient towering rain forest that grows from sand, crystal clear freshwater lakes inviting you to swim and unique Australian wildlife, K'gari (Fraser Island) is a wonder not to be missed.

Highlights: ​.

Drive the 75 Mile Beach 'highway'

Soak in Eli Creek

Visit the SS Maheno shipwreck

Swim in Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie)

Venture through ancient rainforests at Pile Valley & Central Station

Wanggoolba Creek

Spot wild Wangari (dingo), wild dolphins & dugongs

Tour Inclusions:

Knowledgeable and experienced tour guide

Transport in an air-conditioned purpose-built 4WD vehicle

Pickup and drop off in Noosa or Rainbow Beach

Morning & afternoon tea

Lunch and drinks (most dietary requirements can be catered for if mentioned at the time of booking)

Return ferry to K'gari (Fraser Island) ​

National Park Entrance Fees & Permits

K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour Itinerary:  

Make the most of the day with an early start from Noosa (pick-ups from 5.45am). Drive 1.5 hours North to our last pick-up location, at the sleepy coastal town of Rainbow Beach. After checking that everyone has what they need for the day, it’s a short drive to meet our ferry at Inskip Point. Pay attention; the short cruise is a great opportunity to spot dolphins, dugongs, and other marine life before reaching the World Heritage-listed K’Gari (Fraser Island).

We head North along the island’s ‘Beach Highway’, 75 Mile Beach. We spend time at the un-missable Eli Creek, then travel along the coastline to the SS Maheno Shipwreck. After learning about the shipwreck’s colourful past, we head inland, meandering along some of the many tracks before arriving at Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie). Take your time to chill out or have a swim in the refreshing, crystal-clear waters. This is one of Australia's most stunning and photographed locations.

It's time to head to the old logging headquarters at Central Station, where your guide will provide some information about the logging history, towering rainforests, and the special silent waters of Wanggoolba Creek. Take the optional 1.8km walk through the rainforest along the creek and meet the guide at Pile Valley. From Pile Valley, we let the vehicle do all the work as we drive back out to the Eastern Beach along 75 Mile Beach to catch the ferry. We drop off any passengers staying at Rainbow Beach before our drive back to Noosa, arriving at approximately 6-7 pm.

Please Note: the tides may impact the times that the ferry arrives and departs K’Gari (Fraser Island), so that may also impact the length of the time you spend at each of the attractions listed in the itinerary above. The order of destinations may also be affected by the tides. Your guide will advise you on the day of travel.

*Please note K'gari ( Fraser Island) Day tour is a 4WD experience, which may not be suitable for all travellers.  Guests are asked to please view our FAQs page for more information regarding this tour and to see if this tour is right for you.

Pick up & Departures:

Pickups & Departure Times:

The tour departs from Rainbow Beach, with add-on shuttle options from Noosa to Rainbow Beach (before the tour) and Rainbow to Noosa (after the tour).

Pickup times start at 5.45 am in Noosa*. 

Pickup in Rainbow Beach is 8 am*.

Passengers returning to Rainbow Beach can expect to be dropped off around 4:30 p.m., and passengers departing Noosa can expect to be dropped off around 7 p.m.

Departure Days:  

SEP-NOV 2024: Tuesdays & Saturdays

DEC 2024 – MAR31 2025: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays

What to Bring:

Wear comfortable clothing and footwear

Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

Swimwear and towel for those wishing to swim

Refillable water bottle

Small day bags only

Adult 

$279 (Pick up & drop off in Rainbow Beach)

$299 (Shuttle pick up & drop off in Noosa)

$289 (Shuttle pick up in Noosa & drop off in Rainbow Beach, or reverse)

Child (8-17 years of age at the time of travel)

$249 (Pick up & drop off in Rainbow Beach)

$269 (Shuttle pick up & drop off in Noosa)

$259 (Shuttle pick up in Noosa & drop off in Rainbow Beach, or reverse)

Minimum age 8+

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Keeping K’Gari Pristine:  

K’Gari Discovery Adventures is committed to keeping the island pristine. All rubbish from the tour will be kept in the touring vehicle and removed from K’Gari upon our return to Rainbow Beach. We will provide separate bins for recyclable products and general waste.

Our environmentALLY conscious travellers:  

We recognize that many of our passengers think like us and want a World Heritage-listed destination to remain beautiful for generations to come. Discovery K’Gari Adventures has recently committed to providing a third bin, which will be used to collect rubbish and debris found on the beach and walking trails. You may encounter some debris or rubbish during one of the many short walks. We encourage you to collect this rubbish, carry it with you until you return to the vehicle and place it in our bin. We can all make a difference!

• Best Fraser Island Tours vs Tag Along vs Self Drive

In this guide, I’m sharing the best Fraser Island tours as well as tag along tours and whether you should hire a 4WD and do it alone in a self driving option. Considering there are a fair few ways to visit the world’s largest sand island, I’m breaking it all down so it’s easier for you to understand what’s the best way for you to see this popular East Coast bucket list place.

After my recent visit to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), it’s only right that I share some home truths about what to expect before you decide on how to visit the World Heritage listed K’gari.

Table of Contents

Top K’gari Tours

3 day tour with k’gari explorer tours from hervey bay.

You can read all about the 3 Day K’gari Explorer Tour which we did and absolutely loved. This popular 3 day tour includes a stay in the beautiful Kingfisher Bay Resort as well a K’gari Beach Resort so there’s no camping involved.

You’ll spend the first day at Kingfisher Bay Resort before embarking on a 2 day adventure around K’gari (Fraser Island) to see all of the main sights. It’s a good enough time not to feel rushed while enjoying everything and learning loads on the most comprehensive tour without the stress of getting bogged or having problems with the car hire for the discerning traveller.

2 day tour from Hervey Bay

If you’re short on time, why not do the 2 Day tour from Hervey Bay instead of the three day tour to K’gari (Fraser Island)? You’ll see the same sights except you won’t spend a night at the beautiful Kingfisher Bay Resort. Even though you’ll spend less time at the World Heritage listed K’gari, you won’t miss out on the main tourist attractions.

2 day tour from Rainbow Beach

If you’re heading up from Sunshine Coast but don’t want to drive as far to Hervey Bay, why not jump on this 2 day tour from Rainbow Beach instead? Visit the World’s largest sand island and see all of the same sights as you would in the 2 day tour from Hervey Bay and you’ll join the coach at Lake Mckenzie for two days of fun.

Private tour with Kingfisher Bay Resort

If you’d prefer to have someone drive you and your loved ones around Fraser Island, book a private tour where you’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Hervey Bay. This tailor made itinerary is perfect for those who are looking to visit specific places and spend your own time at them. And by the way, Kingfisher Bay Resort is fantastic too!

Day tours from Hervey Bay

A Fraser Island day trip from Hervey Bay with K’gari Explorer Tour is a great way to see the island if you’re stuck for time. You’ll get to see almost the same sights as you would in the three day tour except Kingfisher Bay Resort and Lake Wabby. Note that you won’t get as much time at the famous attractions on this full day tour, but you’ll be able to tick them off your list when visiting the world’s largest sand island at K’gari (Fraser Island).

Explore the remote western side of Fraser Island

Looking to do something a little different on K’gari, formerly Fraser Island? Why not explore the remote Western side of the World Heritage listed K’gari by jumping on this day tour which includes kayaking, snorkelling, swimming and hiking as well as lunch.

Fraser Island 4-Hour Eco-Sailing Adventure

Meet at Hervey Bay for an unforgettable four hour eco-sailing adventure to the calm waters of the Great Sandy Strait. Here you’ll head to the heart of the dolphin playground while enjoying the pristine waters of Pelican Bank. This is a fantastic relaxing half-day trip for anyone looking for things to do in Hervey Bay.

Swim with whales in Fraser Island

Hervey Bay and K’gari (Fraser Island) is some to some of the best whale watching tours in Australia. Jump on this affordable 9 hour day trip to swim with whales ! You’ll also get an opportunity to kayak in the crystal clear waters of Awinya or Bowarradt Creek while cruising along the pristine Great Sandy Strait in Fraser Island.

Tag along tours & self drive options

Tag along tours are a great way to drive Fraser Island without having to worry too much about getting stuck on your own. You’ll have a tour guide who will drive one of the car while the other cars follow along. With these tours, you will spend the entire trip driving with other strangers and from what we saw, these tours cater for a backpacker market.

Bare in mind, you’ll be given a run down about the places you visit when you arrive at them but not while you’re driving there so you won’t learn as much as you would if you were on a K’gari Explorer tour. You’ll also need to be over 21 to drive on these tours, but if you’re younger you can still join, just not drive. Most cars don’t have aircon either so you might find it quite hot if you’re in a car with eight people.

If you’re thinking of doing it alone and hiring a 4WD, just bare in mind that if you get bogged or stuck at any point, you’ll more than likely have to wait for another car to come past and help you as there’s very little phone reception on the island. Personally, if you’re not confident with driving on sand, I wouldn’t do this option.

Pippies tag along camping safari

Pippies Fraser Island Tours and Beachouse is located in Rainbow Beach offering multi day tours from there, Noosa and Brisbane for anyone wanting to do a tag along tour which includes camping. You’ll see all of the sights, and camp under the stars at the very basic campsites in Fraser Island.

Fraser Dingo 4WD Adventures

Fraser Dingo 4WD Adventures offer multi day tag along tours offer all the sights but instead of camping, you’ll stay at a private beach house in share rooms.

We had planned to book the couples 4WD self drive and do a self-drive but the cars are actually pretty small. Considering we always overpack, I now know these cars would have been way too small for us!

Hire a car from Kingfisher Bay Resort

While most of the car companies are based on the mainland, why not hire a 4wd from Fraser Island so you don’t have to worry about paying all the fees for bringing a car over. If you hire a 4WD from Aussie Trax at Kingfisher Bay Resort , you can choose the length of the rental from half-day options and more including motels, and camping.

Things to know about booking a tour over a tag-along and hiring a 4WD for self-drive

If you’re unsure which route to take when booking your tour, here’s some tips I learnt on my recent visit.

1. Everyone gets stuck in the sand

We did the 3 night K’gari Explorer Tour and even our tour guide was an ex military driving instructor, driving one of the biggest vehicles on the island has got stuck in the sand from time to time. If you’re considering doing the tag-long or hiring a 4WD to drive it alone, if it’s your first time driving on the sand, consider that you will most likely get stuck a lot. You won’t be driving on the road, it’s literally all sand from the moment you get off the ferry.

We did see cars literally abandoned on the island because they had been rolled or the tyres blew up etc. There is a towing service which I heard is expensive to get towed back to Hervey Bay. Be also careful about how fast you go because there are police on the island who will stop you.

2. You won’t learn as much on a tag along or self-drive

Our guide Sarge is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about K’gari that he taught us so much about the island during our tour. If you did a self-drive 4wd hire, you won’t learn anything about the places to visit in Fraser Island or discover the history behind them. It would essentially be like rocking up to Lake Mckenzie or Eli Creek and knowing nothing about them.

This is similar with the tag along tours where you get to drive a 4wd but follow a tour guide. You won’t learn anything about the places while driving until you arrive at a tourist attraction. So, you’ll just be driving from one place to the next without really getting a good understanding of it like you would on the K’gari Explorer Tour.

3. If you rely on Google Maps, you’ll probably get lost

Fraser Island is pretty remote.The majority of the island is rainforest and mostly without phone reception, so if you get lost or stuck, you’ll have to hope and wait for another car to pass you by. You’ll need to bring a paper map with you when exploring the island as you could end up getting lost several times.

4. You’ll need to be more prepared than you think

If you’re thinking of hiring a 4WD or coming to the island in your own car, then be prepared to bring everything with you. For example, if you’re camping you’ll need to bring your own toilet with you, (you’ll literally be camping on the sand opposite the beach), as well as a shovel and all the necessary pieces of equipment to get you out of the sand if needed. You’ll also need to get camping permits and pay for national park fees as well.

Let’s not forget about understanding the tide times as well. This will be crucial for driving K’gari (Fraser Island) if you’re doing a self-drive option because you’ll be driving a lot along the Seventy Five Mile Beach.

More Fraser Island travel guides

Need more inspiration for your next trip to K’gari? Check out our popular guides!

• 31 Best Things To Do In Fraser Island (K’gari)
• 7 Best Fraser Island Day Trips From Hervey Bay
• What The K’gari Explorer Tour To Fraser Island Looks Like
• 15 Things To Know About Planning A Fraser Island Trip
• 10 Tips To Know Before Visiting Eli Creek In Fraser Island
• 13 Things You Might Not Know About Lake Mckenzie In Fraser Island
• 12 Crucial Things To Know About The Champagne Pools In Fraser Island
• Tips For Visiting The Famous Maheno Shipwreck On Fraser Island
• My Honest Fraser Island Kingfisher Bay Resort Review

Best Fraser Island Tours

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Fraser Experience Day Tour From Hervey Bay

Departure Times

Pricing options.

This exciting day tour offers a jam-packed adventure that showcases the very best of K'gari (Fraser Island)!

• Maximum of 17 passengers for a small group bus tour
• Travel in style and comfort in a 4WD and enjoy the panoramic views
• See natural wonders like Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie, and Maheno Shipwreck
• Visit the only rainforest in the world which grows in the sand
• Special family discounted rates available

1 Day Fraser Experience Tour is an affordable, fun, and personalised adventure to K'gari (Fraser Island). This tour is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to see this iconic sand island. The 1 Day Fraser Experience offers a fantastic itinerary with a maximum of just 17 passengers so you can enjoy all the best parts of the island without the crowds! Visit some of the top spots on the island such as the flowing clear water of Eli Creek, the historic Maheno Shipwreck, and stunning Lake McKenzie. Fraser Experience's professional and friendly guides ensure you have a day to remember.

• All national park fees and island transfers included
• Visit top spots on K'gari (Fraser Island)
• Experienced and friendly guide
• Air-conditioned 4WD bus
• Panoramic windows for great views
• Morning tea, picnic lunch and fresh fruit provided
• All beverages including tea, coffee, juice, soft drink and bottled water
• Maximum 17 passengers
• Courtesy transfer from your Hervey Bay hotel or hostel accommodation 
• Foreign language guide app for English, German, Italian, French, Spanish and Chinese

Sample Itinerary

• Central Station  -  Walk through the lush rainforest at the former logging station
• Lake MacKenzie  -  One of the best lakes on the island, ideal for relaxing and swimming
• Seventy Five Mile Beach  -  Enjoy the amazing sights along the way on this unique highway
• Eli Creek   - Bring a floatie along with you for the best experience and enjoy a float down the creek
• Maheno Shipwreck  - Take some photos of th...
• Maheno Shipwreck  - Take some photos of the shipwreck on the eastern side of the island
• The Pinnacles  - Sand formations that have been in the making for hundreds of thousands of years 

Itinerary subject to change due to tides and weather conditions!

Departs/Returns

Departs:  7.00am - 7:30am from accommodation in  Hervey Bay Returns:  6:00pm - 6:30pm to accommodation in  Hervey Bay

All barge transfers and 4WD transportation on the island are included!

More Information

What to bring.

Please pack a small day bag with:

• Sweater/jacket (colder months)
• Beach towel
• Water bottle
• Insect repellent
• Drinks or snacks

Please also wear comfortable walking shoes.

What's Included

• Courtesy pick up from your hotel or hostel accommodation (Does not apply to private residences or Airbnbs)
• Ferry transfers to K'gari (Fraser Island)
• Full-day guided tour
• Picnic lunch
• National Park fees

What's Extr...

What's extra.

• Please note, surcharges may apply for peak season.

Terms and Conditions

Important Information: 

• Please note this tour is suitable for ages 4 and up
• This tour may not be suitable if you have existing neck or back problems or are pregnant. Check with your agent to make sure this tour is suitable for you.

Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Fraser Tours / Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. 

Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply. 

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.

Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Tour Operator. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 

Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.

Other: 

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.

Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees. You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Client Cancellations:

All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. No shows or client cancellations made within 72 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to [email protected]. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.

Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Sailing Whitsundays retail outlet located Airlie Beach, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Mr Travel online department.

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.

Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.

Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel / Fraser-Tours.com .  If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.

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Frequently asked questions.

The minimum age is 4 years. If you're travelling as a family, we offer family discounts!

K'gari (Fraser Island) has a rugged, bumpy terrain, so this tour may not be suitable if you have existing neck or back problems or are pregnant. Check with your doctor to make sure this tour is suitable for you.

Fraser Experience uses a 17-seat 4WD bus with air-conditioning and wide, spacious windows so you can admire the scenery. 

Yes, accommodation pick-ups are offered! Please provide your pick-up location upon booking and reconfirm your booking and pick-up spot with the supplier before your tour.

This is an all-inclusive tour, so ferry transfers and national park fees are all included. The only extra fees may be a public holiday surcharge if you book your tour on a holiday.

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Fraser Island Day Trip – The Ultimate Guide

A Fraser Island Day Trip is the best way to explore the largest sand island in the world!

With a speckled past and many different stories about how the island was founded, Fraser Island is now a popular vacation destination.

I have put together this ultimate guide with everything you need to know about a Fraser Island day tour including where to visit, what tours to take, and what to expect when you arrive on the island.

Table of Contents

WHERE IS FRASER ISLAND?

Fraser Island is located 360km north of Brisbane off Australia’s East Coast in Queensland. 

The closest towns to Fraser Island would be Rainbow Beach, Hervey Bay, and Tin Can Bay, all very popular destinations for people to stay if they’re not staying on the island itself.

Click here to see the location on Google maps.

HOW TO GET TO FRASER ISLAND

The easiest and most accessible airport to fly into, whether that be international or domestic would be Brisbane Airport.

From here, I’d recommend hiring a car or taking a bus to drive the 360 km north to one of the close-by towns or to the island itself.

Once you’re up the area, getting to Fraser Island is quite easy.

You can do this as a foot passenger or by car, however, the best way to see the island is by booking a Fraser Island Day Trip , which I’ll get into greater detail further down in this post.

To access the island via car, you’re going to head to Rainbow Beach, following signs for ‘Inskip’.

Beware, if you’re going to access the island with your own car, make sure it’s a 4×4, there are no paved roads on the island and it’s mostly driving on sand.

From Inskip, you’ll board one of the many ferries and take the short, 10-minute journey to the island.

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FRASER ISLAND FERRY COST:

Considering the amount of time you’re on the ferry and the distance you travel, the Fraser Island Ferry is pretty expensive.

To board the ferry with your own car and a passenger, you’re looking at around $180 AUD for a return ticket (cheapest). If you have trailers etc, then this price is increased.

If you’re boarding the Fraser Island Ferry as a foot passenger, the price for this is around $60 AUD for a return ticket.

As I mentioned, the most cost-effective way to access and explore is on board a Fraser Island Day Trip Tour .

In doing this you get the tour, the guide, the food as well as the cost of the ferry all for the same price as the Fraser Island Ferry itself.

Check out the few points below on ‘The Best Fraser Island Tours’.

FRASER ISLAND FERRY TIMES:

There are three Fraser Island Ferries that take you over to the island. The Fraser Island Venture and the Kingfisher Bay ferries only operate 3-4 services a day.

The Manta Ray Fraser Island barge service operates two barges daily from 6:00 am to 5:15 pm (the last barge to Fraser Island is at 5:00 pm and the last barge away from Fraser island is at 5:15 pm).

The trip to Fraser Island takes approximately 10 minutes. As this service runs back and forth all day approximately every 30 minutes, there is no need to make a booking.

Have you got travel insurance for your trip?!

We all know accidents can happen and having Heymondo Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.

Heymondo offers low-cost Travel Insurance to keep you covered on all your adventures.

BEST FRASER ISLAND TOURS

3d2n fraser island tour from hervey bay.

If you’re planning to head over to Fraser Island for longer than a day and want the ultimate experience, this tour is the one for you.

3 days and 2 nights on Fraser Island, departing from Hervey Bay and exploring everything Fraser Island has to offer.

With this Fraser Island tour, you’ll get to see and do everything on the island. From swimming in Lake Mckenzie and exploring all other Fraser Island lakes to swimming in Champagne Pools, walking through the rainforest, and even stopping by the shipwrecks.

This 3 Day and 2 Night tour of Fraser Island really leaves no stone unturned.

There are many different package options for this tour ranging from $535-$720 AUD. Check out K look.com for all booking information and package prices.

REMOTE FRASER ISLAND DAY TRIP FROM HERVEY BAY

This tour is a little more for the adventurers amongst us. Swim, snorkel, hike, and kayak around the untouched, western side of Fraser Island, exploring the more unseen areas and getting off the beaten track.

If you’ve done Fraser Island before and are looking for something a little more unique, then this is definitely the tour for you.

Or even if you’ve never been on the island but fancy doing something a little different from the norm, then hop on this Fraser Island 1-day tour.

You’ll cruise the Great Sandy Strait along the shores of Fraser Island, spotting whales and dolphins.

You’ll be riding in a pretty cool, amphibious vehicle before enjoying a delicious lunch served on the boat.

At around $130 AUD per person when booking online with Get Your Guide , this is a great option if the other day trip packages don’t suit you.

This tour will last the entire day with guaranteed humpback sightings between July and October.

The Most Functional Day Pack EVER!

The Nomatic 20L Travel Pack is perfect for everyday use and for those shorter 1-3 day adventures.

With 20+ innovative features and a minimalist design, this functional day pack gives you confidence for life on the move!

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A FRASER ISLAND DAY TRIP

To start your day trip, you’ll board the ferry at Inskip (or your chosen boarding point depending on the ferry company).

You’ll take the short 10-15 minute journey over to Fraser Island before beginning your day.

You’ll drive along the shorefront which is actually a registered Queensland Highway all the way around the island.

Depending on the tide levels, you’ll either continue along the beach or you’ll take the high-tide road, inland.

The first town you’ll pass on the tour is Dilli Village, an old mining town that has since been turned into a campground.

For those not doing a Fraser Island day tour, it’s possible to camp here on the island.

Carry on along the beach, and you’ll reach the most built-up, commercial town on the island, Eurong.

It’s here you’ll have the option to grab something to eat at the shop/bakery, fill up your water bottle or enjoy the atmosphere before heading deeper inland.

After spending time at Eurong, you’ll take the sandy, narrow track through the rainforest before reaching the most popular and well-documented location on Fraser Island, Lake Mckenzie.

This has to be the most jaw-dropping part of the island and you’ll definitely leave thinking to yourself ‘ did that actually happen? ’.

Here at Lake Mckenzie, you’ll be welcomed to the whitest, softest sand you’ve ever walked on and the bluest, clearest water you’ll ever swim in.

This lake is pure rainwater, with high PH levels, meaning the water’s acid is great for your skin. Swimming in Lake Mckenzie is quite literally better than any spa day.

Enjoy time spent around Lake Mckenzie Fraser Island, in and out of the warm lake water, and soaking up the sun. Before you know it, it’ll be time to move on to your next destination.

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This tiny camera fits in your pocket, captures high-quality photos and videos, and has Wi-Fi so you can instantly transfer to your phone!

After you’ve spent time at Lake Mckenzie and eaten in the designated areas (you’re not allowed food around the lake due to the presence of Dingos), you’ll move on through the rainforest.

After about an hour’s drive, you’ll reach your next location on the Fraser Island day tour which is Central Station Rainforest.

Here you’ll be afforded the opportunity to take the 35-minute walk through the rainforest, along Wanggoolba Creek, taking in the breathtaking nature.

With crystal clear waters, palm trees the size of skyscrapers, and a range of animals you’d likely see on ‘I’m A Celeb…’, this walk is not to be missed.

Take the 123 steps upwards at the end of your walk, where hopefully you’ve planned someone to drive the car around and pick you up.

Depending on the Fraser Island day trip you booked and the time that you have left, from here you can continue to explore the island.

Stop off at the famous SS Maheno shipwreck or head straight back, either way, you’re looking at a good 1.5-hour drive all the way back to the Fraser Island ferry terminal.

THINGS TO DO IN FRASER ISLAND

Lake mckenzie.

One of the best things to do in Fraser Island is to chill out at Lake Mckenzie, soaking up the sun and spending a few hours floating around in the purest water you’ll ever see.

All whilst it doubles up as the most natural spa treatment going.

Another great thing to do is to go shopping in the town of Eurong, enjoy the bakery and grab a drink with friends.

This is the largest town on the island and a great place to stop off during your day trip to Fraser Island.

CENTRAL STATION RAINFOREST

Take a walk through the rainforest, marveling at nature right in front of your eyes, walking alongside the most beautiful creek I’ve ever seen.

Beware, this rainforest is home to snakes, lizards, and spiders which you can expect to see on Fraser Island.

SS MAHENO SHIPWRECK

The SS Maheno is the most famous of Fraser Island’s wrecks and has become a landmark attraction.

Kayak around this shipwreck, take photos, and enjoy this incredible location on Fraser Island.

CHAMPAGNE POOLS

Champagne Pools is a swimming spot on Fraser Island, famous for its pools of bubbling water caused by waves crashing against volcanic rock.

OTHER FRASER ISLAND TOURS

Fraser island 4wd hire.

If you don’t fancy doing a Fraser Island tour and feel brave enough to tackle the island on your own, why not consider a Fraser Island 4WD hire with Aussie Trax.

With offices in Hervey Bay or on Fraser Islands Kingfisher Bay Resort, grab yourself your very own 4WD, a map, and instructions on where to go, and head out to explore on a DIY day trip.

Fraser Island 4WD hire prices include vehicle hire, barge transfers, vehicle permits, and standard insurance.

With around four of you in one car, you’re looking at $159 AUD per person. This is a great way to see a different side of Fraser Island, at your own pace.

FRASER ISLAND ACCOMMODATION

If you’re staying longer on the island and searching for where to stay, you only have a few options.

A couple of hotels, holiday homes, or camping options are available on the island, which I have broken down into three options with all you need to know about staying on Fraser Island.

Luxury : Kingfisher Bay Resort

With large comfortable beds in every room and interconnecting rooms, this luxury resort on Fraser Island makes for the perfect family vacation.

With Lake Mckenzie just 12km away, hop in your 4WD and head out for the day exploring. You also have a shop just 0.1km from the accommodation.

Mid-Range: Orchid Beach Retreat

Fancying something a little more affordable, this Fraser Island resort is perfect for you and your friends whilst visiting Fraser Island.

This holiday home sleeps up to 8 people and is located on the Northwestern side of the island.

Again, away from tourist traffic, this resort would be perfect for those navigating the island on their own.

With large comfortable beds, sleeping up to 8 people in the home, this resort is great for entertaining a big group of friends when looking for where to stay on Fraser Island.

FOR ALL OTHER ACCOMMODATION, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

Fraser island camp information.

I want to touch a little bit more on Fraser Island camp information.

As I said, it’s the most common and cheapest way of staying on the island, but there are a few things you need to know beforehand.

• Camping permits apply for camping on the island. These costs for Fraser Island camping permits are around $6.65 AUD per person, per night. Family rates are also available.
• Fraser Island camping permits cannot be purchased on the island. They must be purchased at information stations before getting to the island.
• Campgrounds do have Dingo deterrents… but take extra care!
• Campfires are prohibited unless using one of the fire rings at certain Fraser Island camp areas.

FRASER ISLAND FACTS

Eliza Fraser was onboard a ship that was wrecked on the island and taken in by the Badtjala people.

She later wrote about her experience; from then on, the island was named Eliza Fraser’s Island. It was then shortened to Fraser Island before being shortened again to just Fraser Island.

Fraser Island has been renamed once again to K’Gari, meaning Paradise. More and more the term K’Gari is being used, and it’s expected that within a few years, it’ll no longer be known as Fraser Island and instead, be known as K’Gari.

The beach (75 Mile Beach), although it just looks like a beach, is actually a registered Queensland Highway and road rules apply.

There are speed limits, road signs, and plenty of vehicles, making this one of the most unique roads in the world.

As I’ve mentioned before, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dingos have a heavy presence on the island (for anyone who doesn’t know, a Dingo is part of the wolf family and looks like a dog).

They’re thought to be some of the purest Dingos in the world due to the lack of disturbance from other animals.

Although Dingos look like dogs, they’re far from it and are believed to be quite vicious at times due to their wild nature.

WHAT TO PACK FOR FRASER ISLAND

When visiting Fraser Island, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

More Australia Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Australia!

FINAL THOUGHTS – FRASER ISLAND DAY TOUR

In my opinion. whichever tour you do, whether that be an organized tour or whether you navigate the island on your own, you really can’t go wrong.

This incredible island has so much to offer, so many unique factors about it, and really does have some jaw-dropping scenery.

From the Fraser Island lakes to the lush rainforests, the 75 Mile beach, and the shipwrecks, this epic little island will never leave you wanting more.

Take a packed lunch or have your lunch provided when booking a Fraser Island day tour, chill out on the beaches or explore the rainforests.

One day on Fraser Island sometimes doesn’t feel enough. I can’t rave about this island enough and highly recommend each and every one of you to book a Fraser Island day tour as soon as possible.

It’ll definitely be the highlight of your trip to Australia!

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about this Fraser Island Day Trip, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

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Visit Fraser Island

Fantastic Fraser Tour

Explore the highlights of Fraser Island on this new one day tour brought to you by experienced Fraser tour operators Fraser Experience Tours.

Traversing the island in a modern, comfortable 4WD vehicle carrying no more that 6 guests, you are assured of a personal day with like minded travellers.

This tour is a great option for those looking for a near-private experience.