fraser island how to visit

A Guide to Visiting Fraser Island, The World’s Largest Sand Island

Fraser Island is not the tropical island paradise that you might imagine when picturing the islands off Australia’s Queensland coast. No, you won’t find swinging palm trees here, as Fraser Island is instead home to untamed beaches, ancient forests, dune lakes, shipwrecks and more, making it one of the best adventure experiences that Australia has to offer.

As mentioned in the title of this blog post, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, stretching 122km long. In case you were wondering: yes, a sand island is an island that’s made up of sand. That being said, Fraser isn’t just sand — there’s actually a lot to see!

Fraser Island is one of the “must-dos” on the east coast of Australia travel trail and you’ll find a ton of backpackers camping here. You’ll also find a lot of locals here too, especially those that love 4×4 drives and multi-day camping activities.

If you’re interested in seeing this incredible destination for yourself, here’s my guide to visiting Fraser Island!

Fraser Island’s 4×4 tag-along tours

Many backpackers travelling Australia’s east coast head to Fraser Island for multi-day camping and 4WD adventure packages, which is exactly what we did.

Half the fun of visiting Fraser Island, which lacks sealed roads, is the challenge of driving through the forests and along the beach. This can be intimidating for some, so it’s for this reason that many visitors opt for a 4×4 tag-along tour.

Led by an experienced guide who knows the island well, you’ll cruise the island in a convoy of jeeps, sleep in the national park, and explore the island’s best spots.

But with so many tour operators to choose from, which should you go with?

Drop Bear Adventures: Drop Bear’s signature 3D2N Fraser tour is one of the most popular options — tasty food, reliable 4WDs, beach cabin accommodation and a cracking tour guide to show you around. Book here.

Dingo’s: I personally went with Dingo’s and loved every second of it. The 3D2N tour was led by Jeff, a super knowledgeable, witty and all-around great tour guide. We stayed at a campsite and enjoyed campfire vibes in the evening, after days spent cruising our 4WDs, swimming in lakes, tubing down rivers and more. Book here.

Nomads Fraser Island: Another hugely popular option is Nomads Fraser Island. Book here.

It is possible to visit Fraser Island for one day; there are day tours that offer this. However, I truly feel that it deserves more than that in order to explore everything it has to offer. The most popular tour operators recommend their 3-day, 2-night tours, and I felt that this was an ideal length of time.

Travelling Fraser Island independently

Despite what I said above, it’s totally possible to explore Fraser Island independently without a tour group. This will give you the flexibility of exploring the island at your own pace and will crank up the adventure factor big time.

That being said, travelling Fraser Island independently will require some planning and may work out to be more expensive, unless you’ve got a group of you to split costs. If you’re a solo traveller, joining a 4×4 tag-along tour will definitely be cheaper than going independently.

You’ll absolutely need a 4WD vehicle to get around — if you have your own, great! You can book a ferry transfer for your vehicle and will also need to obtain a vehicle access permit , which costs $52.75, then you’re free to drive around the island at your leisure.

But like most people visiting Fraser Island independently, you’ll probably need to rent a 4WD.

Aussie Trax appears to be the cheapest 4WD rental service. That being said, it’s still far from cheap at $350 per vehicle per day and also has quite bad reviews. If you’re travelling with a group, the price will be reduced, but the cost of the 4WD rental, along with the ferry and accommodation, means that independent travel to Fraser Island is not cheap.

Independent travel to Fraser Island will involve:

• Renting a high clearance 4WD
• Acquiring a vehicle permit
• Booking a return ferry from the mainland to Fraser Island
• Booking accommodation
• Acquiring a camping permit if choosing to camp

Tip: When driving around Fraser Island independently, watch out for the tides. You’ll need to plan your whole trip around them. There are a few spots that can’t be passed during high tide, meaning you may be stuck on one side of the island until the tide goes back out. For instance, Eli Creek joins the sea and gets really deep during high tide. Trying to cross may just ruin your 4WD!

Where to stay on Fraser Island

If you’re heading to Fraser Island on an organised tour, then accommodation will be taken care of for you. Depending on the operator you’ve chosen, you’ll likely be staying in beach hut accommodation or at one of Fraser’s many campgrounds.

If you’re visiting independently, you can choose from a variety of accommodation options. There are a dozen or so hotels available on Fraser Island , which you can book ahead of your stay. These range from the luxurious Kingfisher Bay Resort to small holiday homes and beach huts.

You can also choose to stay in one of the campgrounds on Fraser Island — you can find a list of these here . If you are planning on camping, you’ll need to book camping permits in advance ($6.75 per person per night).

How to get to Fraser Island

Fraser Island is separated from mainland Australia by the Great Sandy Strait and so visitors must get there by ferry.

Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach are the main launching pads to reach Fraser Island, and you can catch a ferry from either of these locations.

If you’ve booked a Fraser Island 4×4 tag-along tour, you’ll be picked up from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay (depending on the tour you’ve booked) and taken to the ferry, so you don’t have to worry about booking/getting the ferry yourself unless told otherwise.

If you’re travelling to Fraser Island independently, you can drive your 4WD to either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay to catch the ferry. The choice is yours!

Rainbow Beach: To get to Fraser Island from Rainbow Beach, you can drive to Inskip Peninsula to take a ferry across the channel, which will bring you to the most southern point of the island. Inskip Peninsula is about 14 kilometres from Rainbow Beach.

Hervey Bay: To get to Fraser Island from Hervey Bay, you’ll need to take the ferry from River Heads, which is 20 minutes south of the town. This ferry will drop you off at Kingfisher Resort on Fraser Island.

Things to do on Fraser Island

Drive along 75-mile beach.

As I mentioned before, there aren’t proper roads on the island, only narrow tracks that zigzag through the forest, and a beach that acts as a sort of “highway”. This beach is known as 75-mile Beach, and it stretches along Fraser’s east coast, allowing visitors to navigate up and down the island with ease. I absolutely loved cruising along the beach in our 4WD!

Swim in Lake McKenzie

If you’ve heard of Fraser Island before, then you’ve probably also heard of Lake McKenzie. Situated in the centre of the island, this lake contains water so clear you can see your feet perfectly, and is surrounded by sand so white that you’re almost blinded by it.

The sand here is almost pure silica, so our guide told us we can exfoliate with it, and even wash our hair and teeth with it. I gave this a go, and my hair felt so soft and silky afterwards — you certainly can’t find sand like this in many places around the world.

Lake McKenzie is what’s known as a “perched lake,” which means that it’s filled only by rainwater, rather than being fed by a river.

Lake Wabby + Hammerstone Sandblow

Lake Wabby is a beautiful, green-coloured freshwater lake. It was really quite beautiful but sadly, the lake is situated adjacent to the Hammerstone Sandblow, which is gradually moving into the lake and will eventually completely bury it. Lake Wabby was lovely to swim in, especially as it required a 45-minute hike through the forest to reach it!

Visit the Maheno Shipwreck

The SS Maheno was a 5000-tonne ocean liner that traversed Australia and New Zealand in the early 1900s. At the break of World War I, the Maheno was converted into a hospital ship and carried sick and wounded soldiers before being returned to her owners at the end of the war.

In July 1935, she was sold to a Japanese shipbreaker but never made it to Japan due to a raging cyclone. The ship and crew were helplessly washed onto the shore of Fraser Island, where attempts to refloat her were unsuccessful. She was left abandoned here and remains to this day.

You can freely walk in and around the wreck at your leisure. It’s located on the beach highway and is visible from quite a distance — you can’t miss it!

Go tubing down Eli Creek

Eli Creek is a fantastic spot. There’s a boardwalk that will take you a few hundred metres upstream, from where you can hop into the river and slowly float back down. The tour we went with supplied inner tubes for us to use, but be sure to bring your own if you’re travelling independently! This was possibly my favourite activity we did on Fraser; tubing down a natural lazy river in the sun…

Look out for dingoes and other wildlife

Fraser Island is one of the few places in Australia where it’s possible to see wild dingoes. We saw four or five during our time on the island, all of them along 75-mile Beach.

They’re beautiful animals, native to Australia, and a protected species. Seeing them in their natural habitat is certainly a privilege, and while you shouldn’t be afraid of them, they have been known to be aggressive. Observe from afar, and enjoy watching them run about!

As well as dingoes, you might also spot dolphins and whales frolicking in the ocean. Crocodiles have also been observed in the west of the island.

Take a dip in the Champagne Pools

  The ocean surrounding Fraser Island is pretty treacherous – rip tides, undercurrents, stingers and sharks make it too dangerous to swim. However, there is a cluster of rock pools formed by volcanic rock called Champagne Pools which you can visit to swim in the saltwater. The pools are quite a popular swimming hole, where the ocean crashes over the rocks into the pools to provide a beautiful place to swim. We spent a couple of hours swimming here, and found the water to be pretty warm and peaceful.

View the scenery from Indian Head Lookout

Located on the eastern end of 75 Mile Beach sits a coastal headland known as Tuckee, which means ‘stone’ to the Aboriginals who lived on Fraser many years ago. The headland was named ‘Indian Head’ by explorer Captain Cook, who saw aboriginal people assembled here when he passed by.

Indian Head serves as a great vantage point, offering beautiful 360 views of the island to those who climb up to the top. The headland here is also a fantastic place from which to spot wildlife — whales and sharks can sometimes be seen in the ocean below.

Where to next?

• Check out my east coast of Australia road trip itinerary
• Explore tropical Magnetic Island
• Visit the iconic Great Barrier Reef

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels –  Booking.com Hostels –  Hostelworld Cheap flights –  Skyscanner Travel insurance –  World Nomads Outdoor gear –  Decathlon  /  GO Outdoors Cycling gear –  Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

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Oh my goodness, I am so bummed I missed this when I was in Australia! The water all over looks so clear and gorgeous! I bet it was nice and warm too. I guess I’ll have to go back 😉

Yes you will 😉

I used to camp on Fraser all the time when I was a kid. I really need to go back for a visit.

Ah I’m jealous- you must have gotten to explore so much of the island! There is definitely a lot more of it I’d love to see.

Wow, what an awesome island to 4WD on! I’ve heard so much about it but never actually been. I’d especially love to see the Maheno Shipwreck and go for a swim in that beautiful, blue water!

It really was amazing to drive around the island- a little scary in parts as you needed to have pretty good control of the vehicle but it was a lot of fun!

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How to visit Fraser Island and what to do there

Along with the Whitsunday Islands , Fraser Island is a staple stop off for backpackers heading up, or down, Australia’s East Coast on a road trip .

My friend, Rachel, and I stopped off at Fraser Island where we boarded a Fraser Island ferry with a group and spent two nights on this sandy island.

If you’d like to plan a Fraser Island trip but are wondering how to visit Fraser Island, here’s how to get there along with what to pack and what to do during your visit to Fraser Island.

About Fraser Island

Fraser Island on the east coast of Australia is the world’s largest sand island. It’s just off the southeast coast of Queensland and is a UNESCO listed island and one of the best wilderness adventures you can have in Australia.

The island stretches on for over 120km and is full of untamed beaches, old-growth forest, beautiful Fraser Island lakes and wildlife. The only things it lacks are infrastructure and paved roads! Which is what makes a visit here so great and why Fraser Island holidays are so popular.

Fraser Island’s most infamous inhabitants are the dingos. Whilst they may look like rather cute dogs they’re in fact pretty dangerous. You’ll have to take special precautions to make sure your camp isn’t raided by dingos.

How to get to Fraser Island, Australia

Getting to Fraser Island involves taking a small boat – as you’d expect when visiting an island! One of the most common ways is to come from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island as lots of backpackers heading up the east coast stop in Hervey Bay.

Barge to Fraser Island

One of the most popular ways to get to Fraser Island is to take the Manta Ray barge . This runs between Inskip Point and the southern tip of Fraser Island.

It costs about AUS$120 return per 4×4 car and takes just 10 minutes. The barges to Fraser Island runs from 6 am-5.15 pm daily.

If you’ve booked on to a tour of the island with a company the cost of this should be included in your package.

Alternatively, you could take a ferry to Fraser Island with Fraser Island Barges . These are less frequent and go from River Heads (just outside of Hervey Bay) to Wanggoolba Creek and Kingfisher Bay on the west of the island.

These barges to Fraser Island take a bit longer – about 50 minutes – but do cost a little less at AUS$105 per vehicle.

Flights to Fraser Island

There are no airports on Fraser Island. The closest airport to Fraser Island is Hervey Bay, which has domestic flights from Sydney or from Brisbane. If you’re looking to go from Brisbane to Fraser Island, a flight will be quickest, or you can drive in 3-4 hours.

Upon landing in Hervey Bay, drive south to River Heads to catch the barge as above.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

Driving on Fraser Island

The only real way, and definitely the best way to see Fraser Island, is to hire a 4WD or join a tour and drive the sands for a few days.

Where to rent a 4×4 for Fraser Island

If you plan to visit Fraser Island on your own you’ll need to haeva . 4×4. There are no paved roads on Fraser Island and as a result, it’s not recommended to take anything other and a 4WD with high clearance.

Cars without this are likely to get damaged or stuck in the sand and boggy ground.

If you don’t have a 4WD you can hire one from several places before catching the barge. You must be 21 and over to be able to get a 4WD hire for Fraser Island.

If you’re under 21 like I was when I went, then your best bet is to join a tour of Fraser Island .

Hervey Bay 4WD rental

You can rent a 4WD from the following companies in Hervey Bay amongst others.

• Fraser 4WD Hire
• Safari 4WD Hire

Inskip Point 4WD rental

You can also find Fraser Island 4wd hire from Rainbow Beach. This is great if you’re catching the barge over to the southern tip of Fraser Island.

• Rainbow Beach 4×4 Hire
• Fraser Island 4×4 Hire 

4WD Hire on Fraser Island

There’s only one place to hire a 4WD on Fraser Island, and that’s Aussie Trax . They don’t get the  best reviews but by waiting to pick up your 4WD hire on Fraser Island, you’ll save a bit of money on barge ticket prices. Just don’t expect anything too fancy with this car hire in Fraser Island.

Book your Fraser Island car rental with Aussie Trax here.

Vehicle permits for visiting Fraser Island

You will also need a vehicle permit in order to drive on the island. The rental companies  listed above should be able to help with this but if you are taking your own car then buy a Fraser Island permit online,  or in person at the following offices:

• QWPS Rainbow Beach Office (7a m – 4 pm daily) ph: 54863160
• River Heads Info Office – Barge landing car park – (6.15 am – 11 am daily )
• Marina Kiosk Hervey Bay – Urangan Boat Harbour – (6 am – 6 pm daily)

A vehicle permit costs $50.60 for 1 week or less and must be placed on the left-hand side of your windscreen/dashboard so that it is visible from the outside of the vehicle.

Where to stay on Fraser Island

Since a trip to Fraser Island is a wilderness trip, you won’t find many hotels to stay in (although there are a few!). Most visitors choose to camp. There also aren’t really any hostels in Fraser Island, the most budget-friendly way of visiting is to camp.

Best hotel on Fraser Island

Check out these hotels on Fraser Island if you’re looking for somewhere to stay.

Kingfisher Bay Resort

Kingfisher Resort on Fraser Island , is one of the most popular choices for Fraser Island accommodation. The resort has 4 pools, is beachfront and ideal for couples looking for a Fraser island hotel.

Fraser Island Retreat

Another of the more popular Fraser Island hotels is Fraser Island Retreat . It has a pool and villas with beach views. It’s also super close to some of the top Fraser Island attractions listed below.

Where to camp on Fraser Island

There are 45 areas for camping on Fraser Island. These vary in terms of facilities so pick according to your preference. Some campgrounds have ‘dingo deterrent’ fences which help stop dingos getting too close.

People say that one of the most picturesque campsites on Fraser Island is Central Station. Central Station campground is towards the middle of the island and is a great place for exploring the lakes.

You can find out more about camping at Fraser Island on the Government of Queensland’s website . You can make a Fraser Island camping booking here .

How to buy a camping permit

If you are camping then you’ll need to purchase a camping permit. This applies whether you plan on camping in a designated campground or not. You can buy a camping permit online at QLD.gov.au . You can also buy it in person at the QPWS office at Rainbow Beach or Eurong (on the island).

Make sure to print your permit before you head to Fraser Island. Once on the island attach your Fraser Island camping permit to your tent or camper van. If the inspection officers can’t see your permit, or you don’t have one, then you could be fined.

Camping permits for Fraser Island cost around $6 per person per night and children under 5 are free. If you want to shower during your stay then you’ll need to take extra change to pay for this!

Best Fraser Island Tours

These tours all involve a 4WD Fraser Island experience. Some are Fraser Island day tours, others are multi-day. If you can swing it, I’d highly recommend looking into the longer Fraser Island tours from Hervey Bay as that way you’ll get to really experience the beauty of this island.

Whilst you may be looking to save money, remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to cheap Fraser Island tours (crappy vehicles, not much food, etc!).

Fraser Island day trips

• This Fraser Island day tour from Hervey Bay gives you the chance to experience a day trip to Fraser Island. Lunch is included on this Fraser Island 1 day tour too.

Mutli-day Fraser Island adventure tours

These multi-day Fraser Island 4WD tours include accommodation in hotels. You’ll be able to book cheaper, camping tours at hostels in Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay.

• This Fraser Island 2 day tour goes from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach and includes a stay at Eurong Beach Resort rather than camping.
• Another option for a 2 day Fraser Island tour is this Fraser Island 4WD tag along tour that goes from Hervey Bay. You also get to experience driving your own 4WD too.
• This is an extension of the above tour giving you 3 days, 4 nights on Fraser Island and is a great option for those looking for Fraser Island self drive tours.

Best things to do in Fraser Island

Wondering what to do in Fraser Island? Here’s your guide to the best things to do including Fraser Island lakes, beaches and more.

Lake McKenzie

The vivid blue of Lake McKenzie tends to be on most guided tours. I stopped off here on my tour of Fraser Island and went for a quick dip!

Eli Creek, Fraser Island

Eli Creek is freshwater and makes a great spot for a relaxing float along with the current. There’s a boardwalk which takes you to the top of the creek too.

SS Maheno Shipwreck

The SS Maheno Shipwreck is also on pretty much every Fraser Island itinerary. The ship was wrecked in 1935 when it was being towed to Japan for scrapping. Before this time the SS Maheno was used for bombing tests during World War II. Nowadays you can see it at low tide washed up on the beach.

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles are coloured sand cliffs on the eastern beach of Fraser Island. There are said to be up to 72 different colours on Fraser Island although most are red or yellow. This spot is one of the best places on the island to see the coloured sands.

Hike to Lake Wabby

Lake Wabby is a green coloured lake with a large sand dune. If you fancy it, you can run down the sand dune before diving into the refreshing lake at the bottom which is the perfect end to a great walk on Fraser Island. If you’re lucky you might spot some freshwater turtles and fish!

Lake Birrabeen

Lake Birrabeen is more inland and the drive here is a fun, peaceful 4WD adventure!

Spot Sharks from Indian Head

You’re not usually advised to swim in the waters around Fraser Island. And, if you head up to Indian Head bluff then you’ll probably find out why. It’s not uncommon to spot sharks patrolling the waters down below or even rays!

75-mile beach, Fraser Island

The 75-mile beach stretches along the entire eastern side of Fraser Island. It’s also considered the main road! Most of the things to do on Fraser Island such as the Pinnacles, Eli Creek and the Maheno wreck are found along this, one of the most famous Fraser Island beaches.

Champagne Pools

One place you can swim safely is the rock pools near Waddy Point. These are known as the Champagne Pools.

Sandy Cape Lighthouse

Up in the northeastern tip of Fraser Island is the heritage Sandy Cape Lighthouse. Not many travellers make it all the way up here but if you’re spending a week or so on the island it’s worth the visit.

How much does it cost to visit Fraser Island?

Costs of visiting Fraser Island vary depending on how you’re travelling there. If you have your own 4WD you’ll obviously find Fraser Island a bit cheaper as you won’t need to hire a car or join a tour group.

If you don’t have your own 4WD you should consider joining a tour group as this can make things a bit cheaper since the tour includes car hire, permits, food and tents.

Accommodation: Assuming you’re camping this is around $6 a night per person. However, you’ll need to already have tents and camping equipment.

Cost of food: This depends on what you want to bring (e.g. alcohol). Goon is a cheap way to drink and you’ll also need to pack extra cartons of water. Budget for around $50 for a couple of nights.

Transport:  Expect to pay about AUD$200 per day for a 4WD rental for Fraser Island.

Tour costs: A self-drive tour costs anywhere between AUS$300-$500 for 3 days/2 nights. You’ll be put in a group of other travellers and everyone over the age of 21 will have a chance to drive. This will include all your food, permits, transport fees and camping equipment.

What to pack for your visit to Fraser Island

If you’re booked on a Fraser Island tour they’ll have taken care of all this so you don’t need to worry! All you’ll need to bring are clothes, toiletries, personal medications, sun cream, clothes and shoes. Oh and maybe some new songs to play in the cars!

• Food & water: There are a couple of shops on Fraser Island but it’s better to pack everything you need for the duration of your stay with you before getting on the barge. This includes water (for drinking and washing), food
• A first aid kit for both yourself and your car: Your car’s first aid kit should include items such as; radiator coolant, a spanner set, gaffer tape, a can of WD40, jumper leads, zip ties and a spare fan belt.
• Extra fuel: Whilst Eurong, towards the east of Fraser Island, has places you can buy fuel it’s best to bring extra with you too. Distances between attractions might not look far on the map, but Fraser Island’s roads will guzzle your fuel!
• A camping stove: Campfires are only permitted in a select few campsites. This means you’ll have to bring a stove for cooking on.
• An air pressure gauge: Sand driving requires slightly deflated tyres so you’ll have to pack an air pressure gauge to do this. You’ll also want to bring or rent some recovery gear including a shovel in case you need to dig yourself out of the sand and/or mud.
• A map & GPS system : It’s extremely important to bring a good Fraser Island map (like this one!)  and a GPS system. Most of the time you’ll probably be without phone signal so you can’t rely on your data.

Dingo safety on Fraser Island Australia

During my trip to Fraser Island, we didn’t see any Fraser Island dingos. At first, I was disappointed but then I learned how dangerous they can be.

Dingoes on Fraser Island tend to stay clear of humans but there are plenty of stories of Fraser Island dingo attacks, particularly on children. In order to keep safe from dingos whilst on Fraser Island you should abide by the following:

• Keep all food locked up in a vehicle and never feed dingos. You will be fined for failing on either of these.
• Small children can attract a dingo’s attention so keep them close. Running can also have the same effect so walk everywhere while on the island.
• Do not leave anything lying around in an unfenced campsite that dingoes could chew through. Even something as simple as toothpaste left in your tent can attract dingos
• Once you’re finished cooking clean up straight away. Dig a deep hole away from your tent to pour the washing up water into if there are no facilities.

If you’re threatened by a dingo you should 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.

Last Updated on July 6, 2023 by Hannah

Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe , a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada , you’ll find posts on all of this.

Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.

Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.

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Oooo beautiful, the whitsundays are high on my to visit list! x

They were so pretty! And pretty much deserted when I went to see them which made it even better! x

13 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do on Fraser Island (K'Gari)

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Welcome to one of the most unique 4WD nature safaris in the world. Called K'Gari, meaning "Paradise," by the local Butchulla people, this wildlife-rich World Heritage-listed island, off the coast of South East Queensland, is the largest sand island on the planet . Drive along its seemingly endless dune-backed beaches in the salty sea breeze, and you'll feel an intoxicating spirit of adventure.

K'Gari (Fraser Island) certainly lives up to its name. Most of the island belongs to Great Sandy National Park , a protected area of diverse habitats and dazzling beauty. Subtropical rainforest, wild beaches, towering sand dunes, and turquoise lakes are just some of the natural attractions you can explore here.

Wildlife is another highlight. Dingoes, kangaroos, sugar gliders, and brushtail possums are among the many unique creatures who call the island home, and humpback whales, dugongs, and dolphins swim in its waters.

Looking for adventure? You'll find it here. Besides off-road driving on miles of wave-thrashed shoreline, top things to do on K'Gari (Fraser Island) include hiking along the beautiful beaches and rainforest trails, fishing off the eastern beach, swimming, birding, mountain biking, and camping.

Subtropical K'Gari (Fraser Island) is popular year-round thanks to its hot summers and mild winters. Note, though, that if you're driving on the island, a high-clearance 4WD vehicle with low range capability is essential. Check current conditions and safety information before you head out.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning the trip of a lifetime with our list of the top things to do on K'Gari (Fraser Island).

1. Drive along 75 Mile Beach

2. swim in lake mckenzie, 3. look for wildlife, 4. explore the maheno shipwreck, 5. stroll the rainforest trails near central station, 6. float along eli creek, 7. see the view from indian head, 8. stay at kingfisher bay resort, 9. hike the fraser island great walk, 10. climb the dunes at lake wabby, 11. soar over the island on a scenic flight, 12. camp in the rainforest or on the beach, 13. fish off the beach, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to fraser island, map of attractions & things to do on fraser island (k'gari).

Driving along 75 Mile Beach (also called Seventy-Five Mile Beach) ranks as one of the top outdoor adventures in Australia . Skirting the east coast of K'Gari (Fraser Island), the road is a National Highway and also serves as a landing strip for light aircraft.

The second your car descends from the ferry and hits the sand, with miles of untamed shoreline stretching as far as the eye can see, you'll feel an overwhelming sense of freedom wash over you.

Sightseeing is also rewarding along this wide-open beach. The rusted hull of the Maheno shipwreck is a popular stop, as well as the multicolored cliffs of the Pinnacles and the bubbly rock pools, called Champagne Pools .

While you're driving, keep an eye out for wildlife. Dingoes often pad along the shore or in the dunes, and humpback whales swim these waters during their annual migration (August through October). You might also see the occasional shark fin slicing through the sea - a warning to unsuspecting swimmers that tiger sharks prowl these waters. Dangerous surf and strong riptides are a further deterrent in case you're thinking about a relaxing dip.

The speed limit is 80 kilometers per hour in good conditions, and it's important to heed the tides. Stories of rental vehicles swept away in rising seas are a somber warning for drivers, but for many tourists, this merely adds to the excitement.

From the mainland, the fastest and easiest way to access 75 Mile Beach is on vehicle and passenger barges, which depart from Inskip Point, a 15-minute drive from Rainbow Beach.

If you're worried about driving on the island or don't have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, the best option is a 4WD Tour of Fraser Island from Hervey Bay . This full-day tour visits all the island's highlights accompanied by the entertaining commentary of an expert guide.

Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora) is one of Fraser Island's most-visited attractions - and for good reason. One of more than 200 freshwater lakes and creeks on Fraser Island, the lake offers a striking combination of sublime white sand and clear waters in vivid shades of blue. It's the perfect place for a refreshing dip.

The sand here is actually silky-soft silica. It filters the rainwater of this perched lake, making it so pure that it supports little aquatic life. Many visitors come here to sprawl on the satiny shores and swan about in the crystal-clear water.

The best time to visit Lake McKenzie is early in the morning before the tour groups arrive. Camping near the lake is another great way to avoid the crowds and experience its beauty at different times of the day.

Another waterhole worth visiting is Lake Birrabeen . One of the Fraser Island hidden gems, this perched lake in the center of the island rivals the beauty of Lake McKenzie but lies off the main tourist bus circuit, meaning it's typically less crowded.

Spotting wildlife is a highlight of any visit to K'Gari. The rich variety of fauna here reflects the island's diverse habitats. On land, you might spot dingoes, reputedly Australia's purest strain; sugar gliders; brushtail possums; flying foxes; snakes; and sand monitors; among other species.

Birding is also superb. More than 354 species have been spotted on the island, including pied oystercatchers, white-bellied sea-eagles, brahminy kites, yellow-tailed black-cockatoos, and king parrots.

Under the water, the animal life is just as rich. Dolphins, dugongs, stingrays, turtles, and sharks (particularly tiger sharks) swim these waters, and humpback whales migrate past the island from August through October.

Whale-watching trips depart from Hervey Bay on the mainland and cruise along the Fraser Island coast - it's one of the top things to do in Hervey Bay . If you're feeling super adventurous, you can also book a package that includes a swim with the whales.

You can't miss the Maheno. About 10 kilometers north of the tiny settlement of Happy Valley , this rusty shipwreck looms along the shores of 75 Mile Beach and is usually surrounded by tourists clicking away with their cameras.

The boat was once a trans-Tasman liner. In 1935, a cyclone swept it ashore while it was being towed from Sydney to Osaka. The eight crew on board camped on the beach for a couple of days until help arrived, but the ship could not be refloated, and attempts to sell the vessel were unsuccessful.

Today, its rusted skeleton is a haunting landmark along this wind-whipped stretch of coast. Sand is slowly engulfing the remains, but it's still an impressive sight and a worthwhile stop for a photo op as you're driving along the beach.

Cool and sheltered, the rainforest trails at Central Station provide the perfect complement to the wide-open, windswept beach. Central Station was once the center of logging operations. Now it marks the starting point of some of the island's most picturesque hikes.

One of the most popular hiking trails is the easy .7 kilometer Wanggoolba Creek trail, which weaves through subtropical rainforest. A boardwalk follows the fern-fringed creek through picabeen palms, vines, and strangler figs. This area is also home to the impressive king fern, which grows and sprouts the largest fronds in the world.

Below the boardwalk, the creek's water is so clear, it looks almost invisible as it flows silently over the soft, white sand. From here, you can continue on a trail through forests of tall eucalyptus and satinay trees to the shores of beautiful Basin Lake on a four-kilometer (approximately two-hour) circuit trail.

Before or after your rain forest hike, be sure to browse the exhibits on the island's history and ecology. Central Station is also a great place for a picnic.

Eli Creek is a popular picnic and swimming spot along 75 Mile Beach. Deceptively powerful, the creek pours about four million liters of fresh water into the sea every hour. A pandanus-fringed boardwalk along the creek leads to a bridge. It's a lovely spot to soak up the view and capture a photo of the creek running out towards the beach.

Under the bridge, you can usually see visitors, kids in particular, splashing around and floating down the creek's fast-flowing waters on inflatables, one of the top free things to do on Fraser Island. Change rooms and restrooms are nearby. While you're here, keep an eye out for jungle perch, eels, and frogs.

Note that drivers should take care when crossing the creek in a vehicle as it often carves deep channels along the beach.

At the far northern end of 75 Mile Beach , Indian Head is the island's most easterly point. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views along the wave-washed shores, as well as the rolling dunes and scrub beyond. It's about a 15- to 20-minute climb over soft, dry sand to the top of point, but the hike is well worth the trouble.

This is also a fantastic spot to look for wildlife along the shore - especially during winter, when tailor, also known as bluefish, gather to spawn. Depending on the time of year, you might also see manta rays, sharks, whales, dolphins, and turtles. Not surprisingly, this is also a top spot for fishing.

Just because you're on a nature adventure doesn't mean you have to rough it. If you're the type of traveler who wants to be immersed in nature but with all the comforts of home, Kingfisher Bay Resort is the best place to stay on K'Gari (Fraser Island). Hop on the Kingfisher Bay ferry from River Heads, and you can be at this 4-star eco-resort in around 50 minutes.

Accommodations are varied and suit every type of traveler. Choose from hotel rooms, newly renovated king rooms, one- or two-bedroom villas, or holiday homes. All have beautiful views of the surrounding forest.

Dining is also decadent. Four dining venues cater to every whim, from share platters at Sand & Wood to poolside dining and sunset views at the beachside snack bar. You can even sign up for a Bushtucker Talk and Taste and sample the island's native foods.

Wondering what to do on Fraser Island (K'Gari) without a car? This four-star eco-resort makes the ideal base for car-free adventures. Once you're here, you can sign up for adventure-packed Fraser Island tours. Favorites include The Beauty Spots Tour, which takes you to all the islands' highlights, and Sea Explorer cruises.

Better still, book the K'Gari Getaway coast-to-coast itinerary, which also includes a stay at Kingfisher's sister resort, Eurong Beach Resort . On this tour, you can explore both sides of the island, including some of the more remote tourist attractions like Lake Wabby.

Even if you're not staying at the resort, you can learn all about the island's unique ecosystems at the new K'gari World Heritage Discovery Centre. Plus you can plan the best places to visit with help from the friendly staff and a Fraser Island attractions map.

Official site: https://www.kingfisherbay.com/

The Fraser Island Great Walk is one of the best things to do on Fraser Island without a car. This 90-kilometer trek traces the tracks of old logging routes and the island's first human inhabitants, the Butchulla people.

Wandering along the wild windswept beaches of Fraser Island is a highlight. The trail also passes some of Fraser's most popular tourist attractions, including crystal-clear Lake McKenzie , the subtropical rainforest and historic exhibits of Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, and dune-backed Lake Wabby. You'll also pass the small settlements of Dilli Village and Happy Valley, where you can stock up on supplies.

This walk is relatively easy and takes about six to eight days, with walkers' camps along route. You can also break the trek up into smaller sections if you're short on time.

Those seeking a little luxury after the hike can rest up at Kingfisher Bay Resort , on the island's western side, and soothe their weary muscles at the resort's Island Day Spa.

K'Gari's deepest lake, Lake Wabby is a great place to see nature in action. It's both a window lake and the only barrage lake on Fraser, meaning the natural spring is blocked by a giant sand bank. Bordering its blue-green waters, the towering Hammerstone Sandblow engulfs the lake by about a meter per year, a testament to the constantly evolving landscape.

From the lake parking lot, it takes about 40 minutes to hike to the lake, but the journey is mostly uphill on soft sand, so it's best to start early before the strong heat of the day.

If you're feeling less energetic, you can climb to a lookout with superb views of the wind-sculpted landscape, the sand blow, and the water it is quickly smothering. From the lookout parking lot, it's only 450 meters to the viewpoint, and then another 1.5 kilometers to the lake.

Once you arrive, at the lake, you can cool off with a refreshing dip. Don't be surprised if you feel something nibbling your toes; this is the only lake on the island that supports fish, and they like to help exfoliate your feet.

Scenic flights provide a unique perspective of K'Gari's raw beauty. Soar over golden-sand beaches that seem to stretch on forever, washed by the crashing blue surf. See sand dunes rippling through the island's heart, fringed by emerald rainforests, and swoop over Butterfly Lake.

Short on time? This is the best way to catch a glimpse of all the top attractions on the island in a quick 15-minute tour.

Air Fraser Island is the only tour company operating these flights. Take-off and landings are along 75 Mile Beach.

Official site: https://airfraserisland.com.au/

Sleeping in the rainforest or snoozing to the sounds of waves crashing along the shore, makes a Fraser Island adventure even more fun. The island has more than 45 campsites strung along its beautiful beaches and tucked in the rainforest. Most of the sites are run by the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service and offer easy access to the island's top attractions.

If you want to avoid the crowds and don't need facilities, opt for one of the more remote sites, like Caree and Diray along the Sandy Cape , on the far northern tip of the island. You can also camp along the more secluded western beach.

For more facilities and creature comforts, Cathedrals on Fraser is a private site. Here, you can pitch your own tent or snuggle into permanent tents. You'll also find a well-stocked shop, which serves hot food.

Families with children under 14 years of age should choose a camp with a dingo-safe fence. You can book up to six months in advance, and this is highly recommended during peak periods, when many sites fill to capacity.

Official site: https://qpws.usedirect.com/qpws/

Fraser Island is a top spot for beach fishing. If you're willing to brave the 4WD traffic, casting along 75 Mile Beach can be exhilarating and rewarding, especially from July through November, when tailor spawn along the coast. Other popular catches include bream, whiting, flathead, mackerel, tuna, trevally, and sharks, among other species.

Fishing the gutters along the beach can be productive, especially near Waddy Point or north of the Maheno. Other prime casting spots include Sandy Cape, the island's northernmost point; Indian Head; and Middle Rocks.

Major bonus: The island has plenty of fresh bait, including worms, pippis, and yabbies (a type of shrimp), and you can harvest it yourself. Note that fishing in the island's freshwater lakes and streams is prohibited.

Renting a 4WD vehicle can be expensive, and it can be difficult to navigate your way around the island's soft sand tracks, but a tour will handle all these details so you can relax and explore the stunning scenery. Most include meals; national park fees; hotel pickup and drop-off; and all transportation, including the Fraser Island ferry.

• Two-Day Trip from Hervey Bay: Spending two days on the island gives you a chance to explore more of the island's unique ecosystems. The 2-Day Fraser Island tour from Harvey Bay gives you time to see all the top sights, as well as hike some of the trails near Central Station, swim in Lake McKenzie, hike to the viewpoint at Indian Head, soak in the Champagne rock pools, and visit Lake Wabby. This tour also includes an optional scenic flight.
• How to Get to Fraser Island: You can access the island by car ferry and boat services from Rainbow Beach, Hervey Bay, and River Heads.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Other Queensland Adventures: If you're looking for things to do near Fraser Island, Hervey Bay is the whale watching capital of Australia and one of the country's best fishing destinations. Anglers come here to hook golden trevally on the crystal-clear flats, and you can also cast for tuna, giant trevally, and cobia, among other species. About a two-hour drive south of here, Noosa Heads is a chic resort town with sparkling beaches, fantastic surf breaks, and a wildlife-rich Noosa National Park.

Brisbane and Beyond: For urban adventures, drive a couple of hours south from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane , the state capital. Museums, botanic gardens, and the lovable koalas at Lone Pine Sanctuary are some of the highlights here, and you'll find plenty of appealing day trip ideas , from idyllic islands to lush national parks. This is also a fun family-friendly destination. See our article on top things to do with kids for ideas.

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K'gari, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Guide to K’gari

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• Getting to K'gari
• When to visit

Go wild on the world’s largest sand island; it’s a trip you’ll never stop cherishing.

An island made entirely of sand, World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) offers surprises at every turn. Within minutes of landing on K’gari, you’ll feel its magic. Drive on wide-open beaches with the wind in your hair, marvel at shifting sand blows, swim in iridescent waters and witness playful marine life just metres from shore. Complete with a blend of holiday resorts and wilderness camping, there’s an adventure for everyone on K’gari.

Formerly known as Fraser Island, the area was reverted back to its traditional name in the language of the local Butchulla peoples, K’gari . The name is derived from an Aboriginal Dreaming story about a goddess named K'gari who fell in love with the earth and never wanted to leave. 

• Traditional name: K’gari (pronounced 'GAH-ree', 'GUR-rie' or 'Gurri')
• Indigenous Peoples: Butchulla people
• Traditional languages: Butchulla/Badjala language
• How to say g’day in Butchulla: Galangoor D’Buthbee

Because there’s no bridge that connects K’gari with the mainland, you’ll need to take a ferry or scenic flight from either Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. 

• Ferries depart from River Heads (20 minutes south of Hervey Bay) and Inskip Point (just north of Rainbow Beach), and carry both passengers and 4WD vehicles
• Ferry services only take about 30 minutes depending on your departure and arrival locations
• Air Fraser Island operate daily flights to K’gari from Hervey Bay Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport

It’s important to note that only 4WD vehicles are allowed on K’gari. You can hire one, or book a tour and let someone else do the driving. 

Due to its proximity to the Tropic of Capricorn, the temperature on K’gari is balmy year round. The summer months see the most rain, so be sure to bring a lightweight raincoat if you’re travelling during this time.

K’gari is a wildlife playground, offering whale watching during the winter months and dingo pups between June and November (always keep your distance!).  

• High season: Spring (September to November)
• Low season: Winter (June to August)
• Don’t miss:  The annual whale migration (late June to early September)

Top things to do on K’gari

Formerly known as Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island is now officially named K'gari.

K'gari is the island's traditional name in the language of the local Butchulla peoples. The recent change to the island's name reflects the depth of culture and history that, paired with unparalleled natural beauty and wildlife, make any visit to K'gari a truly unmissable experience.

Watch the video to learn more about the name K'gari.

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A guide to visiting Fraser Island: The world’s largest sand island

Fraser Island was never on my travel radar until quite recently.

Once I moved back to Australia from the US, I became more interested in travelling within my home country. A few photos of Fraser Island popped up in my Instagram feed, and I noticed some bloggers mention it as a tourist destination. I was curious, as I’d barely heard anything about this place before now.

When I began making plans for our east coast road trip , Fraser Island seemed like a perfect addition. Some of our American friends would be coming along for their first ever trip down under, so I wanted to show them a true Aussie experience. With an abundance of beaches, bushland, and wildlife, Fraser fit the bill.

I’m glad I made that decision, as Fraser ended up being one of my favourite parts of the entire trip. Everywhere on the island, we were surrounded on all sides by nature. We went through rainforest, drove over bumpy sand dunes, and saw wild dingoes, lizards, and crabs.

Fraser is not the dreamy tropical island paradise that you might think of when someone mentions the islands off Queensland’s coast. No, this place was more of an adventure through the very heart of Australian nature. I’ve never had an experience quite like it.

If you’re interested in seeing this incredible Australian destination for yourself, here’s my guide to visiting Fraser Island!

About Fraser Island:

As mentioned in the title of this post, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. You might think that it would just be a big sand dune sticking out of the ocean, but Fraser actually has thick forest growing on it, too. There are also small areas of rock, mostly on the northern tip of the island.

Fraser has a permanent population of just 194 people (as of 2011). There aren’t any proper roads on the island, only narrow sand tracks that zigzag through the middle, and a long beach that acts as a highway stretching along the east coast. I really enjoyed cruising along the beach in our four-wheel drives and watching the waves crash onto the shore beside us!

Fraser Island is also one of the rare few places in Australia that it’s possible to see wild dingoes. We saw three during our time on the island – two at Kingfisher Bay and one as we were driving along the east coast. Dingoes are fun to spot, but they have been known to be aggressive, so there are fenced off areas and warning signs scattered about. Best not to get too close if you do see one.

How long to spend on Fraser Island:

Fraser Island is rather large at about 120 km (75 mi) long and 24 km (15 mi) wide.

It is possible to do Fraser Island in just one day. There are day tours (like this 4WD tour from Hervey Bay ), however, I honestly believe that Fraser Island deserves more time to appreciate it properly.

We decided to stay on the island for 2 nights and do 1 full day of exploring. If I were to do it again, I would stay at least 3 nights and stop at various locations around the island, either via camping or at other accommodations. It takes quite a while to drive around the island and there is loads to see.

There are multi-day tours to choose from if you don’t want to travel the island independently, you can do a 2 day Fraser Island tour from Hervey Bay or hop on a 3-Day Fraser Island Tagalong Tour .

How to get to Fraser Island:

We drove up the coast from Brisbane (about 4-5 hours drive) then caught the  Kingfisher Bay Ferry , which departs from River Heads.

There are no airports on Fraser Island. The closest airport is Hervey Bay (HVB), which has domestic flights from Sydney with Virgin Australia, or from Brisbane with Qantas. Once you arrive in Hervey Bay, you can drive south to River Heads for the ferry.

The ferry takes 40 minutes to cross over to Kingfisher Bay. The cost is $60 return, which was paid for through our  Kingfisher Bay Resort accommodation booking. Bookings for this ferry are recommended as space on board is limited.

We took this ferry as walk-on passengers. There is parking at the Kingfisher Bay ferry office, which is 5 minutes drive from the ferry terminal. We parked our rental vehicles there (there is secure parking for a fee or there is free parking on the street) then hopped on the shuttle bus which takes everyone from the office to the terminal.

This ferry is actually a barge, so if you are taking your own vehicle across to Fraser Island (more on that in a sec), you can drive it straight on. Vehicle prices are between $175 – $270 including the driver, plus $5 per extra passenger.

The  Manta Ray Barge  is the only other ferry to Fraser Island. It departs from Rainbow Beach, which is located just off the southern tip of the island.

Where to stay on Fraser Island:

We rented a vacation home through  Kingfisher Bay Resort . The buildings were enveloped in the trees and spaced out so that it felt like we were secluded in the wilderness. I absolutely loved it there.

There are a handful of bars and restaurants at Kingfisher Bay. Sunset Bar was a popular hangout for our group, and I had a great meal at The Sand Bar where I ordered the cauliflower parmigiana. There is also a small grocery store at Kingfisher Bay, though it’s fairly basic. We ended up buying our groceries in Hervey Bay before boarding the ferry over.

There are a handful of other accommodations that you can book on Fraser Island, though keep in mind all of the others will require a 4WD vehicle to access. If you’re planning on camping, there are plenty of campsites scattered about the island. We saw a bunch of them as we were driving along the sand highway on the east coast. Here’s some info about camping on Fraser Island .

Driving around Fraser Island:

A four-wheel drive vehicle (4WD) is the only way to get around the sand roads on Fraser Island. If you have one already – great! You can book a ferry transfer for your vehicle and get a vehicle access permit , then you’re free to drive around the island.

If you don’t have a 4WD, then you can rent one, as we did. I did extensive research on which option would be the cheapest for us, and Aussie Trax at Kingfisher Bay came out on top. Saying this, it was still far from cheap at $350 per vehicle per day, plus insurance and permits for driving on the island.

I was not entirely happy with the Aussie Trax service. They told us to arrive at their office in the morning for a 30-minute safety briefing, but there was no one there so I had to make a phone call and wait 15 minutes for someone to show up. Then the briefing took 75 minutes (not 30), and the whole thing was basically them treating us like naughty children who were going to intentionally damage their cars.

The cars were also old and rusted, and one of them broke down half an hour into our drive. We had to wait another 30 minutes for them to bring us a replacement vehicle so that we could continue our exploration of the island.

If you can get a 4WD vehicle cheaper from elsewhere take it on the ferry yourself, it would probably be a better/cheaper option that going with Aussie Trax, though if you end up breaking down or getting into trouble while you’re driving on the island, it will be much more difficult to get help.

Fraser Island driving tips:

Driving on the sand roads on Fraser Island is loads of fun, but it can be dangerous. The short version of our safety briefing was this:

• Get a detailed map with all the roads and distances marked on it. The Fraser Island 4WD rental places will give you one, or you could use something like this map by the national parks service.
• Follow the same road rules that you normally would on Aussie roads.
• Speed limits are 80 km/hr on the beach and 35 km/hr on the inland tracks.
• If you’re driving on the inland sand tracks and come across another car, the person going downhill usually has right of way.
• The beach highway is only accessible at low tide. Avoid driving within 2 hours either side of high tide.
• Don’t drive at night.
• Don’t drive in salt water. It ruins the cars.
• Here’s some further reading about  driving on Fraser Island .

Things to do on Fraser Island:

Kingfisher bay.

I loved Kingfisher Bay! It was so photogenic. We took our drone out for some fun, and managed to get some amazing shots of the bay one evening.

There’s a bar right on the jetty, which is a great spot to watch the sunset. This is one of the rare few places on the east coast of Australia that you can actually see the sun set over the water.

The beach was also a beautiful spot to walk along. There were thousands of little Soldier Crabs – we saw them moving about in big groups (known as an ‘army’ of Soldier Crabs) at low tide. It was a fascinating phenomenon to watch.

Lake Mckenzie

This freshwater lake has sand so soft and white that you’ll hardly believe it’s real! My friends and I relaxed here for at least 1.5 hours, but we could have spent a whole day floating in the pleasantly warm water if we had more time.

To get there, you’ll have to drive through the sand roads in the middle of the island. Make sure you have a good map to follow.

Maheno Shipwreck

Exploring this wreck was one of the highlights from our day of exploration. The boat was beached in a storm in 1935. It’s been a tourist attraction on the island ever since.

Nowadays you can freely walk in and around the wreck at your leisure. The wreck is located on the beach highway and is visible from a distance – you can’t miss it.

I couldn’t find much info on Eli Creek before our trip, all I knew was that it was a great place to float down a river.

Unfortunately we didn’t have much time to spend here, but Eli Creek was a truly awesome spot. If you bring along your own floaty, there’s a boardwalk that will take you a few hundred metres upstream, then you hop into the river and slowly float back down. Repeat the process until you’re sufficiently relaxed.

Other spots to stop:

• Champagne Pools
• The Pinnacles

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12 comments

Fraser Island looks incredible! I barely knew about it before reading this post. Safe it say it’s a must-go for me now! 🙂

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog http://charmainenyw.com

It’s amazing how undiscovered Fraser Island is – I feel like barely anyone knows about this hidden treasure! You should definitely plan a trip there, Charmaine 😀

Looks fantastic! Nice pictures by the way.

Thanks Bryan! I’m glad you like my photos 🙂

This Island is love.Fraser is always been my favorite place.Nearly Every Year on holidays I visit Fraser with my family.I would say that everyone should visit Fraser once in their lifetime.

Oh what a wonderful place for a family holiday! I agree, Fraser should be on everyone’s travel list 😀

Oh, So beautiful Fraser island! I have to visit this island.❤️

You definitely do – it’s beautiful there! 😀

where can i leave my campervan to visit fraser island ? we are driving from cairns to sydney ove rthe course of a week or two and want to be able to visit fraser but when reading up there are so many diff opinions.

Hi Carley, I believe you can leave a campervan in the secure carpark at the ferry office in River Heads!

Thanks so much for all the information . This will really help our stay in Oct in fraser Island. we will be staying in King Fisher Bay too. How did you got in to the East side of the Island? was it through the Inland or Barge while staying in the hotel.

You’re welcome, Luvini! We took the ferry from River Heads on the mainland to Kingfisher Bay on Fraser Island 🙂

• Getting to Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a great sandy island off the east coast of Queensland.

• About Fraser Island
• Fraser Island Facts
• Fraser Island History
• Fraser Island Weather

Fraser Island is an iconic destination with so much to to do and experience.

• Fraser Island Experiences
• Rain forest and Plantlife
• Whale Watching
• Beach Driving + 4WD

Fraser Island has a wide choice of accommodation from budget to pure luxury.

• Fraser Island Accommodation
• Hervey Bay Accommodation
• Fraser Island Camping
• Kingfisher Bay Resort
• Eliza Fraser Lodge
• Eurong Beach Resort

Getting There How to get to Fraser Island.

Boasting stunning sand dunes, coastal heaths, rainforests, mangroves and eucalyptus, Fraser Island is the ultimate place to just relax as you lose yourself in the midst of nature.

Teeming with rare wildlife and a plethora of activities, it should come as no wonder that the island attracts tourists from all over the world. Indeed, between 350,000 and 500,000 tourists visit the island on a yearly basis.

Located off the coast of Queensland, Fraser Island is a heritage-listed location that measures approximately 120km long and 24km wide.

Best of all, the island additionally includes a variety of camping spots, most of which are protected from dingoes and other such mammals.

With a plethora of energetic activities such as scuba diving, parasailing and the likes, Fraser Island is also quite accessible. In fact, it is only 190 miles from the north of Brisbane.

Getting there by Road

Several tourists and backpackers choose to drive to Fraser Island from Brisbane because of its proximity. In this case, visitors can expect a three hour drive if they are departing from the North of Brisbane through the Bruce Highway.

It is actually advisable to travel by road to enjoy the scenic views as well as the glorious biodiversity of the Fraser Island Coastline. Several agencies actually offer Discovery Trail packages to help you explore Fraser Island’s hidden attractions on your own four-wheeler.

Tourists can book bus trips to the island through Premier and Greyhound. These normally depart from Cairns and Brisbane daily and will take you through Childers, Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

It is also possible to book a bus trip from Sunshine Coast through Rainbow Beach and into Fraser Island.

Getting there by Air

Tourists who do not want to face a three hour drive can easily book a flight to Fraser Island. A flight from Brisbane to Hervey Bay can require around 40 minutes and tourists can book this trip through QantasLink.

From Sydney, visitors should allocate a flight time of around 90 minutes. Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Hervey Bay Airport on Fraser Island. These flights additionally offer connections from all major cities in Australia.

Through Virgin Australia, it is additionally possible to choose from a variety of Fraser Coast Holiday packages that suite different budgets and personal preferences.

Getting there by Sea

Ferry and barge services run daily to Fraser Island, enabling you to enjoy a relaxing trip to the Heritage-Listed stretch of white sandy land. Most barges and ferries depart from River Head, which is around 20 to 30 minutes from Hervey Bay.

Companies such as Fraser Venture offer no less than three return trips per day.

Getting there by Rail

A lesser-known fact is that it is entirely possible to travel to the island through Queensland Rail. This company offers daily services that run from Brisbane, Cairns and Rockhampton. These rail routes will take toursits into Maryborough West, where they can arrange for their own transportation to any other location on the island.

Some trains also make a stop at Howard, but in these cases, it is important to book in advance.

Map of Fraser Island

Explore more with our Fraser Island map and find your way around Australia’s world famous sand island. Zoom in on the map to discover more.

Facts + Weather

How big is Fraser Island? How was Fraser Island made? Where is Fraser Island? How did Fraser Island get it’s name? This special iconic place invokes so many questions – see our Fraser Island Facts page to get all the answers.

Weather Fraser Island is gloriously mild and sunny, enabling visitors to enjoy just about any type of activity during their stay.

How to get there? Located off the coast of Queensland, heritage-listed Fraser Island is easily accessible by road and sea.

History Learn about the cultural history of Fraser Island and find out more about Captain James Fraser.

Australia's great sandy island

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About 'Fraser Island Australia'

Fraser Island Australia is a 'Web Magazine' website that is dedicated to all things related to Queensland's iconic great sandy island. We are passionate about Australia's great natural wonder, its vast beaches and lakes, its incredible vistas, its natural beauty and the unforgettable experiences that are waiting for all who visit. Our aim is to discuss Fraser Island, its history, its environment, its wildlife and its spectacular destinations. We hope that this website will inspire all who visit, just as much as Fraser Island has inspired us.

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Top 10 things to do on K'gari (Fraser Island)

Carla Grossetti

Sub-Editor & Journalist

17 February 2023

Explore K’gari (Fraser Island) and you will not only discover the rainbow-coloured cliffs sacred to the local Indigenous people or a coastline that swoops and soars, or the astonishing turquoise waters of a lake so translucent you want to stay immersed in it forever.

Stand atop Indian Head overlooking the white 75 Mile Beach and roiling surface of the sea and you will almost certainly feel a deeper connection to Australia’s past.

Whether you want your days here to synch with the rhythm of the sea and enjoy some aquatic exploration near the coastline marked by the cliffs of coloured sand, or to follow the undulations of the shoreline, a visit to K’gari (Fraser Island) usually involves some sort of physical activity and connection with nature and Indigenous culture.

Here are 10 things to do on K’gari (Fraser Island), which the local Butchulla tribe appropriately called K’gari (paradise). And if you still want more tips, let the experts guide you on one of our pick of top K’gari (Fraser Island) tours.

1. Explore the rainforest

Fraser Island is the only place in the world where rainforest is found growing on sand dunes at elevations of more than 200 metres.

The low-lying shrubs and heaths on the island are of great evolutionary and ecological significance as they make up the most complete age sequence of coastal dune systems anywhere in the world.

The diverse vegetation on the 184,000-hectare island also includes towering kauri pine and piccabeen palms, flora-rich shrubland and heath and subtropical rainforest. Don’t miss: The magnificent wildflower displays in spring and summer on the island, which is about three and a half hours’ drive north of Brisbane.

2. Lake McKenzie

Sit and watch the way young children approach Lake McKenzie : they advance at speed, arms pinwheeling, and propel their body into the water again and again. This is the way to do it.

The white sandy beach tinged with a turquoise swirl of water is one of the most visited natural wonders in Australia.

Lake McKenzie is a ‘perched’ lake, meaning it contains only rainwater, and it is set into the landscape like a precious stone.

The crowds that converge around the lake make this a top spot for people-watching. Choose your tribe: dreadlocked hippies sitting in the shade of a eucalyptus tree; flashpackers with their selfie sticks prodding the sky; and families advancing and retreating from the water.

The lake is accessible by 4WD or by foot on a 20 km return loop trail from Kingfisher Bay Resort .

Lake McKenzie is arguably Fraser’s most photographed spot

3. Indian Head

Located on the eastern side of K’gari (Fraser Island), Indian Head is a rocky outcrop said to have been originally created by volcanic activity up to 80 million years ago.

Captain Cook first caught sight of the Butchulla people in 1770 and named the eastern beach after them; the term ‘Indian’ was used to describe Indigenous people centuries ago.

Known to the local Indigenous people as tuckee (stone), the distinctive Indian head shape of the rocky cliffs made it one of Fraser Island’s most notable attractions.

It’s both an iconic landmark and a natural lookout for spotting sea life: look out over the ocean for manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles and pods of whales.

Indian Head on K’gari (Fraser Island) Queensland

4. The Cathedrals

These cliffs of coloured sands are permanently stained in various shades of rust and ochre and are one of many sacred sites on the island for the local Butchulla people.

According to Dreamtime legend, the cliffs were formed long ago as a result of a love story gone wrong.

Watching The Cathedrals change colour as the sun moves across the sky and the first rays of dawn paint the pinnacles is like watching the final touches being applied to an artwork.

Over time, the elements have clawed at the cliffs and resulted in this breathtaking construction.

5. Champagne Pools

The water in the Champagne Pools is a shade of bluey green that seems artificially altered. It is a series of pools, hemmed in by rocks, polished smooth by the sea.

Our recommendation for visitors to this spot is to forgo the giant inflatable unicorn — which appears quite jarring in this pristine environment — and to just head to the place with swimmers and a beach towel.

The thing to do here at the pools is nothing. Just lie there and float and look up at the sky curdled with clouds. As each wave crashes into the sandy-bottomed swimming pools, the water fizzes and bubbles like Champagne.

The pools are about 2.2km north along the beach from Indian Head. Go at low tide when the sea is calm.

6. 75 Mile Beach

This spectacular stretch of sand that traces the eastern side of K’gari (Fraser Island) is officially a national highway and one of the few beaches in the world where light aircraft can actually land and take off.

It is a hint of the size of the island – it is more than 120 km long – that has become an ecotourism destination.

There is nothing showy about this beach, but with the blue of the sky enamelled on, it’s a great place to pass a few hours or to carve off a trail to places such as Eli Creek, the largest freshwater creek along the East Coast (it pumps about 4.2 million litres of water into the ocean every hour).

The crystal clear waters and walk-way of Eli Creek

7. The Maheno Shipwreck

The SS Maheno is a beacon for visitors to K’gari (Fraser Island) because it’s a bit of lingering evidence of history: a cyclone devastated parts of the Queensland coast in 1935.

The ship was on its way to a Japanese shipyard to be turned into scrap metal when its tow line snapped; it is now better known for being washed ashore on Fraser’s Eastern beach than for being the fastest ship to cross the Tasman between Australia and New Zealand.

Formerly a World War I hospital ship, the skeleton of the SS Maheno has a broken hull that looks like cracked ribs and it’s worth seeing, especially with that backdrop of dunes and tangled trees.

The SS Maheno is a beacon for visitors to K’gari (Fraser Island)

8. Lake Wabby

There are trees with outstretched branches forming archways as you make your way down the path toward Lake Wabby, another popular freshwater lake on K’gari (Fraser Island).

K’gari (Fraser Island) has carved out a bit of a niche on the backpacker circuit and you will likely be joined by a transient population of visitors who make the 45-minute hike to the island’s deepest lake for a dip.

The lake has a distinct half-moon shape and it is both a window lake (formed when the ground level falls below the water table) and a barrage lake (when a sand blow blocks the waters of a natural spring). The lake is slowly being swallowed by a giant sand dune.

Bring your picnic blankets and boogie boards to Lake Wabby

9. Central Station

Central Station was originally home to a community of more than 100 people during its days as a forestry camp when timber logging was the thing here in the 1920s. Thankfully, chainsaws are a thing of the past on World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island).

Lace-up your boots for a walk along the boardwalk that hugs the curves of Wanggoolba Creek as it snakes through the rainforest.

The creek was used for Secret Women’s Business before the land was cleared for forestry operations. These days, the picnic area sits amid a botanical garden.

The rainforest curves of Wanggoolba Creek

10. Indigenous history

The original inhabitants of K’gari (Fraser Island) were the Butchulla people, who occupied the land for about 5000 years. There are around 500 Indigenous archaeological sites located across K’gari (Fraser Island), which are rich with Dreamtime stories.

It is also equipped with ingredients from the original Indigenous pantry. You can taste some of these native Australian flavours during a Bush Tucker Talk + Taste session at Kingfisher Bay Resort’s signature Seabelle Restaurant. Try a series of native ingredients and learn how to incorporate them into contemporary Australian cuisine and see how the powder inside the paperbark tree is used for medicinal purposes.

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Things to do on Fraser Island

From the beaches to the lush inland, there’s so much to do on Fraser Island (K’gari).

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and loves exploring different parts of Australia.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today and has been a journalist for 20 years.

The best things to do on Fraser Island

Because it's not easy to get around K'gari, it's worth doing a bit of planning in advance. These are my tips for what to do on Fraser Island.

The Pinnacles

Champagne pools, lake mckenzie, other lakes, central station, valley of the giants.

• K'gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk
• Wun'gul Sandblow

Birdwatching

Sea explorer, central lakes, southern lakes, lake garawongera, northern forests.

Rolling dunes constantly being reshaped; soaring rainforest and sparkling lakes; beaches patrolled by wild dingoes; and waters full of whales and dolphins. These are just some of the wonders of Fraser Island (also known as K’gari).

Just off the coast near Hervey Bay, this natural World Heritage Site is one of the best places to visit in Queensland . As the largest sand island in the world, it’s no surprise there are so many things to do on Fraser Island.

Queensland has a lot of islands. Fraser Island is the biggest, but its importance is about much more than just its size. It also has some incredible ecological features – some the most impressive in the world.

The rainforest found in parts of the island’s inland is the highest in the world that grows on sand. Half of the world’s perched freshwater dune lakes occur on Fraser Island. And it has more than 40 kilometres of coloured sand cliffs, where red and oranges swirl together in weather-worn shapes.

Visiting Fraser Island is a chance to see some of these natural treasures, and many people will plan their Fraser Island itinerary around seeing the most important sights. But there are other ways to approach a visit here.

With luxury resorts, more than a dozen camping grounds, and options in between, it’s also common for people to base themselves here for a week or more to relax on the beach, do some fishing, and explore some of the lesser-visited Fraser Island attractions.

It’s a special place, full of beauty and significance, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be a relaxing holiday destination – especially for people who enjoy feeling like they’re a bit more disconnected from the world over here.

Is Fraser Island worth visiting?

It is certainly worth visiting Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world and one of Australia’s World Heritage Sites. The diverse ecosystems here from the beach to the rainforest offer a multitude of things to see and do – plus it’s a beautiful place just to relax for a few days.

How long do you need on Fraser Island?

Although it is possible to do a day trip to Fraser Island, I would only suggest doing that if you’re really short of time. I think the minimum amount of time you need on Fraser Island is two full days, which will give you a chance to explore some of the main attractions. If you’re able to spend even more time, you’ll be able to relax a bit and enjoy some of the various landscapes without rushing.

Why is Fraser Island called K’gari?

You may see Fraser Island also referred to as K’gari, and it’s important to understand why. K’gari is what the island was called by the Butchulla people, who have lived here for thousands of years. European settlers named it Fraser Island in 1842 after James Fraser, who was shipwrecked nearby.

In 2021, the World Heritage Site that covers the area was officially renamed to ‘Fraser Island (K’gari)’, acknowledging both names. In 2022, the Queensland Government began a consultation process about officially reverting to the original name of K’gari.

In this article, I am mainly using the name Fraser Island to avoid confusion because that’s still what the destination is officially called and what many people know it as. However, I hope to be able to update the story with the name K’gari as it becomes more commonly used.

Visiting Fraser Island (K’gari) takes a bit of planning. If you want to take your own vehicle, it has to be a good 4WD and you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the right supplies. If you don’t have a vehicle, you’ll need to arrange some accommodation and transfers in advance.

If you want to take a vehicle onto Fraser Island, you’ll need a 4WD with a high clearance and low-range capacity. That’s because the inland roads are just sandy tracks and can often have quite large ruts. Even the beach will have some sections that a normal car can’t handle.

Taking a 2WD car is really not an option, so don’t even think about trying it. Even AWD SUVs are not advisable (especially if you’re going inland at all) and it’s likely you’ll run into trouble.

If you’re worried about 4WD driving, there are options other than driving yourself. You can take this one-day tour from Hervey Bay , or you can spend longer with this two-day tour from Hervey Bay , or you can stay at the Kingfisher Bay Resort and take tours from there.

In this article, I’m not going to go into all the details of how to plan for a visit. Instead, I want to focus on the top things to do on Fraser Island, to give you an idea of how you might spend your time here.

There can often be quite a distance between some of these top sights and it takes a long time to drive across the inland of the island in any direction. So it is very useful to have a bit of a plan in mind before you arrive.

And, with such a delightful range of activities – from the water to the land, from the beach to the rainforest, and beyond – you’ll need to make some decisions about what to focus on.

To help with your planning, these are my top tips for what to do on Fraser Island.

75 Mile Beach

In some ways, 75 Mile Beach is the backbone of Fraser Island. This long stretch of sand along the eastern coast of Fraser Island acts a bit like a highway because you can drive along it quite fast (80 km/h) so it’s the quickest way to get from one end to the other.

It’s also the case that some of the most interesting sights on Fraser Island are along the coast, so it’s an easy way to get between these highlights. From south to north, these are some of the spots worth stopping at.

Flowing down from the inland slopes, Eli Creek is the largest freshwater creek on the eastern side of the island. The water comes out so clear, it almost sparkles. And it comes out fast enough that you can float down Eli Creek on an inflatable toy – which is what lots of people do!

There’s a 200-metre-long elevated boardwalk surrounded by ferns that will take you along a bit of the creek, ending with some steps where you can go down into the water. It’s normally shallow enough to then walk back through the water.

It’s impossible to miss the hulking rusting wreck of the SS Maheno, a huge ocean liner that washed up on the beach in 1935 and hasn’t moved since.

The ship had actually just finished its operational life and was being towed up the coast to Japan when a cyclone hit and broke the towline. The line couldn’t be reattached and so the ship drifted to the island and couldn’t be refloated.

The SS Maheno was once 120 metres long, but only about 80 metres of that remains here as the wreck. Still, it’s an enormous site that dominates this part of the beach. You’re not allowed in the wreck but it makes for some great photos!

The mainland section of the Great Sandy National Park is better known for its coloured cliffs, particularly along Rainbow Beach. But Fraser Island also has some, and one of the best examples is at the Pinnacles.

With the cliffs exposed, you can see a spectrum of red, oranges, and yellows, twirling as layers at different points, creating beautiful patterns amongst the geological formations. The weather has worn away much of the cliff face at the Pinnacles, so what is left are stunning undulating shapes with dozens of small peaks.

Further up the beach is another great example of coloured sand but, as the name suggests, the tones at Red Canyon appear to be much more red.

The colours in the sand were created by iron-rich minerals that stained the grains over thousands of years. As the wind and the rain eroded away the exterior of the cliffs and made it hard for vegetation to grow, the colours were exposed and the spectacular shapes were formed.

These rock pools were hollowed from masses of volcanic rock and get their name because of the way the waves break at mid-tide and create a bubbly spa bath within them. As long as it’s safe, you can jump in the Champagne Pools for a swim.

The pools are near Indian Head and there’s a 350-metre boardwalk you can walk along to get some great views of the coast – and potentially even see some passing whales during the migration seasons.

Heading inland, the sand will follow you – not in the form of a beach, but as the soft grainy roads that you’ll rumble over in a 4WD vehicle. Unless you’re walking, this is the only way to reach the beautiful lakes and rainforests in the centre of the island.

One of the most popular things to do on Fraser Island is a visit to Lake McKenzie, the most spectacular of the island’s lakes. It is a ‘perched lake’, which means it only collects rainwater and no groundwater comes up from underneath.

That’s just one of the reasons it looks so clear and clean, though. It’s also because the sand is pure white silica and acts like a filter, meaning not much can grow in the water.

You can go swimming in Lake McKenzie and the water is very refreshing in the summer months. It also makes for stunning photos, particularly in the morning when the light is a bit softer.

Another one of the island’s lakes worth noting is Lake Wabby, which looks very different to Lake McKenzie because it is full of life and is stained from the tannins of the trees. It was once a coastal creek that was blocked as a dune overtook it.

One of the reasons I want to mention Lake Wabby is because it has a few ways to experience it. There’s a lookout way above it that can be reached by road and offers a beautiful view out to the ocean; there’s a 4.1-kilometre (one way) walk from the beach across the Hammerstone Sandblow to the lake; and, of course, you can go swimming in it when you arrive!

There are dozens of lakes across the inland of Fraser Island and many of the sandy roads will go past them, giving you opportunities to stop for the views or a swim. There are a few other particular ones that I want to mention.

There’s Boomanjin Lake, which is the world’s largest perched lake and is quite easy to reach towards the south of the island. Just to the north, connected by road or walking track, are Lake Benaroon and Lake Birrabeen.

Within easy reach of the eastern beach, Lake Garawongera is a large and shallow lake that’s popular for swimming in the warmer months. Harder to reach are the Boomerang Lakes, which are the world’s highest perched dune lakes.

One of the significant elements of Fraser Island’s inland is the rainforest, which is the tallest in the world growing on sand. It’s a really important ecological feature, where the trees form a symbiotic relationship with fungus underground to be able to survive in these conditions.

A great spot to see some of the rainforest is around Central Station, an old forestry camp that’s about halfway between the accommodation at Kingfisher Bay and Eurong (although there are also camping grounds here).

The best rainforest walk here is to Pile Valley, where you’ll go past enormous trees and under lush green ferns. There are other walking options here, including a short trail to Wanggoolba Creek, or a longer trail to Basin Lake.

Although it’s further away, it’s definitely worth going to the Valley of the Giants. It’s here that you’ll find some of the largest rainforest trees on Fraser Island, huge satinays that soar as high as 45 metres.

It’s not just that this is some of the best rainforest, another nice thing is that it’s likely to be rather quiet and you’ll feel like you have it all to yourself, finding some tranquility amongst the 1000-year-old trees that are defying nature by just existing!

There’s a 12.4-kilometre hiking trail that will take you amongst the massive tallowwood and satinay trees to get up close to the rainforest.

Whether it’s along the coast or into the forest, there are some fantastic walks on Fraser Island, including some that will take you into some parts of this World Heritage Site that can’t be accessed any other way.

I’ve mentioned a few already, but here are some of the other best Fraser Island walks.

K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk

The ultimate way to explore by foot is the K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk, a 90-kilometre trail that goes past many of the main Fraser Island attractions that you would visit by car or on a bus tour (including Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, and the Valley of the Giants).

The Great Walk takes most people about six days, if they do the whole route, with camping grounds along the way where you can spend the night. It is possible just to do stretches of it, though.

If you want to walk the whole trail, it starts on the eastern beach at Dilli Village and finishes further north on the beach near Happy Valley. The local tour companies can arrange transfer for both ends.

For people staying at the Kingfisher Bay Resort (or those who want to head over that way), an excellent hike is a circuit to Lake McKenzie, which takes you through a range of landscapes and ecosystems, and includes a stretch along the quiet western coast.

The loop is 23.2 kilometres long and I would suggest giving yourself a fair amount of the day to do it, especially if you want to spend some time relaxing and eating a packed lunch at the lake.

Wun’gul Sandblow

A lesser-trod walk that is actually quite spectacular is the trail from the beach up onto the Wun’gul Sandblow near Red Canyon. Standing on the sand, you’ll be able to see how the encroaching dune makes it hard for vegetation to grow here… although, look closely, and there’s still lots of life.

The return walk is 5.5 kilometres. If you’re looking for a much bigger expedition, you can continue from the sandblow through rainforest and eucalypt forest to Lake Bowarrady, for a round trip of 22.4 kilometres.

A slightly shorter walk (which I think is also easier to reach) is the Kirrar Sandblow, which will give you some similar landscapes and another chance to see this kind of unique ecosystem. The start of the walk is a little bit south of Eli Creek.

I’m not sure why it surprised me, but one of the things that really struck me as I was exploring Fraser Island was how many animals I was seeing. Perhaps it’s because there’s always so much emphasis on the landscapes, you forget that there are hundreds of species that make this their home.

You won’t need to make much effort to see lots of animals during your visit to Fraser Island, but here are a few particular experiences to consider.

Seeing Fraser Island’s dingoes is certainly an experience, but not one you can organise. Still, it’s pretty uncommon that you don’t see at least one dingo if you’re here for a couple of days. (I had one come right up to our car and just hang peacefully just beside my window.)

It’s estimated there are about 25 – 30 packs of dingoes on Fraser Island and each pack has between 3 – 12 animals. They are apex predators, eating mammals like bandicoots and swamp wallabies, as well as reptiles, fish, and plants. If you see one, you may notice they’re quite thin, but that’s because they walk up to 40 kilometres a day, not because they’re underfed.

It’s important to remember that dingoes are wild animals and, although they’ve become comfortable with humans, you should always treat them with caution. Don’t feed them or antagonise them (it’s actually illegal). If they’re near you, stand up tall and look them in the eye to assert your dominance.

For birdwatchers, Fraser Island offers so many opportunities, with more than 250 species of birds found here. That includes migratory shorebirds from as far away as Japan, Alaska, and Siberia.

Some of the most common birds on the island are pelicans, pied oyster catchers, azure kingfishers, sea eagles, and brahminy kites (in fact, there’s a kite near the ferry stop at Kingfisher Bay that is quite famous for showing people who’s boss!).

There are also some rare and endangered birds on the island that can be hard to spot but give avid birdwatchers a bit of a challenge! There’s the ground parrot, which has made a more sustainable habitat here than other parts of the country, as well as species like the chestnut teal, great crested grebe, and red goshawk.

Hervey Bay is one of the best spots in Australia to see whales because it’s where the whales like to stop with their calves during the migration back down to Antarctica. And, guess what, Fraser Island shares those same waters with Hervey Bay!

It’s why whale watching cruises are one of the best things to do on Fraser Island during the migration season between June and November (for the first half of the season, they tend to be heading north to give birth, while the second half is when they are spending time here with their calves).

If you want to organise a trip out on a boat from Fraser Island itself, I would recommend this whale watching cruise from Kingfisher Bay Resort. If it’s easier to do the trip from Hervey Bay, there’s this 4-hour whale watching cruise . And if you would like to combine some whale watching with a visit to some remote parts of Fraser Island, there’s this cruise from Hervey Bay .

The waters around Fraser Island are home to more than just whales. There are also dugongs and turtles and, when I head out one day on a Sea Explorer trip, we see several pods of dolphins diving in and out of the water around us for about half an hour.

The waters on the western side of K’gari are a myriad of ecosystems, with sea grass, sandbanks, corals, and small islands. If you have your own boat you can explore and visit somewhere like the Maldives-esque Pelican Bank by yourself.

If not, the Sea Explorer tour is a great way to see it all. Led by a marine ecologist, you’ll learn so much about the sea life here, as well as stop at a couple of islands and go looking for birds, dolphins, and much more.

Scenic drives

Personally, I consider the driving you need to do on Fraser Island as just a stress that you need to cope with to get to the cool locations. But I know that some people love the idea of taking their 4WD along these rough, rugged, and rutted sandy tracks.

So, if you’re keen on a bit of adventure and fancy trying your driving skills on some of the best cross-country skills in this part of the country, then there are four specific scenic drives I would recommend, that also take you to some great sightseeing spots.

The Central Lakes scenic drive is 27.2 kilometres long, starting from Central Station. It first heads north along one of the inland roads, through tall forest and open banksia woodland, before reaching Lake McKenzie, where you can stop for a swim.

The trail then heads up to the Lake Wabby lookout for a spectacular view over the sandblow, and then down to the eastern beach. From here, you can extend the drive to see some of the sights down here, if you like.

From Central Station, the Southern Lakes scenic drive heads south and winds its way through the centre of the island. You’ll drive past scribbly gums and banksia on your way to several lakes, including Lake Birrabeen and Lake Boomanjin.

The trail is 27.6 kilometres long and ends at the southern end of the eastern beach at Dilli Village. To avoid retracing your route, you could drive north and do the Central Lakes scenic drive to get back to where you started.

Compared to the first two routes I’ve mentioned, the Lake Garawongera scenic drive (19 kilometres) is much harder and recommended only for experienced four-wheel drivers.

This rough and remote drive starts at the eastern beach and then heads uphill through tall closed forest to Lake Garawongera, which has reeds around its edge and is slightly stained from the tannin of the trees. The route then comes back to the beach along a different track.

Another route that is only for experienced drivers is the Northern Forests scenic drive, which is also the longest and, at 42.4 kilometres, will take about half a day to do (with breaks).

The drive branches off the northern part of the Lake Garawongera scenic drive near the beach and then heads towards the west coast before eventually swinging back to the eastern beach and finishing at the Pinnacles.

Along the way, you’ll drive through huge brush box and kauri trees on the way Boomerang Lakes and Lake Allom, as well as to an epic view at Knifeblade Sandblow.

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• How to visit Fraser Island

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Fraser Island – How to Travel and What to See

If you’re a fan of natural wonders and dreamy beaches, Fraser island is a must on our Australia road trip. Fraser island is home to many animal species and ecosystems, but it is most renowned for being the world’s largest sandy island. And trust me that sand is everywhere and will stay with you also a few days after leaving Fraser.

The sand was formed from sediments that came from Antarctica’s mountain chain thousands of years ago. Fraser island is a World heritage site since 1991 due to its unique sandmass which posts a variety of plant communities and wildlife. This was also the time when logging, the only industry was abandoned, so the island’s only industry is in fact tourism. It’s growing in popularity not only among Australians but also globally – nowadays has more than 500k of visitors per year. Go there before it gets overflooded with tourists!

How to get around

As adventurous travelers we do like to do things on our own whenever possible. But at times it’s just best to take on a tour like during our volcanos tour in East Java . For Fraser though things also get quite complicated. The roads on the island are all sandy which means you need a 4 WD vehicle. Since our motorhome is not suitable for these roads, we were looking to rent out a jeep, but rentals in Fraser are very expensive. On top of that we saw quite a few get stuck on the soft sand of Fraser. Below that sand there’s more than 100 m of sand below. So better not get stuck before the tide or it might get pretty ugly :O

Our 2-day tour

If you plan on visiting Fraser for a short period of time, joining a tour is the best way. We asked the  RatPack team to help us organise it and it was more than we could ask for –  they can issue you with 10% off this and any other Oz trip using the code Nika10!

The island is pretty diverse and you’ll find rainforest, eucalyptus forests, mangroves, swamps, creeks and large dunes all within a few minutes’ drive. Our itinerary was pretty packed and in the 2 day Safari tour we managed to see most of the beauties Fraser has to island.

Day 1: we saw Lake Mackenzie, had a short walk through the rainforest, hiked to Lake Wabby and had a great sunset drive on the coolest road on the planet – the 75 mile beach.

Day 2: we visited the Champagne pools, the Pinnacle, the famous Shipwreck, hiked up the Indian head and chilled at Eli creek.

Lake Mackenzie

Probably the highlight of Fraser island. Crystal clear waters and sandy bottom in beautiful surrounding. Think of your favorite dreamy beach but this one has fresh water so salt doesn’t get in your way. On top of that the lake is quite acidic (low pH) and softens your skin and hair like a conditioner. Can it get any better than that? 🙂 The only downside perhaps, is that the water is very refreshing; a bit too much for my liking 😉

Lake Wabby and the dunes

There are actually 100 freshwater lakes on Fraser and Lake Wabby is the deepest one. It takes 30-45 min to reach Lake Wabby but it’s well worth it. We especially liked the bright white sand dunes in the last stretch before dipping in the refreshing lake.

Rainforest walk

After having visited the Daintree rainforest we did not expect much from Fraser island. Still we had a lovely walk among the beautiful trees. It’s fascinating that a rainforest can flourish on sandy grounds!

Coolest highway on the planet – 75 mile beach

It is the coolest “highway” you’ll see; with no lines of course as it’s right there on the beach. The speed limit is generally 80 km/h so you’ll almost go as fast as on the main land. If you’re the one behind the wheel, you should drive as close to the water as possible, where the hard and wet sand enables higher speeds. Avoid the water waves but in any case be prepared for a bumpy ride and scenic views. Admire whales on the ocean side and look for dingos on the land side. Which other highway in the world has that? 🙂

Champagne pools

It’s a natural Jacuzzi of Fraser and actually the only place where it is okay to swim in salt water. The pools were formed by volcanic rocks and offer great scenes. It’s quite touristic though, so you won’t be alone except if you get there super early.

Shipwreck – SS Maheno

The SS Maheno reminds us of the Titanic, though it did serve many more years. It was an ocean liner between New Zealand and Australia and was then reformed into a hospital in WWI in Europe and then returned back to Australia. A cyclone forced it to land on Fraser in 1935 and it stayed there ever since. Today you can actually see only a third of the ship, as the sand absorbed most of the ship.

A perfect spot to cool off, have a short walk on the boardwalk or just to relax by the creek. A great way to explore Eli Creek is to follow the boardwalk, grab a floatie and move along by the water. When we were the stream was not that strong so we still needed to do some work 🙂

We saw quite a few animals in our short stay; the highlight was seeing many whales flip from afar during our drive on 75 mile beach and from Indian heads, as well 2 dingos. There are only 200 dingos on the island so we got pretty lucky. It’s important not to feed dingos since they can get used to be given food by people and become aggressive if they do not. Still for us they look cute and not dangerous at all, though we there are “Be dingo safe” warnings throughout the island.

Fraser island lived up to the hype and it was a memorable trip under the guidance of Fraser Explorer Tours! And not just because of the sand that is still stuck in some of our stuff 🙂

Heading over to Australia???

Contact the guys at  RatPack Travel  they are experts in backpacking Oz. They will be happy to answer any questions you might have before your travels. Use the Nika10 promo code and they will discount any trip of transport by 10% for you. 

Fraser Island looks incredible Nika. Long been on my list. Excellent post.

Hi Ryan, glad to hear that! Let me know if you’re heading to Fraser & have any questions 😉

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17 Best Things to do on Fraser Island [K’gari]

There are so many epic things to do on Fraser Island, making it a bucket list destination for any adventure traveler.

At 122 km long, it’s the world’s largest sand island and forms an important part of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.

Located off the east coast of Australia, Fraser is home to stunning lakes, massive sand dunes, and spectacular scenery.

After spending 5 days on Fraser (K’gari), I created this epic itinerary that includes what to do on Fraser Island, insider tips, how to get there, and more!

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About Fraser Island

Fraser Island was recently returned to the traditional owners, The Butchulla people, who lived here for 50,000 years before being removed and sent to the mainland.

Their traditional name for Fraser Island is K’gari, which means paradise . This is now the official name for the iconic island.

There are two entry points to Fraser Island from mainland Australia – Hervey Bay on the west of Fraser and Rainbow Beach on the south.

If you’re flying into Hervey Bay, it’s best to start your Fraser Island itinerary here. Hervey Bay is also home to many Fraser Island tours and 4WD rental companies, so it’s a convenient hub.

Best things to do on Fraser Island Itinerary

With so many things to do on Fraser Island, it will be difficult to squeeze them all in with only a few days.

1. Take a dip in Champagne Pools

• Time needed: 30 minutes

Champagne Pools is one of the most iconic Fraser Island attractions. Located on the northeast of the island, it’s a stone’s throw away from Indian Head.

This natural rock formation is the perfect place to cool down. As the tide rises, the crashing waves fill up the pools, making the water bubbly. Hence the name Champagne Pools!

As you’re walking down to the pools, you’ll have a good vantage point for whale watching. You may even see a few sharks, turtles, and mantas.

Champagne Pools is the only place on Fraser Island where you can safely swim in seawater.

Yep, you read that right! Swimming is not allowed on any of the beaches due to the strong currents and sharks.

2. Camp in the rainforest at Central Station

Central Station is the best campsite on Fraser Island . It was originally set up as a forestry camp when logging was permitted on Fraser.

It lies in the heart of the island, and the drive to get here is absolutely spectacular.

Before experiencing Central Station, I thought Fraser was all about beach driving and ocean sights. Little did I know just how diverse the island is!

3. Visit Lake Mackenzie

Lake Mackenzie, also known as Boorangoora, is one of the most beautiful natural attractions on Fraser Island. This is thanks to its soft powder sand and crystal-clear waters.

It’s a freshwater lake, meaning it’s made up of only rainwater. It’s not fed by streams and doesn’t have a link to the ocean. The sand and organic matter at the bottom of the lake form an impressive layer that prevents the rainwater from draining away.

Lake Mackenzie is conveniently nestled in the middle of the island, close to Central Station, and should be on every Fraser Island bucket list.

It’s a scenic drive through the forest and a 5-minute walk from the car park to the lake.

You’re not allowed to eat or drink at Lake Mackenzie, so if you were hoping for a lake-side picnic, think again. There is a designated picnic area, but this is closer to the car park.

4. Hike to Lake Wabby

• Time needed: 2 hours

Lake Wabby is the deepest dune lake on Fraser Island. With sand dunes on one side and trees on the other, it’s a gorgeous place to explore.

The lake has a striking green color and is safe to swim in.

It’s a 40-minute walk from the car park to Lake Wabby, which is mainly through a forest. It ends with a 5-minute downhill trek to the base of the dune. It’s relatively easy, but you’ll need to walk up the sand dune when you return.

While Champagne Pools and Lake Mackenzie attract tourists in their numbers, Lake Wabby is a quieter alternative. This is because it’s not included in day tour itineraries. You may even have the entire lake to yourself, as we did.

5. Drive 75-Mile Beach

75 Mile Beach is a long stretch of beach on the east coast of Fraser Island. It’s the landing strip for light aircraft and is regarded as the national highway.

This means normal road rules apply, including driving on the left, strict speed limits, and no drink driving.

And yes, there are police who monitor this!

With the roaring ocean next to you, you’ll pass many of the best things to do on Fraser Island, including Maheno Shipwreck and Eli Creek.

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment with all the excitement of driving on Fraser Island. But be aware of the tides!

They creep up quickly, and you can have trouble reaching your final destination. Remember to check the tide charts daily and only drive on low tides.

6. Explore SS Maheno Shipwreck

• Time needed: 10 minutes

The S.S. Maheno is a famous wreck found on 75 Mile Beach.

Named after the Maori word for “Island”, S.S. Maheno started her life as a hospital ship during World War I. She was later used as a luxury passenger liner that traveled between Australia and New Zealand.

In 1935, the S.S. Maheno was bound for a Japanese wrecking yard but was washed ashore by a cyclone. Fortunately, all 8 passengers survived.

The S.S. Maheno shipwreck is hard to miss, and you only need 10 minutes to wander around.

7. Walk the Wun’gul Sandblow: My top thing to do on Fraser Island

• Time needed: 2.5 hours for the circuit. 30 minutes for only viewpoint.

The Wan’gul Sandblow circuit was one of my favorite things to do on Fraser Island.

Why? Because it was so untouched!

The walk to the Wan’gul Sandblow starts from the Dundubara campground. There are two options you can take to experience it. Either the circuit trail or the shorter return track to the viewpoint.

I highly recommend the circuit track!

It begins with a scenic walk through the forest, about 30 minutes before you reach the top of the Wan’gul Sandblow. The views here are spectacular, and whale sightings are coming during the migration season!

The best part of doing the circuit track (vs the viewpoint only) is that you enter the sand dunes from the highest point. This is often untouched with no traces of tourists. The dunes flow, and it’s a glorious sight.

You’ll then walk for about 30 minutes to the base of the sandblow. This bottom section is where you connect with the shorter viewpoint walk. It isn’t nearly as impressive as the top.

So, even if you opt for the viewpoint walk only, I still recommend walking up the dunes to get a better vantage point.

8. Chill at Eli Creek

• Time needed: 20 minutes

Eli Creek is a popular Fraser Island activity that’s located close to S.S. Maheno Shipwreck. The sparkling clear water is filtered by the sand, and the creek has become Insta famous with floaties.

Every hour, about 4 million liters of fresh water is pumped from Eli Creek into the ocean. That’s a lot of water!

If I’m being honest, Eli Creek isn’t quite as impressive as I was expecting it to be. But it’s still definitely worth including on your Fraser Island Itinerary.

Walk up the boardwalk to the start of the creek and wade back through the water before heading to the next destination.

If you see tour buses pull up, rather enjoy the beach and wait 10-15 minutes for them to leave.

9. See turtles at Lake Allom

• Time needed: 2.5 hours (including drive time)

Lake Allom is the best place on Fraser Island to see freshwater turtles. The lake is a 5-minute walk from the car park and boasts a viewing deck for turtle sightings.

When we arrived, we immediately saw turtles swimming around and peeking their heads above the water. You can see them clearer with polarized sunglasses.

Lake Allom is a 45-minute drive inland from 75 Mile Beach, so you need to take that into account.

But it’s a thrilling 4WD drive following challenging tracks.

While there, I overheard someone say, “ We drove all the way here for this?” – and I agree. Lake Allom isn’t necessarily the most exciting attraction on Fraser Island, but half the reason to visit is the drive leading to it.

So, if you’re enjoying the beach driving and looking for something a bit more exhilarating, then you should add this to your Fraser Island travel route.

10. Rent a 4WD

Fraser Island is 4WD territory!

You’ll be driving through sandy tracks, crossing slow-moving creeks, dropping down massive potholes, and doing everything possible not to get “bogged” – which is Australian slang for getting stuck.

Renting or driving your own 4WD is the best way to visit all the Fraser Island attractions.

No prior off-road driving experience is required, and you can rent a 4WD from one of the many shops in Hervey Bay. The only requirement for 4WD rentals is that you’re over 21 years.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving on Fraser, you can do one of these tours . It’s a busy day one-day tour, so if you the time, I recommend this 2 day Fraser Island tour instead.

11. Camp on the beach

Every Fraser Island trip should include at least one beach camping site.

These unfenced areas are hidden behind the sand dunes and offer the most incredible camping experience.

Bookings for all campsites are required, and rangers check up on this. But when you get there, it works on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can pretty much camp anywhere between your designated camping area signs.

But beach camping is not the most glamorous experience. You won’t find toilets, showers, or washing facilities (and you’ll need to keep an eye out for dingoes).

But it’s worth it and was the highlight of my Fraser Island trip!

12. Check out The Pinnacles

• Time needed: 5 minutes

The Pinnacles is a small section of colorful sandy cliffs on 75 Mile Beach. This unique geological formation is easily recognizable by its shades of orange, yellow, red, and brown.

They are a significant sight in the Aboriginal culture. While the Butchulla people have their stories of how The Pinnacles were formed, the scientific theory is that it is a result of thousands of years of wind, rain, and waves crashing against the cliff.

This attraction is situated a few minutes north of the Maheno Shipwreck and is an easy addition to your Fraser Island itinerary. You don’t need to spend much time here, as it’s not the most exciting thing to see on Fraser Island.

13. Take in the views from Indian Head

Indian Head is a coastal headland located northeast of Fraser Island.

It’s one of the best places for wildlife spotting – you can often see massive schools of fish, turtles, and mantas.

If you’re visiting Fraser Island between June and September, keep an eye out for the pods of whales as they make their annual migration.

14. Enjoy a campfire at Dundubara campsite

Dundubara and Waddy Point campsites are the only places on Fraser Island where you’re allowed to have open fires. Nowhere else.

This is to prevent wildfires and stop the environmental impact of collecting wood.

But there are a few things to consider if you’re planning on camping and having a fire at Dundubara campsite.

• You can only make a fire in the designated fire rings. These are communal fire pits and not on individual campsites.
• The wood you use must be milled timber and not bush wood. It’s best to buy this in Hervey Bay. We managed to find some wood at Cathedrals on Fraser, but we got lucky as we purchased the last 2 bags ($20 per bag).
• I have my own firepit, which I was hoping to use – but this is also not allowed.

Luckily, there was an open fire ring near our site that no one had taken. We brought our snacks, drinks, and games and had it all to ourselves the entire night.

Dundubara Campground is a fenced-off site and has excellent facilities, including hot showers.

15. Spot a dingo

Due to its remoteness, Fraser Island is home to the purest breeds of dingoes. And while they may seem harmless at first, they are unpredictable.

Dingoes roam around in packs, often in search of food. There have been numerous reports of threatening encounters with dingoes, so it’s best to keep your distance.

Be alert and aware. If you’re traveling with children, keep them close.

Don’t feed the dingoes, and it’s best to carry a stick around if they approach you. But also remember that this island is their home.

We only saw 2 dingoes during our 5 days on Fraser Island. Apparently, their numbers are sadly dwindling.

Some campsites, like Central Station and Dundubara, are fenced off, so you don’t need to worry about dingoes. But if you’re camping on the beach or walking to the attractions, keep an eye out for them.

Top tip: Have you heard of Moreton Island? It’s a sand island close to Fraser Island. Here’s my post on which I prefer – Fraser Island or Moreton Island.

16. Do a bush walk: Wanggoolba Creek Board Walk

Ancient king ferns. Crystal-clear waterways. Exciting birdlife. The Wangoolba Creek Boardwalk is a must-do on Fraser Island.

It’s a quick walking trail that starts at Central Station Day Use area and winds through the lush forest surrounding Wanggoolba Creek.

17. Fish for Tailor

One of the reasons people keep coming back to Fraser Island is because of the fishing.

Whiting and bream are popular catches in the warmer months, while the winter season is great for catching tailors. There are rules about fishing in certain areas, such as Indian Head, so do a bit of research before you plan your trip around fishing

After setting up camp at Eli Campground, we took a walk along the beach and got chatting with a few people who had been coming to Fraser for years.

They were kind enough to give us a fish they had caught earlier that day and we feasted on a delicious seafood BBQ for dinner!

Fraser Island self-drive itinerary

Now that you know all the best things to do on Fraser Island, let’s see how you can fit them into a perfect itinerary.

This is based on a self-drive trip, which is 100% the way to go!

Anxious about off-road driving? Don’t fear.

Your rental company will give you a thorough briefing on how to drive a 4WD and the dodgy parts of the island to avoid. We booked our 4wd through Fraser Dingo Tours in Hervey Bay and would recommend them to anyone looking to hire a car.

There is also the option to join a tag-along tour. This means you’ll travel in a group with a lead driver and get the chance to drive.

These companies that organize tag-along tours will put your itinerary together and provide all the food. It’s a much easier and hassle-free way to explore Fraser Island if you’re a solo traveler or nervous about 4WDing.

Day 1 Fraser Island itinerary

• Campsite for day 1: Central Station

Depending on whether you’re renting a vehicle, using your own, or joining a tag-along tour, you may need to account for a 90-minute briefing session on day one of your Fraser Island itinerary.

You’ll need to do all your shopping before this briefing, so I recommend booking the 1 pm ferry from Hervey Bay (River Heads) to Kingfisher Bay (Fraser Island).

8am – 10am: Shopping

While there are small convenience stores on the island (Eurong, Happy Valley, and Cathedrals), the prices are higher, and it’s best to buy everything before arriving on Fraser.

Make sure you stock up on bottled water, snacks, and beers!

10:30am – 12pm: 4WD Briefing

You will be taken through all the safety tips and rules for driving on Fraser Island.

12:30am- 2pm: Ferry (1 pm departure)

Try to get to the ferry 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

If you’ve pre-booked your return trip, double-check your times, especially for your return ferry. You can do this at the ticket office at River Heads.

Yes, this happens! Our return ferry time was different from what we had scheduled. Luckily, we picked it up.

All that is left for you to do is drive onto the ferry and enjoy the 50-minute ride to Kingfisher Bay.

2pm – 3:30pm: Drive to Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek Boardwalk

Immediately after arriving at Kingfisher Bay, you should let the air out your tires – we reduced ours to 25 psi.

Then you’re off to Central Station, your camping ground for the night.

The drive is absolutely gorgeous, and it’s a great introduction to your Fraser Island 4WD adventure.

Before getting set up at Central Station, stop at the day-use area and do the 20-minute Wanggoolba Creek walk.

Central Station is my favorite campsite on Fraser. It’s fenced off from dingoes, and each site is surrounded by trees, offering privacy from other campers.

There are hot showers and toilets as well as washing-up facilities.

Day 2 Fraser Island Itinerary

• Campsite for day 2: Dundubara

9am – 10am: Drive to Eurong Beach

After breakfast, pack up your site and head east to Eurong.

This is one of the biggest towns on Fraser Island and is home to a few resorts, a (very expensive) fuel station, and a delicious bakery.

Make sure you stop here – I was seriously impressed with how good the coffee and croissants were, given the location!

10am – 1:30pm: Drive 75 Mile Beach to Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck, and Lake Allom

Eurong is the gateway to 75 Mile Beach. This will be your first taste of beach driving!

After 20 minutes on the sand, you’ll reach Eli Creek. From there, you’ll continue north to S.S Maheno and Lake Allom.

1:30pm – 2:30pm: Lunch on the beach and The Pinnacles

After returning to 75 Mile Beach from Lake Allom, continue driving in a northerly direction to The Pinnacles.

This is also a good time for a lunch break on the beach.

2:30pm – 3:00pm: Drive to Dundubara Campground

It’s time to get back to camp before the tide comes in!

Shortly after leaving The Pinnacles, you’ll come across Cathedrals on Fraser. Here, you’ll find a shop where you can top up on ice, snacks, and firewood before heading to Dundubara campsite.

READ MORE: COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO SCUBA DIVING AT JULIAN ROCKS IN BYRON BAY

Day 3 Fraser Island Itinerary

• Campsite for day 3: Eli Campground

7:30am – 10am: Walk the Wun’gul Sand Blow Circuit

If you’re rushed for time, you could do the viewpoint walk only.

9:30am – 10:30am: Pack up camp and have breakfast

10:30am – 1:30pm: indian head and champagne pools.

The drive from Dundubara Campsite to Champagne Pools takes 30 minutes, so consider that when looking at the tides.

Your first stop will be Indian Heads. Here, you’ll notice a small sandy section that you need to pass through – it’s pretty dodgy, and we saw a few cars get stuck. Some rental companies don’t even let you go past here.

You have 2 options.

If you’re feeling confident, you can drive this section yourself from Indian Heads onto the beach leading to Champagne Pools – this is what we did. Or you can park your 4wd at Indian Heads and walk from there to Champagne Pools. This is a 40-minute walk (one way).

1:30pm – 2:15pm: Drive to your beach campsite

After visiting Champagne Pools, it’s time to go back down 75 Mile Beach to your beach camping site.

We camped at Eli Beach Campsite, a 45-minute drive from Champagne Pools.

2:30pm: Set up camp and walk the beach

Remember to keep all your food securely stored as the beach sites aren’t fenced, and dingoes will be around your campsite.

After setting up camp, grab a few beers and walk along the beach to watch the fishermen (or go fishing).

Day 4 Fraser Island Itinerary

• Campsite for day 4: Central Station

9:30am – 11:30am: Lake Wabby

Today is your last day of beach driving on Fraser Island.

I recommend having a slow start to the day. Enjoy your morning coffee while watching the waves crashing and whale watching. And then head south to Lake Wabby.

11:30am – 1pm: Lake Wabby – Eurong – Lake Mackenzie

After having a dip at Lake Wabby, take your last snaps on 75 Mile Beach, stop at Eurong for a coffee, and continue inland to Lake Mckenzie.

1pm – 2pm: Visit Lake Mackenzie

You can either have lunch on the beach near Lake Wabby or in the picnic area at Lake Mackenzie.

2pm – 3pm: Lake Mackenzie to Central Station

Lake Mackenzie is the last attraction on this Fraser Island itinerary. From there, you’ll head back to Central Station for the night before taking the morning ferry back to the mainland.

There is a 5 pm ferry, so you could take that on day 4 (today) after your visit to Lake Mackenzie.

But keep in mind you’ll only get back to Hervey Bay after 6 pm. This means you’ll most likely need to spend the night in Hervey Bay.

Sooooo…. Why spend the night in Hervey Bay when you can spend an extra night on Fraser? You can then take either the 7:50 am or 10 am ferry the next morning, which is what we did.

Day 5 Fraser Island itinerary

Your fifth day in Fraser Island is a half day as there are no activities planned for today.

You’ll need to get from Central Station to Kingfisher Bay. Allow for 75 minutes for this.

We left on the 10 am ferry, and this timing was perfect for us. We had returned the rental by 12 pm and spent the rest of the afternoon driving to our next destination.

How long to spend on Fraser Island

There are so many things to do on Fraser Island, and 1 or 2 days isn’t enough.

I recommend at least 3 days. If you have the time, 4 days on Fraser is ideal. This will allow you to see most of the attractions.

Fraser Island Ferry

The ferry terminal near Hervey Bay is located 15 minutes from town, at River Heads. This is the Kingfisher Bay Ferry, which arrives at Kingfisher Bay Resort on the west coast of Fraser Island.

It’s a 50-minute crossing from River Heads to Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Ferry departure times

• From River Heads (Hervey Bay) to King Fisher Bay Resort: Daily at 6:45am, 9:00am, 1:00pm, 3:30pm

Ferry return times

• King Fisher Bay Resort to River Heads (Hervey Bay): Daily 7:50am, 10:30am, 2:30pm, 5:00pm

The return price for this ferry is:

• Vehicles: Off-peak is $205 per vehicle and peak is $230 per vehicle (return). This cost covers the driver, and you’ll need to pay an additional $7 for additional passengers.
• Walk-on passengers: $65 for adults and $35 for children (return)

What is the best time to visit Fraser Island

Fraser Island can be visited all year round, but I recommend going in Spring (August/September to November) or Autumn (March to May). The temperatures are cool and offer perfect conditions for hiking and exploring.

Try to avoid Fraser during the school holidays, as it can get very busy! Also, keep in mind that the summer months, from December to February, can get extremely hot, so this might affect your experience, especially if you’re camping.

I visited Fraser Island in August, and if possible, I advise you to do the same. The days were sunny and warm, while the nights were pretty chilly. We saw so many whales, and the island wasn’t as busy as I expected.

Fraser Island Tides

There’s one thing that will affect your Fraser Island itinerary – the tides.

As a rule, it’s best to be off the beach for 2 hours on either side of high tide.

Don’t underestimate just how quickly they come in. This often leaves travelers stuck or bogged.

But what’s the worst that can happen? You could get bogged which may result in your entire vehicle getting submerged! It happens so be careful.

This is another reason why Fraser is not one of those destinations you can visit with little planning. You need to know where you’re going and how the tides will affect your plans.

Where to stay on Fraser Island

There’s no better way to explore Fraser than by camping on the island.

But some people may not be campers – and that’s ok. Here are a few Fraser Island accommodation options:

Kingfisher Bay Resort : Located on the west of the island, Kingfisher Bay resort offers self-contained villas with sprawling views of the surroundings. It’s one of the most popular places to stay on Fraser Island.

K’gari Beach Resort : If you’re wanting to stay closer to 75 Mile Beach, K’gari Beach Resort is a great option. It’s located in Eurong – you can’t miss it! You’ll be a stone’s throw away from the beach and it’s a great base for all your Fraser Island activities.

Fraser Island Beach Houses: If you’re not the resort type (I sure am not), then you’ll love Fraser Island Beach House in Eurong. The property boasts a collection of houses with up to 3 rooms, perfect for families or groups of friends.

Fraser Island Retreat: Fraser Island Retreat is situated in Happy Valley, a small village between Eurong and Indian Head. They offer one and two-bedroom bungalows as well as a swimming pool and restaurant.

Tips for planning your Fraser Island itinerary

• Bring $2 coins for hot showers at the campgrounds
• If you’re traveling in separate cars with friends, buy walkie talkies
• Fires are illegal on Fraser Island. (Except Dundubara and Waddy Point campsites)
• If you’re renting a 4WD, there are often restrictions about where you can go. Most companies won’t allow you to go further than Champagne Pools on the north and you also can’t access the west of the island.

Is Fraser Island worth visiting?

Yes! I enjoyed every second on Fraser Island.

Planning a trip to Fraser Island also gives travelers a glimpse of true Australian culture – camping and epic 4wd adventures!

And if there’s one thing you take away from this Fraser Island itinerary, it’s that there is so much more to Fraser than the Instagrammable sights and attractions.

And if I’m being honest, not one stood out to me as Wow !

My highlights?

The entire 4wd experience, the connections with people I met along the way, walking on the beach at sunset, and the thrill of driving on soft sand for the first time.

So don’t be in too much of a rush to get places. Take it slow and enjoy the ride!

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Torn Tackies contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Are you looking for the best things to do on Fraser Island? Do you have any questions about your trip? Drop me a message in the comments section below.

Looking for more Australia travel inspiration?  Check out my other posts!

• Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Mossman Gorge
• 27+ Best Things to do in Cairns
• 12+ Best Things to do in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
• The Perfect Blue Mountains Itinerary
• Guide to the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk in Sydney

Hi, I'm Carryn. I’m an adventure travel blogger trying to figure out my way through life by traveling and exploring. Join me as I share my travel guides and tips for life abroad. Find out more about me here .

Packing For Indonesia: The Essential Indonesia Packing List

Scuba diving at the great barrier reef: 17+ things you need to know, leave a comment cancel reply.

The Ultimate Fraser Island Guide

How does exploring the worlds largest sand island sound? To make it even more appealing throw in an abundance of Instagram worthy turquoise lakes, natural lazy-rivers, pristine beaches, lush rainforests and cool sites to explore! Not just this, but you are actually allowed to drive yourself, creating your own tracks all over the entire island. The main highway there is actually the beach that stretches the entire east coast (75-Mile Beach) (not a paved road in sight!) It’s no surprise that the local Aboriginal word for the island is K’gari, that’s paradise in English. After our journey, we have put together this Ultimate Guide to Fraser Island to hopefully help you with planning your own adventure!

Fraser Island might seem like it is just for 4WD’ers and campers, however, this amazing island has something for everyone, from the 4WD lovers to young kids and families. We drove ourselves when Oliver was 4 months old and to our surprise, he loved all the driving, as well as all the stops!

Table of Contents

The following are a brief rundown of our Top Tips, however for the more detailed version check out our post here:

Top 14 Tips for Visiting Fraser Island

• Choose between driving yourself, going on a tour bus or a 4×4 tour. If driving yourself will be too expensive we highly recommend the 4×4 tours instead of the busses.
• Using a few techniques, hopefully, you won’t get your car stuck in the sand. Lower your tyre pressure, bring the right equipment in case of the need for self-recovery and drive to the conditions in 4WD mode.
• Stock up on food, water and petrol before coming. These items are available, albeit a limited range, from various general stores on the island. However they are very expensive, so try to bring as much with you as you can.
• Purchase a vehicle access permit and camping permit prior to visiting Fraser Island.
• Stay the night before close to your barge departure point to Fraser Island. This gives you maximum time by heading off early.
• Print out the tide times and commit to memory when is safe to drive. Also, try and plan your routes based on the tides. A general rule is not to drive on the beach within 2 hours either side of high tide incase of larger waves washing you out.
• Bring insect repellant, there’s plenty of March flies and mosquitos that will try to annoy you!
• Don’t swim in the ocean because of the sharks/jellyfish/crocodiles, stick to the lakes. Additionally, watch out for dingos on the mainland.
• Stay in one of the various dingo-fenced campsites on the island if you are staying with children.
• You don’t have to camp on the island. There are a few hotels, holiday home rentals and established campsites with pre-setup tents or cabins.
• Obey the law, there are police and they constantly check drivers for speeding or drink driving offences. Generally, the speed limits are 80 kph on the beach, or 40 kph camping zones along the beach. On the inland tracks, the speed limit is 30 kph.
• There is limited mobile phone reception, so print or screenshot any info you will want to take with you.
• Take a floatation device for floating up and down the natural lazy river ‘Eli Creek’.
• Enjoy a scenic flight over the island from a small plane that takes off and lands directly from 75-mile beach.

How to get to Fraser Island

Manta Ray Barge – Departs Inskip Point (near Rainbow Beach)

Rainbow Beach is roughly 3.5 hours drive north of Brisbane, 1.5 Hours drive north of the Sunshine Coast or 1.5 Hours drive south of Hervey Bay.

Arguably the more convenient choice for many due to its pickup and drop-off locations, the Manta Ray Barge is also the cheapest option. It drops you off at Hook Point on Fraser Island, which once driven around the point you are on 75 Mile Beach.

It operates 365 days a year from 6.00 am to 5:15 pm, departing every 30 minutes. The journey across to the island takes roughly 10 minutes. Tickets can be purchased once you drive onto the boat and are not necessary to pre-book, simply wait in line with the rest of the cars. They are also happy to provide a free map of the island are tide charts.

The prices as of April 2019 are:

Car/4wd (including passengers) – $120.00 return Car or 4wd + Trailer (up to 5 Metres) – $190.00 return Car or 4wd + Trailer (5 Metres and up) – $220.00 return Motorbikes – $50.00 return

You can find out more information here .

Fraser Island Barges – Departs River Heads (close to Hervey Bay)

River Heads is about 20 minutes drive from Hervey Bay. This barge operates to Wanggoolba Creek/Kingfisher Bay Resort on the western side of the island. Perfect if you are staying at the resort, wanting to start on the inland tracks or simply travelling from up north.

The Fraser Island Barge has a more strict timetable as follows;

Departure times from River Heads daily at: 6.45am, 9.00am, 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 6.45pm. Departure times from Kingfisher Bay Resort at: 7.50 am, 10.30am, 2.00pm, 5.00pm and 8.30pm.

Fares at time of publishing are: Car/standard 4wd (Including driver only) – $200.00 return Large 4wd (Including driver only) – $270.00 return Trailer, camper, boat (up to 4 Metres) – $115.00 return Trailer, camper, boat (up to 7 Metres) – $153.00 return Motorbikes (including rider only) – $100.00 return *$5.00 per extra vehicle passenger

You can purchase your tickets from the ferry ramp. You can find out more information here .

Fly direct with Air Fraser Island – Departs Sunshine Coast/Hervey Bay Airports

Of course, there is also the option to splurge if you have the means, flying directly onto one of the worlds few beach runways on 75 Mile Beach.

Air Fraser Island has a variety of packages available including flights/tours/hire cars/accommodation.

As of April 2019 a return flight and hire car for the day package cost $350 per person.

You can find out more information or make a booking here.

When to visit

Being on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island is fairly warm year-round. November, December, January are generally the most popular being the hottest months of the lot averaging 30 degrees Celsius during the day. However realistically any time is a good time to visit. Spring is a bit cooler being around 24 degrees on most days, with cooler nights. Winters are generally clear skies with average temperatures of 18 degrees Celsius.

We visited during school holiday time and it was extremely busy, by avoiding these times you will likely have attractions to yourself or with much fewer people.

Must visit spots

1.  lake mckenzie.

The jewel of Fraser Island would have to be Lake McKenzie. The vivid bright blue water and pure white sand feels like you have stepped foot into Instagram, but even better! For those searching for the perfect photos of your Australian adventure, this place satisfies a lot of the criteria!  Whether you’re there with the family and kids or by yourself, everyone is sure to love this picturesque beauty.

For a more in-depth guide on Lake Mckenzie check out the post below;

Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia

2. Champagne Pools

No trip to Fraser Island could be complete without a trip to the Champagne Pools. These natural pools by the sea’s edge are filled with solar-heated ocean goodness and the best spot to spend a day! This is the only place recommended to swim in the ocean on the island in order to avoid the sharks.

Champagne Pools on Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia

3. Eli Creek

Two simple things to ensure you have fun for hours: a creek and a floating ring. It adds to the appeal when the location of the said creek is as picturesque as Fraser Island’s Eli Creek curving through the rainforest out to sea!

Eli Creek on Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia

4. SS Maheno Shipwreck

The SS Maheno Shipwreck is definitely one of the coolest things on Fraser Island. This large wreck is one of few in the world sitting on the beach itself, so no diving required! However, every year more and more sand buries the ship, so you better hurry up and book a trip to Australia to see it!

SS Maheno Shipwreck on Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia

5. Central Station

Ever been in a rainforest growing out of the sand? Nope? Then you should add Central Station on Fraser Island to your bucket list! You will feel like you have arrived in a tropical paradise, enormous ancient trees, stunning fernery and crystal clear rivers. Yep, this place has it all!

Central Station on Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia

Other notable mentions are

6. Lake   Birrabeen

Though not as insanely blue as Lake Mckenzie, this is a secluded pristine and clear lake.

7. Wanggoolba Creek

A recurring theme on Fraser Island is crystal clear water, and Wanggoolba Creeks water is no different. Flowing through the stunning rainforest at Central Station its an ideal swimming spot.

7. The Pinnacles

This rocky cliff outcrop is a unique site as you drive along the beach. The entire cliff is a deep orange colour and looks like something from Mars.

For a great map of everything on Fraser Island check this one out.

Fraser Island with Kids

Fraser Island is definitely an awesome spot for kids of ages and the perfect spot to bring everyone together in the great outdoors!

You’ve got all you need for a ripper holiday from the stunning beaches to the pristine swimming holes. The kids can swim and build sandcastles to their heart’s content, whilst fully getting in touch with nature in an idyllic setting! Plus with limited phone reception, it’s a great chance to give your kids a proper digital detox!!

We rode in the back with Ollie to watch how the car seat took the bumps on the inland tracks, however, he was actually much more protected than us. In fact, as many babies do, he usually slept the entire time we were driving!

Driving Distances

Hook Point to Eurong – 40 km – 90 minutes

Central Station to Lake Mckenzie – 10 Km 30 Minutes

Lake Mckenzie to Eurong – 15 km – 1 Hour

Eurong to Eli Creek – 25 km – 1 Hour

Eli Creek to Champagne Pools 35 km – 90 minutes

Eli Creek to Lake Mckenzie 40 km – 90 minutes

Please note these are very rough times and could vary hugely depending on the tides, conditions of the beach/tracks, traffic and any sightseeing.  

Where to stay?

The final big decision of a trip to Fraser Island is where to stay! If camping is your thing there are 45 camp areas to choose from (plus privately run campsites), of these 4 have dingo-proof fences surrounding them. These dingo-proofed campsites are the safest option if staying with children under 14 years of age. They also have amenities such as taps, bins, coin-operated showers and toilets.

In addition to the privately run campsites the ones with dingo fences are;

Cathedrals (Privately Operated) Central Station Cornwalls (Private Operated) Dundubara Lake Boomanjin Waddy Point

If camping is totally not your style, fear not there are a handful of hotels and holiday home rentals on Fraser Island.

To save you the serious struggles of searching for the best accommodation options on Fraser Island, we have compiled a list of them for you, simply click on the name to be taken to their booking page.

Kingfisher Bay Resort

This internationally renowned hotel was actually visited by Prince Harry and Megan when they came to Fraser Island. This luxurious rainforest retreat has 152 rooms with large private decks overlooking sea, bush or lakes.

Eurong Beach Resort

If the Kingfisher is out of your price range, the Eurong Beach Resort offers similar facilities right on 75 Mile Beach. It is also relatively close to many attractions. It’s the perfect comfortable base for seeing the entire island.

Cathedrals on Fraser

For the truly authentic ‘camping experience’ on Fraser Island, look no further than the Cathedrals. With options from 1-3 Bedroom cabins, 1-2 Bedroom Permanent Canvas tents, or campsites for your own gear – you’ll be sure to find something for you!

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Fraser Island Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 3, 2023

Visiting Fraser Island is one of the “must-dos” on the Australian travel trail and you’ll find a ton of backpackers, campers, and day-trippers here. But you’ll also find a lot of locals here too, especially those that love 4×4 drives and multi-day camping trips.

You definitely don’t want to skip this place (but avoid the weekends when locals crowd the campgrounds and the small island seems like a small city) but you only need a night or two here. The island is small.

This Fraser Island travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Australia !

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Fraser Island

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Fraser Island

1. See Lake MacKenzie

The jewel of the island, Lake MacKenzie, is a large lake with crystal blue waters and shimmering white sand. Spanning 150 hectares (370 acres), it’s known as a “perched” lake, meaning it exists above the water table and is made up of pure rainwater only. The sands around the lake are soft and white but very little plant and animal life can exist in the lake due to the water content. There are picnic tables around the lake so pack a lunch and lounge away the day. It’s free to visit.

2. Visit the Maheno Shipwreck

In 1935, the retired passenger steamer SS Maheno was being towed to Japan for scrap when a storm forced it ashore. The ship was active in World War I (it was converted to a hospital ship for the war) and was used for bombing tests during World War II. Today, it’s a rusty hunk of metal that’s best seen during low tide. On Anzac Day (the holiday that commemorates fallen soldiers in Australia and New Zealand), services are held here. It’s free to visit.

3. Relax at 75 Mile Beach

This length of beach stretches along the entire eastern side of the island and is considered the main road. Many of the island’s best sights, such as the Coloured Sands (a section of rock that’s all different colors due to their mineral content), Eli Creek, and the Maheno Ship Wreck can be seen along the beach. You can see the entire stretch from Indian Head or up close while 4WD driving.

4. See Indian Head

The rocky outcrop at the northern end of 75 Mile Beach is great to climb. It was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and offers excellent views out over the water where you can spot sharks, rays, turtles, and more. It’s only a 20-minute walk to the top. Just be sure to wear appropriate footwear as there are loose rocks and sometimes the trail is slippery. The view is worth it though!

5. Explore Lake Wabby

Wabby is a dark-green colored lake about 20 minutes from the beach. Beside the lake is a large sand dune that is slowly encroaching upon the water (the dune will eventually swallow the lake). The lake is 12 meters deep (39 feet), making it the deepest lake on the island. Freshwater turtles and fish can sometimes be seen swimming in the lake too. It’s free to visit and there is camping permitted nearby.

Other Things to See and Do in Fraser Island

1. bathe in champagne pools.

North of Indian Head, these rock pools provide a safe place to bathe. Their name is derived from the froth created when waves break over the edge and into the pools. You can find the pools between Waddy Point and Indian Head along 75 Mile Beach. Just watch for big waves, which periodically slam into the pools.

2. Relax at Eli Creek

This freshwater creek midway along the main beach is where swimmers can float down with the current (bring an inner tube if you can). A boardwalk provides easy access to the top of the creek. It’s also a popular spot for picnicking.

3. Visit the Hammerstone Sandblow

This huge sand dune will make you feel like you are in a desert. It just seems to go on forever and begins in a section of rainforest and ends at Lake Wabby. This trek is definitely better–suited for those who are athletic due to the softness of the sand. It’s about a 4.6-kilometer (2.8-mile) trek (return). Eventually, the dune will smother the lake as it continues to move and be blown by the winds.

4. See Wanggoolba Creek

In the middle of the rainforest, the Wanggoolba Creek runs crystal clear and is surrounded by rare King Ferns that are said to have existed here for over 2,500 years! Unfortunately, due to human destruction, only 60 are left. This site is sacred to the Butchulla people as a birthing area for women. It’s peaceful and the trail along the creek makes for a serene walk.

5. Look for dingos

Fraser Island has a huge dingo population (dingos are medium-sized wild dogs that can be found all over Australia). There are up to 30 packs on the island, each with 3-12 members. They’re beautiful animals, native to Australia, and a protected species. Seeing them in their natural habitat is certainly a privilege — and no, you shouldn’t be afraid of them (but you shouldn’t approach them either). Observe from afar, and enjoy their presence.

6. Go fishing

While fishing in the freshwater lakes is prohibited, you’re free to fish in the ocean. During the warmer months, dart and mackerel are plentiful while tuna and swallowtail can be caught all year round. You can fish from the beach or do a half-day, full-day, or multi-day excursions. Prices start around 300 AUD per person for full-day fishing charters.

7. Take a 4WD tour

One of the best (and most popular) ways to explore the island is by renting a 4WD vehicle and cruising over the beaches. You can rent a jeep for a self-drive tour or join a guided tour for 2 or 3 days — whatever works for you and your budget! Expect to pay between 455-615 AUD for a rental or tour (rentals are the cheaper option, of course, as you can split the price between people while tours generally cost 425 AUD per person).

For more information on other places in Australia, check out these guides:

• Alice Springs Travel Guide
• Brisbane Travel Guide
• Broome Travel Guide
• Cairns Travel Guide
• Gold Coast Travel Guide
• Melbourne Travel Guide
• Perth Travel Guide
• Sydney Travel Guide
• Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide

Fraser Island Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There are no hostels on Fraser Island but there are hostels nearby on the mainland (either in Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach) with dorm beds costing 24-32 AUD per night. Private rooms start at 90 AUD per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also organize various trips and tours to the island.

The majority of budget travelers camp out on Fraser Island, which you can do all over the island. You’ll need a camping permit before you go, which costs around 8 AUD per night.

Budget hotel prices – The few hotels that exist on the island are pricey. Budget accommodation on the mainland nearby is also few and far between, with cheap hotels starting around 100 AUD per night (though most hotels are double that). Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, AC, coffee/tea makers, and some even have pools.

If you’re booking through a search engine like Booking.com , make sure the accommodation is actually on the island if that’s a priority for you. Most searches include the mainland so, if you’re not careful, you might book in the wrong location.

Food – You can eat at the resort restaurants if you’re not a guest, but even the most casual places cost 25-50 AUD for an entree. Unless you’re here to splurge, avoid eating at the resorts.

Since most people come here to camp, they bring there own food. A week’s worth of basic staples (pasta, rice, produce, etc.) costs around 75-90 AUD. You’ll also need to bring your own water.

Backpacking Fraser Island Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Fraser Island for around 35 AUD per day if you camp and don’t rent a vehicle. If you’re booking a 4WD for four people, camping, and cooking at your campsite, expect to pay around 135 AUD per person. On this budget, you’ll mostly do free activities like swimming, hiking, and relaxing at the beach. Add 10-15 AUD to your daily budget if you plan on drinking.

On a mid-range budget of 450 AUD per day, you can hop on a two-day tour. This will be fairly no-frills but it does come with resort accommodation. It also covers all the big expenses like the ferry crossing and getting around. I recommend Kingfisher Tours or Fraser Explorer Tours.

On a “luxury” budget of 525 AUD per day or more, you can stay at one of the resorts, rent a 4WD to get around (and split the cost), eat at restaurants for all your meals (some resorts include food too), and enjoy a few drinks. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in AUD.

Fraser Island Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Fraser Island is not a cheap place to visit, especially if you’re staying at a resort or doing a tour. Fortunately, there are a few ways to keep your costs down:

• Drink goon (box wine) – Goon is infamous on the Australian backpacker hostel trail. This cheap box of wine is the best way to drink, get a buzz, and save a lot of money at the same time.
• Cook your food – The best way to reduce your costs is to cook as many meals as possible. Pick up all your supplies before you cross over to the island (including water).
• Split expenses for a 4WD – You need to have a 4WD to explore Fraser Island, but they aren’t cheap. Make some new friends to split expenses with and you’ll save a fortune.
• Book tours as a package – If you’re traveling solo, an organized tour is actually one of the more affordable ways to see Fraser Island. Ask for discounts and deals to lower costs further.
• Go during low season – Prices are always more expensive during peak season. Consider visiting in the winter to beat the crowds and pay less.
• Camp – Camping is less than 10 AUD per night. You can rent tents and gear for around 35 AUD on the mainland. It’s the most budget-friednly way to visit the island!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – You need to bring your own water to Fraser Island so bring a reusable water bottle. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay on Fraser Island

Here are some recommended places to stay on/near Fraser Island:

• Cathedral Camping Grounds (on Fraser Island)
• Kingfisher Bay Resort (on Fraser Island)
• Flashpackers Hervey Bay (Hervey Bay)
• Woolshed Eco Lodge (Hervey Bay)
• Freedom Hostels Rainbow Beach (Rainbow Beach)

How to Get Around Fraser Island

Aside from hiking, the only ways to get around the island are with a 4WD vehicle or as a part of a guided tour. Rentals start at 455 AUD per day, with prices lowering the longer you rent (if you rent a 4WD for five days it’s just 150 AUD per day).

There are lots of guided tour options for backpackers and hostels on the mainland will often help you arrange your booking. They can range from day trips to multi-day trips. They’re not cheap, but they cover all the essentials: your crossing to the island, accommodations, activities, etc.

Expect to spend around 205-235 AUD (return) to take your 4WD vehicle to/from the island via the ferry. Be sure to book your ferry in advance so you can be sure you have space. There is also an extra fee for passengers (7 AUD per person).

When to Go to Fraser Island

Fraser Island is warm year-round. Winter is from June to August, with temperatures ranging from 14-25°C (55-77°F). It’s driest during this time, so the chances of experiencing rainfall are slim.

The summer season is from September until the end of April, when temperatures climb into the 30s°C (high 80s°F). Because the island has a subtropical climate, occasional storms are sometimes a risk. Be prepared for ferry delays or getting stuck on the island (have some spare cash on hand just in case).

While the summer months will be the warmest, they will also be the busiest. Consider going in the shoulder season so you can enjoy warmer temperatures without the crowds. Prices are cheaper in the off-season too; even the fare for the ferry is lower during this time. Also, visiting during the week is always less busy than visiting on the weekend.

How to Stay Safe in Fraser Island

Fraser Island is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. Most incidents tend to occur because visitors are not used to the island’s unique climate and wilderness. Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen and stay as hydrated as possible. If you’re hiking, be on the lookout for snakes and spiders. If you’re bitten, seek immediate care.

If you’re swimming, heed any red and yellow flags. Yellow flags indicate swimming conditions may be dangerous; red flags mean the beach is closed.

There’s a chance you may encounter wild dingos on your visit — keep your distance, respect their territory, and don’t run away. The Department of National Parks advises facing the dingo(s) and backing away slowly, and if you’re traveling with another person, stand back to back.

If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Fraser Island Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Australia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Australia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Sydney

Where to Stay in Brisbane: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Brisbane

The Best Walking Tours in Melbourne

The Best Walking Tours in Sydney

Where to Stay in Melbourne: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

How to get to K'gari

K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) is located in the Great Sandy Strait, about 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and Maryborough. If you're self-driving, you'll need to make your way to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach, where you can then take a ferry over to the island. K'gari is a remote island with limited amenities and mobile phone coverage, so it's important to plan ahead.

River Heads in Hervey Bay and Inskip Point in Rainbow Beach are the main launching points for K'gari. There are daily ferry/barge services with the option to travel as a foot passenger (if you're joining a tour) or bring your 4WD across from the mainland.

If you're self-driving, you must purchase a vehicle access permit (VAP) online , at an over-the-counter booking office, or by phone. The VAP must be displayed on your windscreen before driving on the island.

River Heads is a 15-minute drive south of Hervey Bay. SeaLink operates ferries from River Heads to Kingfisher Bay and Wanggoolba Creek on K'gari. There are daily services from 6.45am to 4pm and the crossing takes 30 to 50 minutes. Booking is required.

Manta Ray operates barges from Inskip Point to Hook Point on K'gari. There are daily crossings from 6am to 5.30pm and the journey takes about 10 minutes. Booking is not required.

There are no commercial airports on K'gari, but you could fly to Hervey Bay, the closest airport on the mainland, before taking the ferry. There are regular flights from Sydney and Brisbane.

There are no direct trains to K'gari. However, if you're coming from Brisbane, Cairns or a major town or city between these destinations, you can take a train with Queensland Rail to Maryborough West, and then transfer to Hervey Bay on the RailBus Coach.

If you're travelling from Sydney, you could take a train to Brisbane with NSW TrainLink and then transfer to Maryborough West or Cooroy with Queensland Rail. From here, take the RailBus Coach to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.

There are also no public bus services. However, you could buy a ticket with a private coach company such as Greyhound Australia or Premier. They operate daily services from Childers, Maryborough and Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay and/or Rainbow Beach.

A 4WD is the only permitted vehicle on K'gari as there are no sealed roads. Driving is only recommended for experienced 4WD drivers as some of the tracks are steep and the sand can be deep and soft, particularly if there hasn’t been much rain.

If you don’t have a 4WD, you can rent one in Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.

You must purchase a vehicle permit from Queensland National Parks to enter K'gari with a car.

Don't fancy four-wheel driving across the sand? Or would you like to journey up the East Coast with a legendary local leader who can show you all the top spots and local secrets? Join us on a K'gari (Fraser Island) tour .

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

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Your Fraser Island Travel Guide and How to Reach

A popular tourist location off the southeast coast of Queensland, Australia, is Fraser Island, also known as K'gari. It is the largest sand island in the world, stretching more than 120 kilometers in length. The amazing scenery, various ecosystems, and unique attractions of Fraser Island are widely known.

The island is known for its vast stretches of fine sand beaches, freshwater lakes with clean waters, lush forests, and towering sand dunes. Numerous animal species, such as dingoes, wallabies, echidnas, and several bird species, make it home.

There are a lot of things to do on Fraser Island , including hiking, camping, swimming, and fishing. The marine environment surrounding the island is equally compelling, offering opportunities for whale watching.

Lake McKenzie, a beautiful freshwater lake with crystal-clear blue water and spotless white sand beaches, is one of the island's most popular attractions. Swimmers may relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. Another popular spot is Eli Creek, where a clear creek wanders through the sand dunes and provides a beautiful and scenic experience.

The subtropical environment on Fraser Island offers beautiful weather all of the year time. Winters are pleasant, while summers are hot and humid. When planning a trip to Fraser Island, it is advised to check the weather forecast and prepare carefully because rain is a constant occurrence there. Based on weather, find the best time to visit Fraser Island .

The Maheno Shipwreck, a rusted vessel that ran aground on the island's eastern coastline in 1935, is another interesting aspect of Fraser Island. Photographers and fans of history are interested in it as it is coming to be an iconic location.

Visitors can take guided tours, self-drive adventures, or 4WD (four-wheel drive) trips to explore the island because 4WD vehicles are the only ones that can travel Fraser Island's sand tracks. There are fraser island camping options available on the island, allowing visitors to stay the night and immerse themselves in nature.

Although becoming a popular destination for vacations, Fraser Island is also a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. To preserve the island's natural beauties for future generations, visitors must respect the island's unique ecosystem and practice responsible tourism.

Knowledge about Fraser Island's many accommodation and resort facilities options is important if you've been thinking about taking an adventure there. This article will guide you through the different types of accommodation, from luxurious resorts to basic campgrounds, so you can choose the perfect spot for your Fraser Island journey.

Additionally, it's important to understand the important part that ferry services play for getting access to this natural paradise on Fraser Island . This article will guide you through the ferry options available, ensuring you have a seamless and exciting journey to Fraser Island.

How To Reach Fraser Island

This comprehensive guide will provide you complete guidance on how to reach in Fraser Island, including modes of transportation, places of departure, and important recommendations to ensure an easy travel to this captivating location.

Taking a ferry is the most common and convenient way to reach Fraser Island. Ferries operate from two main departure points:

Hervey Bay: Hervey Bay, which is around 300 kilometers north of Brisbane, is a popular gateway point to Fraser Island. Hervey Bay has regular ferry service to Kingfisher Bay and Wanggoolba Creek.

River Heads: Situated just south of Hervey Bay, River Heads offers ferry services to the southern part of Fraser Island, including the town of Eurong.

You can also travel more quickly to get to Fraser Island by plane. Major cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne all offer flights to the Fraser Coast Airport in Hervey Bay. You may then quickly transfer to the ferry departure locations from there.

Self-driving is an interesting alternative for people who enjoy road trips. The Inskip Point barge at Rainbow Beach or the River Heads barge are the two options for 4WD cars to reach Fraser Island. It is important to keep in mind that a valid permission is required to drive on Fraser Island, and prior off-road driving expertise is advised.

Guided Tours

Joining a guided tour is an excellent option for tourists who want a hassle-free trip. A lot of tour operators offer packages that include accommodation, guided activities, transportation to and from Fraser Island, so you are able to relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about the details.

Important Tips

• Make ferry and tour reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
• Plan your schedule after checking the ferry schedules.
• If you plan to drive, make sure your car is prepared for off-road driving conditions and that you have the required permits and licenses.
• For your Fraser Island adventure, remember to include essentials like sunscreen, insect repellant, comfortable clothing, and sturdy footwear.

Top Places to Visit Around Fraser Island

• Lake McKenzie
• Indian Head
• Maheno Shipwreck
• The Pinnacles Coloured Sands
• Waddy Point
• Champagne Pools
• Central Station Rainforest
• Wanggoolba Creek

Finally, Fraser Island is a beautiful location that offers an uncommon combination of beautiful beaches, freshwater lakes, rainforests, and animals. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a chance to connect with nature, Fraser Island offers tourists from all over the world an amazing experience.

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How to Book the Right Tour to Fraser Island

Fraser Island is located on the eastern coast of Australia. It’s the world’s largest sand island and it sits off the coast of Queensland near Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay - the two major departure points to the island. It is one of the most iconic destinations in Australia and is by far one of the most unique islands in the world. It is famous for its freshwater lakes, tranquil creeks, curious dingoes and sandy highway and is visited by thousands of people every year. Luckily for you, it’s easier to book than ever.

There are many tours that visit the famous island, with each a bit different from the next. But don’t worry - you can easily find the right tour that’s best for you with a little help from our travel experts.

We have made a list of things to consider before planning your trip so you’re better equipped when choosing how you want to see Fraser Island. Rest assured, there is a tour for everyone so any type of traveller can enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of Fraser Island! 

Read the information below to get a better idea of what kinds of tours are available and how you can book them and we will help you find the perfect tour!

Things to think about

Departure points.

Fraser Island is only accessible by ferry. There are no bridges to the island so visitors must be carried across from one of two departure points: Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. If you aren’t sure which you plan to leave from, that’s okay! You can work with our agents to figure out which departure point is better for you and what’s compatible with the type of tour you choose. You can also start your journey from other towns and cities including Noosa, Brisbane and the Gold Coast that will bring you to one of the two departure points to the island. For more information on the different ways to get to Fraser Island, click here.

Ask yourself: Where do you think you’ll be leaving from?

Vehicle Types

There are 2 different types of vehicles that are generally driven on the island: passenger buses or 4 wheel drive passenger vehicle. Bus tours take more people per tour and require little participation on the part of the guest, as there is a driver and guide for the duration of the trip. They are often more family-friendly and can move around a bit quicker than a smaller 4 wheel drive vehicle. They are able to drive closer to the surf, meaning the tides affect them less, getting you from place to place faster. They are often air-conditioned and have panoramic windows. There are also 4 wheel drive vehicles such as Troopies or Landcruisers that take anywhere from 8 - 10 passengers per vehicle and are often tag-along style tours that offer guests the chance to drive. This is a popular type of tour for the adventurous traveller as it allows you to drive on the sand highway, which is an exciting and new experience for most. Tag-along tours follow a lead driver around the island while passengers take turns driving or sitting back and relaxing!

Visitors to the island can also opt to rent their own vehicle and conduct their own tour of the island. While this kind of travel gives you a bit more flexibility, it also comes with more responsibility and additional expenses such as bonds, fuel, food and accommodation, as well as more planning. This is a great option for those who would like an extended amount of time on the island as you can rent your own vehicle for longer than most guided tours are conducted (guided tours range from 1 - 3 days usually).

Ask yourself: Do you want to drive , or are you happy to join a fully guided tour ? Do you think a bus or smaller 4 wheel drive is more suited for you?

Guests can choose from day trips or overnight trips to Fraser Island. Overnight trips give you more time at each Fraser Island destination and often visit more of its iconic locations, while day trips are great if you’re short on time but still want to experience the island. Both tour types are a great choice, so which type you pick is mostly dependent on how much time you have. It’s a large island with plenty to see, so we think the longer you are able to spend there, the better! Tours range from 1 day to 3 days.

If you rent or drive your own vehicle to tour the island, you can choose to stay as long or as little as you like. Those conducting their own tours will have to arrange their own accommodation on the island, whereas guided tours do this for you.

Ask yourself: How much time do you have to travel and would you like to spend the night on Fraser Island or just the day?

Accommodation types on the island

Fraser Island tours offer an array of accommodation types that will suit any type of traveller. There are campsites and hostels for those who are you a budget (or want a more rugged experience), and resorts and glamping for those who want something a bit more comfortable. You can get anything from dorm-style rooms to shared tents to private suites and luxurious glamping tents. Accommodation type is reflected in the pricing options on tours, so this is a large consideration if you’re budgeting. What type of accommodation you choose will also be dependent on who you are travelling and what kind of privacy you’d like.

Ask yourself: Do you want to camp or sleep inside?

Once you have read the above considerations and asked yourself the questions, you should be a bit more prepared for planning your Fraser Island trip. But don’t worry if you’re not sure! We are here to help you figure it out! There are so many perks to all of the Fraser Island tours that we will help you figure out and decide on.

The Booking Process

The next step is working with your agent to figure out which tour you’d like to go on. We will send you some options that will work for you and your travel dates and answer any questions you may have. Once you settle on exactly which tour you'd like - we will do the rest of the hard work!

Basic steps:

• Pick a tour
• We will send you a booking form with specific details of the tour
• Fill out your booking form return to us (the faster you do this the better)
• We book you in and send your tickets
• You're ready for your Fraser Island adventure!

Please note - spots are not secured until you send back your booking form and we book you in. This whole process can also be done over the phone - so feel free to give us a call on +61 74914 2425 too!

Now that you’re on your way, here’s what you can expect to see

Fraser Island is known for many famous landmarks , unique quirks, wildlife , plant life and landforms. The places you visit will depend on exactly which tour you choose, as each has its own special itinerary and stop-offs. You can see a sample itinerary on each product page that will give you a good idea of the places you might see! We have also listed some here so you can start to envision what kind of activities you can look forward to! Compare each tour and the destinations they take you to here.

Lake McKenzie

Lake McKenzie is one of the most iconic locations on the island. The huge freshwater lake is a favourite place to relax and swim where visitors can enjoy the soft silica sands. This famous location is one of the many perched lakes on the island and is made up completely of rainwater with no incoming or outgoing water sources. For this reason, it is a special and delicate ecosystem that boasts crystal clear water that is picture-perfect.

Seventy Five Mile Beach

Seventy Five Mile Beach is the sandy highway on the eastern side of Fraser Island. It is the main roadway on the island and doubles as both highway and landing strip for aircraft. Every tour uses this beach to make their way around the island, and tag-along tours will allow guests to drive on it. It is a unique driving experience , as driving on sand is quite unlike anything else. The highway is also known for its dingo sightings! The local dingoes are often spotted along the shoreline at sunrise, looking for food and are generally quite curious about visitors! 

Eli Creek is Fraser Island’s most famous creek. Running out onto Seventy Five Mile Beach, it is one of the most popular destinations on Fraser Island and is visited by many day tours and overnight tours. Most times during the day, you can see large groups of people hanging out and enjoying the flow of the creek, often walking to the top to lazily float their way down. To best enjoy this iconic location, you should bring along your own floatie and pump so you can float down the creek in comfort!

Champagne Pools

Fraser Island's Champagne Pools are unique seaside pools created by the forces of the ocean. They are the only place on the island where guests can safely enjoy the surrounding sea and relax in its salty water. Named Champagne Pools for the likeness to the drink, the pools are filled over and over with crashing waves that create a jacuzzi-like feel.

Lake Wabby is a disappearing lake that is found on Hammerstone Sandblow. The once large freshwater lake is slowly being consumed by the sands of the island, shortening its lifespan and making it even more special to those who visit it! It is an oasis in a sea of sand and is the deepest lake on the island at 11.4 metres. It is one of the more beautiful lakes on the island and worth a visit to anyone who can see it!

Central Station

Central Station is the former logging station found at the heart of the island. While it was once a flourishing operation, it is now a sanctuary of trees and wildlife. It’s the best place on the island to immerse yourself into the forest and enjoy it in all of its lush beauty. Central Station is also the location of Wanggoolba Creek - another must-see on Fraser Island.

These are just some of the places you can look forward to on Fraser Island. There is so much to see in between each destination and so much to enjoy at every place you stop. Check out more Fraser Island attractions here !

Fraser Island is one of the top destinations to see when visiting Australia. It is unique in that it is the world’s largest sand island, it has more perched lakes that anywhere else in the world, and that it has the purest dingo population in the world. It is a must-see for anyone (tourist and locals alike) and offers an amazing experience in a naturally wonderful destination. Ask us about booking your tour today and check out this stunning island!

Departure points:  Hervey Bay & Rainbow Beach

Pickup locations:  Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

Vehicle types:  Bus or 4wd vehicle

Tour types : Guided day trips, guided overnight trips or self-drive 

Accommodation types:  Resort, camping, glamping or hostels

Highlights on Fraser Island:  Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Central Station, Lake Wabby, Champagne Pools, Seventy Five Mile Beach, Lake Boomanjin, Basin Lake, Pinnacles, Indian Head and more!

Are you ready to start planning your perfect Fraser Island experience? Chat to our friendly Fraser experts live or call us on +61 74914 2425 today!

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10 Reasons to Visit Fraser Island – Why Tourists Love K’gari Fraser Island

July 14, 2022 by Ursula Boston

Why You Should Visit Fraser Island

K’gari Fraser Island , located off the coast of Queensland, Australia is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It’s no wonder tourists flock to it from all over the world.

Here are ten reasons why tourists love visiting K’gari Fraser Island.

To See a Wild Dingo

Reason number one why tourists what to come to Fraser Island is to see and take a photo of a wild Dingo. Fraser Island may be paradise on earth, but it’s also the place to see a real wild Dingo .

They are all over the island, often found wandering on the beach in search of an easy meal, and often find themselves being photographed by busloads of tourists.

If you come to Fraser to see a dingo you will definitely be in luck. You will likely see more than one.

Witness The Natural Beauty

If you have the opportunity to visit this paradise you will be surprised by the incredible natural beauty that the island has to offer. With crystal-clear lakes , pristine rain forest s, and white sandy beaches .

Many thousands of tourists and backpackers visit every year and love it for this very reason.  To swim in the crystal clear waters of the pristine Lake McKenzie and Eli creek .

Vist Worlds Largest Sand Island

Not only is it the largest sand island in the world (approx. 122km long and between 5-25 km wide), it is also a World-Heritage-listed site. A place that should be left unspoiled for future generations.

You can explore hundreds of sandy tracks linking beaches to the majestic rainforest and perched lakes to coloured sands.

Off-Road Driving Adventures

People like coming to Fraser island for the 4WD driving the island has to offer. Driving along the 75-mile beach is a bit of real 4Wheel driving and is trilling to do if you are new to sand driving.

There is boggy sand, loads of creek crossings, rocky headlands to navigate and hundreds of sandy tracks linking beaches and some other cool places on the island.

Climb Indian Head

Climb the rocky headland of Indian Head for a magnificent view. Keep a lookout for stingrays, sharks, dolphins & whales in the water below.

Fraser Island is the opportunity for city folk to experience true wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Photography and Bird Watching

Many people come to Fraser to photograph the diverse range of flora and fauna. Everything from turtles to tawny frog-mouth owls, wallabies to whales.

The other is the incredible amount of birdlife there is on the island. Birdwatches are delighted with over 350 different species of birds that inhabit the island.

The Hiking Trails

Fancy a walk? Try a 6-8 day hike on the walking tracks and explore the island on foot. The trails on Fraser island are world-class, and there are plenty of options to suit all fitness levels.

If you are not up for a multi-day hike, there are also bush walks (strolls), that only take an hour. Explore the tropical rainforest or crystal clear creeks or track through mountainous sand dunes.

The Fishing

Fraser fishing is some of the best in Australia. The island is home to over 150 species of fish, including tuna, mackerel, and giant trevally.

There are plenty of charter companies operating out of Hervey Bay that can take you out for a day of fishing on the island.

Taylor Season on Fraser island

If you are a keen fisherman you will be sure to fill your esky with some whiting or dart while you fish from the beach.

A Camping Adventure

If you love camping either in a tent, camper or caravan you will have spectacular views from your camp-site to enjoy the ocean and go stargazing at night.

Friendly Locals

The friendly locals make everyone feel welcome. There is also a chance to learn more about the island’s fascinating history and culture.

When you visit Fraser Island, you get an overall feeling of being in paradise!

Start planning your trip

These 10 great reasons to visit the island are only a few to see and do. Start planning your trip and experience for yourself the paradise they call Fraser Island.

Having lived on the island for years ourselves we are still fascinated by the wonders of this island and we still have much more to explore. Thankfully we won’t be leaving this island any time soon !!

In search of a Dingo to photograph?

Our daughter Lotus has taken all the photos of the Dingo that you see on the website. The one below is one of her favourites.

As the Dingos are a favourite attraction on the island everyone who visits expects to see at least one. Rest assured you will probably see many.

The Dingo postcards are a popular souvenir but if you have the opportunity to get a good close-up snap from the safety of your vehicle, or have a great lens on your camera you will be very pleased.

They seem to love having their photo taken not even bothered by staring eyes.

They can be found wandering the vast stretches of the beach but they can also be found hiding in the bush on top of the sand dunes.

They are wanderers and constantly in search of food and a new mate and often travel in large packs with pups in tow. Again they are wild animals so please do not try to feed or pat them.

Also, watch any small children and never let them walk alone or out of sight. The Dingo do bite and they have been known to frequently stalk walkers and attack children.

Another secret reason

Over the last couple of years, we locals have found that there has been an increase in the amount of squid that we have been catching.

Although we don’t want to give away our secret spots I suggest that if you want to enjoy some calamari for dinner throw your squid jig around the rocky bommies that are just off the shore.

Most of the spots are only accessible by a dingy or canoe and not off the beach. So if you have a boat get out there and throw a jig, you never know your luck.

Nothing better than a seafood night with some fresh caught fish and calamari or a juicy steak with a topper of salt and pepper calamari…

Please take a few minutes to check out our other pages on our website as you will find some really helpful information that will answer many of your questions.

The island is an amazing and fascinating place to visit and is visited by over 5000,000 people every year.

So if you love nature, the beach , birdlife, wildlife, fishing , boating, camping , or 4WDing then I suggest you put Fraser on your bucket list.

I promise you that your holiday will be awesome and you will certainly want to visit time and time again.

Should you have any questions about your trip or the island please feel free to contact us.

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The world’s largest sand island sits just off Australia’s east coast – and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before

Journey to this World Heritage-listed wonder, accessible only by ferry or flight

If you’re searching for paradise in Australia, look no further than K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). Spanning 123 kilometres in length and 22 kilometres in width, this World Heritage-listed treasure reigns as the largest sand island on Earth. But that’s just the beginning of its accolades. Here, you’ll find the fourth most crystal-clear waters in Oceania, half the world’s perched dune lakes, the purest colony of dingoes on the planet, and the only place on Earth where rainforests grow on sand dunes.

If K’gari isn’t already on your great Aussie bucket list, what on Earth are you waiting for?

When did Fraser Island change its name to K’gari?

For almost 200 years, this World Heritage-listed wonder was known as Fraser Island. However, on June 7, 2023, it was rightfully renamed K’gari (pronounced “garrie”) , to honour the Butchulla people, the Traditional Owners of the land. K’gari translates to paradise in the language of the Butchulla people – and paradise it sure is. 

Where is K’gari (Fraser Island)?

K’gari is located just off Australia’s east coast in Queensland, approximately 360 kilometres or a six-hour drive north of Brisbane . Alternatively, it’s just 15 kilometres offshore from Hervey Bay.

How do you get to K’gari (Fraser Island)?

You can reach K’gari by a scenic 40 minute ferry ride from the mainland in Hervey Bay. Sealink ferries depart from River Heads to either Kingfisher Bay or Wanggoolba Creek eight times daily, starting at 6.45am and ending with the last service at 4pm. You can bring your 4WD or caravan on board the barge, but don’t forget to secure a vehicle beach access permit beforehand. You can also arrange a car to hire on the island.

K’gari is also reachable by plane with flights departing from Hervey Bay and Bundaberg. The island is also accessible by private boat charter and has a landing pad for helicopters.  Note that certain parts of K’gari’s western coast are accessible only through private charter or guided boat tours.

How big is K’gari (Fraser Island)?

As the world’s largest sand island, K’gari covers more than 1,800 square kilometres, stretching 123 kilometres long and 22 kilometres wide. This includes more than 250 kilometres of pristine beaches, 90 kilometres of hiking trails, and 40 kilometres of colourful sand cliffs

What is the temperature like on K’gari (Fraser Island)?

The Sunshine State is lucky enough to enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine per year, and subtropical K’gari is no exception. On the whole, the island experiences warm temperatures and a cool sea breeze year-round. 

Summer can be hot and humid, averaging 29 degrees Celsius, while the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer prime weather conditions, with daily temperatures averaging in the mid-20s. Even in winter, temperatures peak in the low-20s, making K’gari ideal for outdoor adventures, swimming and camping all year round. 

What is there to see on K’gari (Fraser Island)?

This World Heritage-listed island is a dream destination, featuring stunning white sand beaches, 100 freshwater lakes, ancient rainforests, and an abundance of wildlife, including ancient 1,250-year-old trees and wild dingoes. Highlights include:

• Lake McKenzie – a crystal-clear perch dune lake sitting 100m above sea level, surrounded by silica soft sands and lush rainforest
• Eli Creek – an idyllic spot for floating down the river or strolling along the boardwalk 
• S.S. Maheno – K’gari’s most famous shipwreck stranded on 75 Mile Beach
• 75 Mile Beach – the ‘Sand Highway’ that runs the length of K'gari's east coast and is only suitable for 4WDs
• Champagne Pools – K’gari’s most charming saltwater pools, located on the northeastern tip
• Indian Head lookout – the island’s most easterly point, offering spectacular, panoramic views of the Coral Sea and great whale watching opportunities
• Pile Valley – the only place on Earth where rainforests grow on sand dunes

How many dingoes are there on K’gari (Fraser Island)?

K'gari is home to the world’s purest colony of wild dingoes, often spotted roaming, sleeping or foraging around the island. Currently, there are 25 to 30 packs on K’gari, each with an average of 12 dingoes. This number peaks after the winter breeding season.

If you spot a dingo, stay at least 20 metres away. Make yourself look large and dominant by facing the dingo, yell ‘dingo’ to alert others, and calmly back away to safety.

Where can you stay on K’gari (Fraser Island)?

You’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with off-grid accommodation options to suit every comfort level and budget. On the western side of the island, Kingfisher Bay Resort stands as K’gari’s premium accommodation, offering 250 eco-luxe villas and hotel rooms. This family-friendly resort is a perfect base for exploring K’gari’s wonders and is also a sanctuary for relaxation, featuring four lagoon-style pools, an outdoor hot tub, tennis courts, seven drinking and dining venues, a general store and an intimate day spa. 

On the eastern side, K’gari Beach Resort provides more budget-friendly accommodation, with 124 hotel units and self-contained apartments, a lagoon swimming pool, tennis courts, casual dining options and easy access to 75 Mile Beach. 

The island also offers a range of holiday rentals, from budget to blowout. Campers will find plenty of places to pitch their tents, with popular spots including Waddy Point, Dundubara, Dilli Village, Central Station and Lake McKenzie. For a dreamy under-the-stars experience, Cathedrals on Fraser, K’gari’s only privately-owned campground, offers a comfortable yet adventurous stay.

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