Incredible world Heritage-listed sand island within the Wide Bay–Burnett region of Queensland’s south-eastern coast
Table of Contents
Are you planning to go to Fraser Island/K’gari? Well you’ll no doubt have lots of questions. Hopefully I will answer many of them in my post about visiting this very special place.
Outlined below is how the post is structured.
1. Introduction
2. Where is Fraser Island/K’gari?
3. How to get to Fraser Island/K’gari
4. Best Time To Visit Fraser Island/K’gari
5. What Facilities do they have at Fraser Island/K’gari?
6. Things to do at Fraser Island/K’gari
6. K’gari/Fraser Island Tours and Excursions
7. K’gari/Fraser Island Accommodation
8. K’gari/Fraser Island Accommodation
9. K’gari/Fraser Island Restaurants
10. Final Thought
11. FAQs
This post is very extensive, as I have tried to provide you with as much information as I can. Hopefully you will find it a useful planning resource.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).
Read Time: 15 Minutes
Introduction
Fraser Island needs no introduction. But K’gari (pronounced gurri) might. That is what the largest sand island in the world is now officially called after its name was changed by the Queensland government in 2023 as a mark of respect to the local Indigenous Butchella People.
K’gari is a top tourist attraction, not just in Queensland but across Australia. Its World Heritage listing groups it with the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, and Uluru, and the importance of its cultural and natural heritage cannot be overstated.
The island spans 184,000 hectares and runs for 123 km in length and up to 22 km in width. It is defined by a topography of tall rainforest, endless sandy white beaches and more than 50% of the planet’s perched dune freshwater lakes.
Overall, this combination of tropical boscage, shifting sand dunes, and shimmering lakes radiate magical properties that will instantly seduce you. Throw in native fauna such as dingoes, goannas, and whales breaching offshore, with amazing sunsets and incredible dark skies, and you have somewhere very special indeed.
It doesn’t matter if you stay for a few nights at a holiday resort or campsite or visit it on a tour just for a few hours, a little piece of your heart will forever remain in K’gari. It really is a spectacular place.
Where is Fraser Island/K’gari?
Fraser Island/K’gari is located about 15 km from the mainland of Hervey Bay and around 300 km north of Queensland’s state capital, Brisbane.
It resides off the south-eastern coast of the Sunshine State, within the Wide Bay–Burnett region, and forms part of the Fraser Coast Region LGA.
According to the Butchulla people, K’gari is a word from their language that means ‘Paradise’, which seems a very fitting description of the island. Apparently, this word comes straight from its fascinating creation story.
Fraser island is renowned for its freshwater lakes, the volume of which is second only to Tasmania in terms of number. Roughly 40% of these lakes are characterised as ‘perched’, which means they formed as a result of the sand cementing together with various organic decomposing material to create a barrier that stops the water from running away.
Overall, there are 80 such perched lakes, which make perfect destinations for swimming in.
Aside from the lakes, K’gari is home to several species of wildlife, including dingoes and ‘acid’ frogs. The sparkling waters of the Coral Sea that surrounds the island also attract dolphins, turtles, rays, dugongs and migrating humpback whales, during the whale watching season.
Fraser Island/ K'gari distance to other Queensland destinations
How to get to Fraser Island/K’gari
Sadly there is no bridge that connects K’gari Island to the mainland, which I suppose is a good thing as it helps to maintain the pristine nature and integrity of the island.
For this reason, you’ll have to either catch a ferry or take a scenic flight, either from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, to get there. Here are some more details of what that entails.
Ferry
Ferries leave from either Inskip Point, which is just to the north of Rainbow Beach or River Heads, roughly 20 minutes to the south of Hervey Bay. Both of these accommodate 4WD vehicles and passengers and the crossing takes about half an hour, depending on where you depart and arrive from.
Mantaray Barges will take you over to Hook Point from Inskip Point via a daily service on a vibrant green and gold barge. You can find out more about their service here.
If you are coming from Hervey Bay, SeaLink K’gari, (which used to be called Fraser Island ferries), will run you over from River Heads to both the Kingfisher Bay Resort and Wanggoolba Creek. Here is the timetable they run.
Whichever ferry you take, it is important to note that you are only allowed to take 4WD vehicles to K’gari.
Flight
If you don’t fancy the ferry, you can always pop over to Fraser Island/K’gari on a scenic flight. Air Fraser Island run daily services between K’gari and both Hervey Bay Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport. You can find out more about their service here.
Best Time To Visit Fraser Island/K’gari
As Fraser Island/K’gari is close to the Tropic of Capricorn, it has a semi-tropical climate, which means it is a Queensland tourist destination you can go to all year round. So, the best time for you to visit Fraser Island will depend on what kind of experiences you are after and your weather preferences.
Many people consider the spring months of October to November to be the best time to head to K’gari. During this period, children are at school, so there aren’t as many families on the island. This makes the cost of Fraser Island camping and accommodation cheaper and more readily available. The weather also tends to be very pleasant, typically hovering around 25 degrees Celsius.
During the summer months of December to February, the island is visited by more international and out-of-state tourists than any other time of the year. For this reason, Fraser Island accommodation might get booked out quickly. So, it is worth making a reservation as far in advance of your visit as you can to avoid disappointment.
However, at this time, as it is the wet season, the island receives more rain than at other parts of the year. While there is still plenty of sunshine, with temperatures regularly topping 30 degrees Celsius, you’ll need to bring a raincoat and a hat to protect yourself from the elements, as well as lots of sunscreen for sunbathing.
The winter months of June to August are considered low season, but if you want to see the annual whale migration or dingo pups this is a great time to visit K’gari. Just make sure you always keep your distance from the latter.
Temperatures in these months are often are around 22 degrees Celsius during the day, though it can get a bit chilly at night. Bring warm clothing or blankets with you, especially if you plan on camping. On the upside, the weather is much better for hiking, and you’ll generally have fewer crowds to contend with, which can make for a more pleasurable experience.
Fraser Island/K’gari is also terrific destination for fishing, attracting anglers from all over Australia. If you want to cast a line here, the best time to do so is between July and October, when various species of fish bite.
What Facilities do they have at Fraser Island/K’gari?
You might be surprised to discover that around 1500 people live permanently on Fraser Island. However, despite this, there is little in the way of public amenities and facilities, while mobile phone coverage tends to come and go. Here is what you will find on K’gari though:
General Stores
The island does have five general stores, three of them in the east – Happy Valley, Eurong, and Cathedrals – the Kingfisher Resort in the west, and the Orchid Beach Trading Post in the northern part.
All of these are open every day of the week and offer essential groceries, gas bottle refills, unleaded and diesel fuel, ice and alcohol, while all but the Orchid Beach Trading Post sells meat, fruit and vegetables.
You’ll be able to pick up camping equipment at each of them, except Eurong, and 4WD equipment is available everywhere except the Kingfisher Resort and Cathedrals. If you are looking for chemist supplies, you’ll need to head to Cathedrals.
Drinking Water
You are strongly advised to bring your own drinking water. But if you do fall short, you can fill up at the taps at Central Station, on the beach at Eurong in front of the police station and QPWS ranger base, and in both the Dundubara and Waddy Point day-use and camping areas.
As tempting as it might be, under no circumstances should you drink from any of the lakes or rivers, unless you boil it for an appropriate length of time or treat it with water treatment tablets. Here is some more information on how to do that.
Emergency Services
Fraser Island/K’gari has one police station, which is situated just to the north of Eurong. To find it, look for signs by the beach that will point you in the right direction. If you need to call the police in an emergency call 000. However, in non-emergency situations phone (07) 4123 7911.
There are no hospitals or doctors on K’gari and medical facilities tend to be limited. However, at Happy Valley there is a permanent ambulance and paramedic station. Should it be unattended when you need it, you’ll find an emergency phone at the Station.
There are also heli-pads at Kingfisher Bay, Happy Valley, Orchid Beach and Eurong, which can be used in an emergency. Again, call 000 in an emergency.
If there is a bushfire within the national park, you should call that number as well. There are rural fire brigades at Happy Valley, Kingfisher Bay, Orchid Beach and Eurong. Please be aware, there is a ban on open-fires in most areas of K’gari, to protect the risk to humans and animals across Fraser Island.
Mechanic and Towing
If your car is experience minor issues and needs a new battery or tyres changing, you can contact Peter Macdonald, who is a local mechanic, on 0427 279 173.
Should you have bigger problems and need it to be towed, Fraser Island Towing is the only tow truck on K’gari. You can contact Dave Elder, who is the owner operator on 0428 353 164.
Taxi
There is one taxi on K’gari and it is run by a couple called Steve and Lisa. They are based in Eurong and can take you to various Fraser Island attractions including Lake Mackenzie or the Great Walk. Their phone is (07) 41 279 188. Pre-booking is essential.
10 Fascinating Facts about Fraser Island/K'gari
1. Fraser Island was formed during the Ice Age and is Australia's largest expanse of sandy land.
2. K'gari has taken over 800,000 years to develop and some of its sand dunes are still doing this.
3. The island was originally created from sand detaching from the mainland of east coast Australia.
4. K’gari has been inhabited by the Butchella People for over 5000 years. Although there is a school of thought it's been much longer than that.
5. More than 350,000 tourists visit Fraser Island every year.
6. K'gari's northern half contains the protected Great Sandy National Park. The rest of the island comprises private land, crown land and state forest.
7. K’gari remains one of only a few places on the planet where rainforests actually grow in the sand.
8. Fraser Island accommodates over 25 different mammal species, including wallabies, flying foxes, echidnas, possums and, of course, dingos.
9. K’gari has a registered national highway in the form of the 'Sand Highway'.
10. K'gari's sand is apparently much purer than that of the Sahara dessert.
Things to do at Fraser Island/K’gari
There are so many sites and attractions on K’gari that most people don’t seem to realise the full extent of them!
Overall, the island is a brilliant destination for camping, 4WDing, hiking, bushwalking, fishing, and swimming. It also features fascinating wildlife and incredible rainforest, lake, and beach landscapes just begging to be explored.
I have written a separate post about the best things to do on Fraser Island. However, here is a brief summary of some of its major highlights.
1. 75 Mile Beach
2. S.S. Maheno Shipwreck
3. Eli Creek
4. Lake Mckenzie
5. Champagne Pools
6. Central Station
7. Indian Head Lookout
8. Lake Boomanjin
9. Whale Watching
10. Sandy Cape Lighthouse
11. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset
12. Lake Wabby
13. Stonetool Sand Blow
14. Fishing
15. Scenic Flight
K’gari/Fraser Island Tours and Excursions
As you might expect there are plenty of Fraser Island tours and excursions you can go on. A large number of them leave from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Bay. However, some of them leave from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and places like Bundaberg and Rockhampton.
These tours take many forms, including 4WD, kayaking, hiking, snorkelling, whale-watching and scenic flights and typically last from a few hours to about five days.
Many of these tours are offered by Viator and Get Your Guide. Here is a selection of some of the best of them:
Full day coach tour of Fraser Island
Remote Fraser Island experience
K’gari 3-Day 4WD Dingos Tag-Along Adventure
Remote K’gari and whale-watching experience
Fraser Island 2-day tour with meals
K’gari whale watching encounter
Whichever of these tours you book, I recommend you do this as far in advance of your visit as possible.
They tend to book out very quickly, so it would be a shame for you to miss out.
K’gari/Fraser Island Accommodation
Aside from campsites, which I will discuss next, there are several K’gari accommodation options available.
I won’t outline them all – you can see a full list of them here. However, these are some of the most popular ones to consider:
Kingfisher Bay Resort
The Kingfisher Bay Resort is probably the most well known of all the places to stay on Fraser Island. It was once voted one of the Top 10 Resorts in Australia and offers an excellent range of self-contained units and hotel rooms.
Surrounded by sand dunes, the resort offers four swimming pools, three restaurants, regular ranger-led guided walks and a Juniors Eco program for your kids to enjoy.
K’gari Beach Resort
If you fancy staying right on the beachfront of 75-mile beach, then the K’gari Beach Resort is where you should stay. This family-friendly destination is an excellent base to explore the island, and features a nice mix of well-appointed apartments and hotel rooms.
Guests can enjoy the use of two pools, a bar and restaurant and have access to the fabulous Eurong Bakery, where you can buy fresh bread and some of the best coffee on Fraser Island.
Fraser Island Retreat
If you want to keep your costs down, the Fraser Island Retreat is a nice place to do this. Its charming motel-style, one and two-bedroom timber cabins have are dotted on the hillside in Happy Valley, providing you with easy access to Indian Head and Hook Point.
The accommodation here is less upscale than other places. However, they are nine cabins overall to choose from located just 200 metres from the sand. Each of them offering a kitchenette, multiple beds, ensuite bathroom and veranda.
Salty Towers
If you fancy something a bit different, Salty Towers is a three-bedroom pole home in Happy Valley.
It offers eight beds, so is perfect for groups of ten family or mates and is not far from the bar, bistro and general store at Fraser Island Retreat. Best of all, it offers private access to the adjacent beachfront.
K’gari/Fraser Island Camping
Camping is a great way to experience the magic of K’gari. Overall, there are 45 different Fraser Island camping areas you can stay at, many of which are fenced to prevent dingoes from entering them.
You will need to procure yourself a camping permit before you can stay at any of them, and which site you decide upon will depend on what facilities and amenities you want to have at your disposal.
For instance, not all have toilets or showers and some are close to the beach or shops. So, do your research and choose wisely according to your needs.
6 Best K’gari/Fraser Island Camping Options
If you want to spend a night or two camping at Fraser Island/K’gari, here are six of the best places you can stay at.
Dundubara
Dundubara is a beachfront campsite located on 75 Mile Beach, about 10 km north of Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck. Its tent camping area can accommodate around 47 people within 5 different areas.
This is one of the few campsites on K’gari which permits camp fires. It also has hot showers that are coin-operated and water taps, although phone reception is very iffy. Campsites here start from around $7-8 per night.
Waddy Point
Situated near the Indian Head Lookout, Champagne Pools, and Orchid Beach, Waddy Point is pristine headland area at the northern part of K’gari. However, to get it, you can traverse the Eastern Beach Scenic Drive by car a couple of hours either side of low tide, so you will need to make appropriate arrangements to get there.
Overall, the Waddy Point campsite offers 25 spots tents, which you can place by the beach. There are also 6 spots for high-clearance 4WDs, trailers and campers. This camp site boasts flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers, water taps, fire pits and a dingo fence. It is a very popular choice among campers, so bookings are essential.
Campsites start from $7-8 per person and around $28 per family.
Lake McKenzie
Lake McKenzie is one of the main Fraser Island attractions and there is a campsite near it where you can stay. You’ll find it on the K’gari Great Walk, though it is quite remote and only counts picnic tables and non-flush toilets as it facilities.
The site is purely a walk-in and you are not protected by a dingo fence. If you don’t mind that, and you want to camp in the wilderness, then this is the place for you.
Dilli Village
If you want to camp near the beach, the Dilli Village Campsite is a terrific option. It is situated at K’gari’s southern end and is a privately run campsite about 100 metres from the sand.
Here you will find 24 sites for trailers, campers or 4WD, 9 of which are powered. There are also self-contained cabins for those requiring a few more home comforts.
This campsite allows campfires and has all the basic amenities you could want. It is a good base for exploring the sand dunes, rainforests and surrounding lakes in the area.
Cathedrals On Fraser
Cathedrals is one of the most popular and well-equipped campsites on Fraser Island. It is regularly used by tour companies and boasts all the modern amenities you could require for your Fraser Island experience.
You can choose from both powered and unpowered sites, as well as self-contained cabins and glamping tents. The campsite is fenced and has kitchen facilities, flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water and a coin-operated laundry. They also have recreational activities such as ping pong tables and volleyball nets, as well as free WI-FI.
There is also a very good general store here where you can buy anything from groceries to pharmaceuticals.
Central Station
Set among towering rainforest, the Central Station Campground is the perfect spot for those who want to wake up to the sounds of nature and breath in fresh, crisp forest air first thing in the morning.
It is just a short drive from Wanggoolba Creek, which is the main tourist centre and features 55 campsites, 15 of which can accommodate for large camper trailers.
This site is dingo fenced and has flush toilets, picnic tables, lots of shade and coin-operated cold showers.
K’gari/Fraser Island Restaurants
While the Fraser Island restaurants and cafes might be small in number, what they lack in size, they more than make up for with the quality of their gastronomic offerings.
If you fancy a night off from cooking on your camp stove, here are the places to go.
Just be aware that because they’ve got a capture market, and that getting produce over from the mainland can be a bit of an endeavour, prices might be a bit more expensive than you’d bargain for.
DUNE Restaurant and Rainforest Bar
Formerly known as the Seabell Restaurant, this fabulous eatery is located within the Kingfish Bay Resort. They offer a curated menu of Asian fusion dishes that include sumptuous curries, authentic noodle dishes that pack a real punch and delicious stir-fries. You can check out their menu here.
I’d recommend the Thai Green Curry. It’s absolutely delicious.
The Sand Bar
Also in the Kingfish Bay Resort is the Sand Bar. It boasts a fabulous bush location, where diners can enjoy a meal on a wide open deck that looks out to the Great Sandy Strait.
They offer a lovely bistro menu of classics like burgers and made-to-order pizzas, as well as pork ribs and Chicken Parmigiana. Pick your favourite from here.
Sand & Wood
This is the other dining venue at the Kingfish Bay Resort. It serves a menu of modern Australian, Asian, and Pacific dishes centred around the concept of shared plates.
Here you can enjoy breakfast menu that includes a fabulous big breakfast, as well as a divine lunch menu that includes delights like chicken and prawn laksa, Korean chicken burgers and Pacific Oysters.
Satinay
If you fancy eating somewhere other than the Kingfish Bay Resort, then head on over to Satinay at the Fraser Island Retreat in Happy Valley. This cool venue is situated within a grandiose timber building that offers fabulous views of the surrounding bushland.
You can grab burgers and fish and chips here, as well as barista made coffee, either to eat in or take out.
McKenzie’s on 75
You’ll find McKenzie’s on 75 located within the excellent Eurong Resort. It is well known for serving up a hearty breakfast buffet and a good selection of mains for dinner, including beer battered snapper, beef cheek and lamb stew.
This cool venue looks out to the resorts main swimming pool and features a pool table and a huge TV screen that regularly screens live sports.
Final Thought
Fraser Island/K’gari is arguably the best of all islands in Queensland and is a very special place that every tourist should make a point of visiting.
It doesn’t matter where you go on the world’s largest sand island, this fantastic World Heritage Site is sure to captivate you.
Whether exploring the Maheno Shipwreck, driving along the 75-mile beach, or relaxing in the Champagne Pools, every square kilometre of Fraser Island presents the opportunity for a new discovery.
So why not throw yourself head first into the adventure, and experience the magic of K’gari, which the local Butchella people have known about for thousands of years?
FAQs
Here are some answers to questions that are frequently asked about Fraser Island/K’gari.
How many days do you need for Fraser Island?
Three days is a general advised trip to see the major attractions, however, there are so many beautiful hidden jems on Fraser Island, you could spend a week and not get bored! In 3 days, you will see a lot, but expect to do a lot of driving and rushing around, if you want to relax, consider 4 or 5 days.
How long is the ferry to Fraser Island?
The Fraser Venture departs River Heads (20 minutes south of Hervey Bay) daily, landing at Wanggoolba Creek on the western side of K'gari. Crossing time takes approximately 30 minutes.
What is the closest town to Fraser Island?
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.
Why can’t you swim on Fraser Island?
There are frequent riptides which can be dangerous to even the most experienced of swimmers. The ocean around K'gari is also home to sharks and jellyfish which can be harmful to humans. On top of that, the island is very remote and there are no lifeguards patrolling the beaches on K'gari.
What is the best month to go to Fraser Island?
Arguably, spring is the best season to visit K'gari (Fraser Island). If you have the luxury of plenty of free time to plan your vacation then August, September, October and November are superb months to consider for a stay on the island.
Can I drive a normal car on Fraser Island?
No, you can't drive a 2WD on K'gari (Fraser Island) because the island is made of sand that is not suitable for normal cars. Only 4WD vehicles are allowed due to government regulations and safety reasons!
Is it safe to walk around Fraser Island?
Many people walk around Fraser Island, whether your safety is an issue is something you have to weigh up. Whether you feel safe and comfortable walking through bush and open tracks by yourselves, my advice would be go by tour, one you will feel safer and two you'll see a heck of a lot more.
How many dingoes are left on Fraser Island?
The current population is estimated to be around 200 animals living in around 30 dingo packs (family groups) Generally a pack consists of between 4 and up to 12 individuals. Numbers will increase during the breeding season and decline due to natural attrition.
