What is a World Heritage Area, home to Great Sandy National Park, and is Earth’s largest sand island? Nothing else but the magnificent K’gari (Fraser Island).
The island sand mass is surrounded by aquamarine waters teeming with oceanic life. On its lower Western side is the Great Sandy Strait. The strait is adorned with dozens of smaller islands and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest artificial reef, Roy Rufus Reef.
The Island’s Eastern edge meets the Coral Sea and is gifted with 120 kilometres of breathtaking beaches. In between Fraser’s coasts are over 100 freshwater lakes, towering rainforests, 43 sand blows, and stunning cliffs.
With endless sandy beaches, crystal clear freshwater lakes and streams, mammoth sand blows, striking biodiversity, and a truly exotic wilderness, K’gari (Fraser Island) is a paradise for every nature and adventure lover. K’gari (Fraser Island) is one of our favourite 4WDing destinations. We created this guide to encourage you to experience K’gari (Fraser Island)’s breathtaking beauty yourself. Let the adventures begin!
If you love the idea of exploring one of the world’s most magnificent islands with the freedom to avoid the crowds and do exactly as you wish, then you are in the right place.
K’gari (Fraser Island) stretches over 123 kilometres in length, perfect for 4WDing
Quick Links to FleetCrew’s K’gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Travel Guide – K’gari (Fraser Island) Part 1:
Fraser is a heavenly experience all year round. The island has a maritime subtropical climate. The surrounding ocean helps to moderate the island’s weather. You’re looking at temperatures around 14-25 degrees during the Australian winter (May to August). During summer (January to March), average temperatures range from 23-30 degrees, with higher chance of rainfall and thunderstorms. Check the weather forecast to plan your getaway.
The island has moderate temperatures much of the year. It does not get as hot or as cold as Australia’s interior. Many prefer the warmer temperatures, between September to April, but with summer and holidays comes larger crowds. Fraser truly is a paradise year round.
Humpback Whale Tours
To independently explore K’gari (Fraser Island), you need to reserve a campsite or book accommodation, get a barge ticket and have a way to explore the island.
K’gari (Fraser Island) has no roads, except in the township. The island is approximately 120 kilometres long and 25 kilometres wide. Therefore, Fraser’s gems can only be experienced if one has access to a boat, plane, or 4-wheel drive. There are inland tracks and beach tracks on K’gari (Fraser Island). Between the excellent drives and natural wonders, Fraser is regarded as a one of Australia’s pre-eminent four-wheel driving destinations. If you want you can check our range of off-road 4WD hire vehicles.
FleetCrew Vehicles at the beach
Please note that not all 4WD hire companies will allow vehicles to be driven off road, including the beach. Moreover, having a well maintained vehicle is critical for your safety and enjoyment.
Vehicle access permits are required to drive on K’gari (Fraser Island). Permits for K’gari (Fraser Island) are $57.80 up to a month of access and $291 for the whole year. If you plan on 4WDing on K’gari (Fraser Island) and Cooloola Recreation Area (Coloured Sands) you can get permits for both locations at a 20% discount. Permits for both are $82.85 for a month or $466 for the year.
With 28 camping areas on K’gari (Fraser Island), there are plenty of camping options. We primarily enjoy the beach camping areas, because they are remote and avoid crowds. Although they are without facilities, beach camping areas allow the visitor to truly ‘get away from it all’ and feel absorbed into the wilderness.
Top Waddy Campground is another favourite. Though frequently crowded, Top Waddy has oceanfront campsites, is protected from the ocean by sandbars and tide pools, and is an excellent fishing location. Moreover, Top Waddy has a giant sand blow to hike up and refreshing Lake Wabby to swim in. Many decide to camp at Top Waddy because it is one of the few places on the island where campfires are permitted. To learn more about camp sites available on Fraser, click here.
You can book your campsite online. It is advised to reserve in advance, especially if you plan to go during school holidays. Depending on the camping area you can book from 3 to 12 months in advance. To secure your campsite and vehicle permit, click here. Camping is affordable for families. At public campgrounds, from July 2023, the fee is $7.25 per person per night, or $29.00 per family per night (up to eight people, children under 5 are free). You can check the latest camping fees here. Pick up your camping permit at a Queensland Park and Wildlife Service Offices or permit issuing agents (the same place you will get your vehicle permit).
Beautiful white cockatoo flying
There are dozens of options other than camping. The island has a number of hotels and apartments for rent. Some are basic, others more luxurious.
Situated on Seventy-five Mile Beach, ocean views are a common commodity at this hotel. The facilities include two swimming pools, tennis courts, and BBQ’s. Motel rooms have a TV, private balconies or shared terraces, a small kitchenette, bathroom and telephone. Apartments have private balconies and full kitchens The resort also has a restaurant and bar overlooking the swimming pool.
Kingfisher facilities include villas and hotel rooms, three restaurants. The resort is eco-friendly offers numerous nature trails, eco-tours, and four swimming pools. Accommodations have a balcony, air-conditioning, and fabulous views. While Kingfisher Bay Resort is the better resort, it is located on the west coast which is the bay side of the island whereas a lot of the most popular destinations are easier to access from the east coast.
Bungalows with private balconies and sea or garden views, swimming pool, and dining at their bar and bistro await the guests of K’gari (Fraser Island) Retreat. The retreat is centrally located on the island, it is a two-minute walk from the Eastern Beaches and a 10-minute drive from Eli Creek. Bungalows include tea kettle, linens, fan and fridge. There are communal BBQ facilities, kitchen, and laundry available.
Cathedrals on Fraser is a campsite with cabins (and tents) available for rent. Some cabins have private baths, others have bathrooms shared with campers. We highly recommended this place. The facilities provide a lush environment and a place to relax and enjoy its natural beauty.
If you would like the option of having an entire home for increased luxury and comfort, K’gari (Fraser Island) Beach Houses is a favourite for couples, families and groups as large as six that would like their own private beach front accommodation.
For more information on cabins, apartments, hotels and resorts on the island, click here.
Ferries leave the mainland to K’gari (Fraser Island) from Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay. The best ferry for you depends on what you would like to see. There are a few ferry drop off points, a few drop off points can be found here. Knowing if you would rather see Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay can also help you decide which ferry to take.
Beautiful Fraser beach sunset
The drive to Inskip from Brisbane is 246 km and takes approximately 3 hours. If you leave from Inskip Point, be sure to check out Rainbow Beach and Carlo Sandblow. You can also 4WD on the beach here to see the breathtaking Coloured Sands, which rise 200 meters up from the ocean and are 72 different shades of colour – hence the name Coloured Sands and Rainbow Beach.
The Manta Ray has a ferry service to the Island from Inskip Point Rainbow Beach to Hook Point. The fare is $140 for a vehicle including all passengers and driver. The ferry to Fraser takes 10 minutes. The ferry runs continuously between 6am to 5:30pm with 2-3 barges operating during peak season. You don’t need a booking, however please keep in mind that the Barge and Permit Office which is located on the left hand side just before Rainbow Beach is open from 6am to 4pm. Unless you plan to visit Hervey Bay or you are staying at Kingfisher Bay Resort we would recommend this ferry service.
The view on top of Carlo Sandblow in Rainbow Beach
River Heads is a 20-minute drive south of Hervey Bay. Hervey Bay is a tourist paradise with luxury accommodations, restaurants and made world famous for whale watching. Hervey Bay is a 3 and half hour drive from Brisbane.
Fraser Venture departs three times daily from River Heads, a 20-minute drive south of Hervey Bay. It heads from River Heads to Wanggoolba Creek. Kingfisher Bay Ferry has five return services daily. The ferry leaves from River Heads and lands at Kingfisher Bay Resort. To book online for either ferry, do so three days prior. Otherwise call 1 800 227 433 to book your ferry. Fare is from $123 per vehicle, including three passengers and one driver. Both ferries from River Heads take about an hour to arrive at the Island.
Make sure you have the right gear for four-wheel driving
Make sure you take what you need. When four-wheel driving, there is more to remember than your swimmers and sunscreen.
*Some of these items are already included, while others can be included for a nominal fee.
The Maheno – K’gari (Fraser Island)’s most famous shipwreck
Dingo (feral dog native to Australia) on K’gari (Fraser Island)
Australians and adventure lovers the world over flock to Fraser to bask in its sunshine, beaches, forests and splendour. FleetCrew has a fleet of K’gari (Fraser Island) 4WD hire vehicles. We have a range of diverse 4WD vehicles that vary from Tray Back Single Cab Utes to 8 Seater Toyota LandCruiser 200 series 4×4’s. Our range of vehicles allows you to select a vehicle to meet the needs of your trek and group size. All of our vehicles are exquisitely maintained. If you are interested to hire a 4WD to explore K’gari (Fraser Island) you can browse our recreational fleet. If you would need further assistance you can contact us here. Safe driving!
If you haven’t had enough yet, please read more in our K’gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Travel Guide – Part 2.
If you have an enquiry or would like more information then please fill in the enquiry form and we will get back to you asap during business hours.
If you are seeking a quote for a particular vehicle/s, please visit our Get A Quote page or if want to further information, please visit our FAQs page.
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