Getting There

Getting Organised, Getting There, Getting Around

General

K’gari (Fraser Island) is about 300 – 350 kilometres north of Brisbane and easily accessible by barge from Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay on the mainland.

A four-wheel drive vehicle is required for all vehicle travel on K’gari (Fraser Island).

Barge Services

• Via Rainbow Beach (Inskip Point) to Hook Point (southern end of the Island):
Manta Ray operate up to 3 barges operating during daylight hours.  Web:  Manta Ray Barges  Phone: 07 5486 3935
There is no need to book and crossing takes approximately 15 minutes. Purchase tickets on the barge, online, or at their Rainbow Beach office at the new Caltex servo as you come into town.
Best travelling is to plan your trip on a falling tide – 3 hours after high tide down to low tide.

• Via River heads approximately 20 minutes south of Hervey Bay:
There are services from River Heads to Kingfisher Bay Resort and sometimes to Wanggoolba Creek. Web: Sealink Ferries
Bookings are required.  

Four Wheel Drive Hire

Four wheel drive vehicle is required for all vehicle travel on the island. These can be hired from one of a number of four wheel drive hire companies at Rainbow Beach, Hervey Bay, Brisbane and other centres.

Safe Driving Tips

a)       Engage hubs and 4WD before driving anywhere on K’gari (Fraser Island).

b)       Lower the pressure of your tyres to recommended level.

c)       Check that there is a spare tyre, jack, small shovel and wheel spanner before travelling to the island

d)       Always check tide times before driving on the beach. The Rule of Thumb is to avoid driving on the beach 2 hours before and after high tide but greater lee way should be allowed at king tides

e)       Do not drive on the beach at night.

f)        Normal Queensland road rules apply when driving on the beach and tracks.

g)       Do not drink and drive.

h)       Ensure everyone is wearing a seat belt.

i)         Do not take beach driving conditions for granted, as these can change quickly between tides.

j)         Police are based near Eurong and regularly patrol the island to offer assistance, ensure public safety and regulate compliance with the road rules.

k)       Speed Limits:

  • 80 km/h Beach unless otherwise signed
  • 50 km/h Hook Point Road
  • 30 km/h all other inland roads
  • 10, 30 & 40 km/h shared zones as signed

Air Services

There are regular commercial flights to Hervey Bay (also known as Fraser Coast).  Air Fraser has light plane connections to K’gari (Fraser Island) landing open the Eastern Beach.  They offer daily scenic flights from the Eastern Beach, subject to suitable tidal and weather conditions.

Vehicle Access Permits

A Visitors Vehicle Permit is required by all visitors to K’gari (Fraser Island) .  This is available from the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service and Permits can be purchased from their offices at Rainbow Beach, Brisbane, Hervey bay, Maryborough and Bundaberg.

Permits can also be purchased:

a)      online at: www.derm.qld.gov.au/fraser

b)      Phone: 137468

c)       Rainbow Beach: QPWS Office; Manta Ray Barges 66 Rainbow Beach Road; Shell Service Station 36 Rainbow Beach Road.

d)      River Heads – Ferry Departure Terminal

Visitor Vehicle Permits may be organised by four-wheel drive hire companies on behalf of clients.

Please note that a ‘Camping Permit’ is not required for people who are renting a holiday home.

K’gari (Fraser Island) Conditions Report

A report on conditions on K’gari (Fraser Island) is published fortnightly by QPWS and it is recommended that you obtain a copy prior to departure to get up to date report on beach and track conditions. This is available at: K’gari Conditions Report

Maps and info on K’gari (Fraser Island)

Information and maps can be accessed online: Parks K’gari.

Hema Maps produce a good Fraser Island map. Brad McCarthy’s book: “Fraser Island – The Essential Visitors Guide” is very useful and he has a web site www.dirtyweekends.com.au. There are numerous other websites and books.