How to visit K’gari & Epic Things to do on the world largest sand island (Fraser Island)
K’gari, also known as Fraser Island, is the largest sand island in the world. It lies off the coast of Queensland in Australia and should definitely not be missed on your Queensland road trip.
If you love nature and adventure, this is the place for you. Besides some of the best off-road tracks in Australia and the only officially listed highway on a beach, you’ll find stunning lakes, incredible wildlife and rainforest landscapes. Depending on the season (especially in winter), you can even go whale watching here. The nearby mainland town of Hervey Bay is one of the best places to witness the whale migration.
Planning Your Visit to Fraser Island
Planning a visit to the island isn’t exactly straightforward.
First things first: without a 4WD vehicle, you won’t get far. There are no sealed roads on the island. If you feel confident driving yourself, it’s absolutely recommended – and you wouldn’t even need accommodation, as camping is allowed.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving in deep sand – like we didn’t – there are guided tours available.
How to Get to K’gari
The only way to reach the island is by ferry from River Heads near Hervey Bay.
The ferry costs 123 AUD per car (return), plus 5 AUD per additional passenger. For travellers without a car, the return ferry ticket costs 85 AUD, with discounted rates for children.
The ferry arrives at the jetty of the Kingfisher Bay Resort on the western side of the island.
Exploring the Island on Your Own
If you don’t have your own off-road vehicle, you can rent one either on the mainland or directly at Kingfisher Bay Resort on the island. If renting on the mainland, always check whether you’re allowed to take the vehicle to K’gari.
You’ll also need a permit if you’re bringing a vehicle onto the island.
Camping is allowed in many areas for a small fee. There are also a few hotels. Besides the well-known Kingfisher Bay Resort in the west, there are accommodations on the eastern side of the island as well.
It’s best to bring your own food from the mainland. There is a general store (and five petrol stations), but prices are significantly higher.
Visiting Without a 4WD
There are various tour operators offering day trips or multi-day tours from the mainland (including Kingfisher Bay Resort itself). You can find options for almost every budget – from camping tours to self-drive experiences and bus tours.
Alternatively, you can stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort, which also offers guided island tours.
Where to stay on K’gari
We decided to stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort. As it was low season, there were special offers available, which made it much more affordable.
We stayed two nights on the island to have one full day to explore.
The ferry transfer was organized by the resort. There’s a mainland reception where you check in before being transferred to the ferry. Secure parking can be booked there as well. We simply parked along the street for free.
After about 45 minutes on the ferry, you arrive directly at the resort, located right next to the jetty.
Kingfisher Bay Day Tour
Our first day started with breakfast at the buffet overlooking the pool lagoon before meeting our group at 9am. Our vehicle was a specially modified bus designed for the island’s sandy terrain.
During the drive, our guide shared lots of information about the island while navigating the sandy tracks.
Our first stop was the most famous attraction: Lake McKenzie. We were lucky to have the lake almost to ourselves, as mainland tours arrive much later due to ferry times. Armed with sticks for protection against dingoes, we followed a small trail down to the lake. The bright white sand almost blinds you in the morning sun, and the water glows in the most incredible shades of turquoise and blue. The lake water even contains natural tea tree oil. Before continuing, we enjoyed a coffee and tea break (there was even hot chocolate!) with biscuits.
Next, we headed inland to Central Station and the Wanggoolba Creek rainforest. Our guide explained the history of this late 19th-century logging settlement. At the time, around 30 houses and even a school stood here. Today, you can walk along a boardwalk through dense rainforest beside Wanggoolba Creek and learn about the island’s unique flora and fauna.
Afterwards, we drove to K’gari Beach Resort for a buffet lunch. The resort sits on the eastern coast near an access point to 75 Mile Beach. Because we were visiting shortly before a cyclone, we weren’t sure whether driving along the beach would even be possible. The ocean was rough and the waves high, so we didn’t see the typical “Maldives-like” beauty many people compare it to. Luckily, our experienced guide made it happen – and we raced along the sandy highway at high speed. The ride was bumpier than usual, but definitely unforgettable.
The beach highway is probably the main attraction on K’gari. Along the beach you’ll also find the SS Maheno shipwreck – one of 23 wrecks off Fraser Island and the most accessible one – and the Pinnacles – colourful sand cliffs estimated to be 700,000 years old and culturally significant to the Indigenous Butchulla people.
Further north lies Eli Creek, a freshwater stream that pours four million litres of water per hour into the ocean – incredible, right? Thanks to its strong current, Eli Creek acts like a natural waterslide. Bring an inflatable ring and float downstream (most organised tours provide them). You can walk along the boardwalk inland and enter the water at the steps at the end.
From there, we drove back along the beach and even spotted a few dingoes. The return journey through the rainforest included steeper inclines and bumpy hills – such a fun experience. Our guide shared so much knowledge about K’gari, its wildlife and ecosystem. The rainforest drive alone was a highlight. We then ended the day relaxing at the hotel pool.
Top Attractions on K’gari
Lake McKenzie
A freshwater lake with unbelievably blue water and bright white sand – the absolute must-see on the island. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour crowds.
75 Mile Beach
The only official beach highway. You can drive nearly 130 km along the eastern coast. Always check tide times – with your permit or rental, you’ll receive a tide chart you must follow.
The SS Maheno shipwreck is also located here.
Eli Creek
A freshwater stream carrying four million litres per hour into the ocean – the perfect natural waterslide. Bring an inflatable or float and follow the boardwalk to the starting point upstream.
Other Highlights
Champagne Pools – natural saltwater rock pools formed by volcanic rock, safe for swimming. Important: Swimming in the ocean on the eastern side of the island is extremely dangerous.
Other freshwater lakes perfect for swimming.
Scenic flights over the island.
Sunset boat cruises or tours to a small island between K’gari and the mainland.
Hiking trails through rainforest if you have more time.
Final thoughts on K’gari
We loved our time on K’gari. A stay at Kingsfisher Bay Resort was a great decision for us as we didn’t have any experiences driving on sand. The tour was amazing and we saw all the spots we wanted to see anyways. A bonus was our experienced guide who shared so much knowledge with us. Our personal highlight was definitely the sand highway and the rainforest. The combination of wild nature, adventure and unique landscapes makes K’gari one of the most unforgettable destinations in Queensland.
