The biggest sand island at 122km long, Fraser Island is a popular and stunning place to spend time. There are numerous draw cards to K’gari, but there is the small matter of getting to the island. To do this this are some things that you need to factor in.
1. You need a high-clearance 4WD if you are planning on driving.
The sandy, bumpy, root and stick laden inland roads are slow going and at some points really give the suspension a workout. Inland roads have a speed limit of 30kph and with some of the ruts and deep sand you can see why.
Large tour buses go through making quite deep tracks in the sand making it difficult for low-clearance vehicles to get through. Getting on and off the beach at some points also requires the higher clearance.
Along the beach there is rocks, streams, and of course plenty of sand! Sticking to the hard sand is the perfect way to cruise, however there will be times when you are forced into the slippery soft stuff. It is for this reason that you also need to think about how low you are running your tyre pressure.
If you do not have a 4WD you can hire one on the mainland or at Kingfisher Bay.
2. How are you going to get yourself and your car over there?
There are three different points where the ferry goes from the mainland to different parts of the island. As such, that means that there are also different costs of transport that you need to weigh up.
a) River Heads to Kingfisher Bay
This ferry operates from Hervey Bay multiple times throughout the day. Booking in advance is necessary through the Sealink website. A return trip will see you looking at about $230 for the car and $7 per person.
The ferry takes walk on passengers too. A return trip will have you looking at around $75 pp for adults.
Arriving at Kingfisher you drive down the wharf onto sealed roads. Thee is a general store and gas station here too. This is the last point where you can drive with hard tyres, from this point on you will want to lower the pressure-alternatively do it on the 50 minute trip on the ferry. Start time is 6am from River Heads with the last ferry leaving Kingfisher at 5pm.
b) River Heads to Wanggoolba Creek
This ferry leaves from the same place as the Kingfisher Bay one, but is a shorter trip at 40 min. This gives you plenty of time to let your tyres down while you are on the ferry. The pricing is the same for this trip with a return fare see you look at $230 roughly.
c) Inskip Point to Hook Point
This barge starts at 6am and runs every half an hour with the last going at 5pm from K’gari. It is a 10 minute trip to the white sands of ‘Gari with a return fare setting you back about $130. For more information and booking go to the Mantaray Barge website.
As you enjoy your ferry ride keep an eye on the sea. There is an abundance of sea life in the waters around the area and you may just see turtles, dolphins, whales and dugong on your trip.
3. Permits for driving and camping
If you are intending to drive and camp on the island then you will need permits. Head to the Queensland Parks and forests website to book your permits. Vehicle permits are $57.80 per month or $291 annually. There is not an option for less time. Camping starts at about $7 per person or $29 for a family. You will need to print and display these on your vehicle.
4. If that all seems too hard try a tour
There are many different types of tours and operators that run on K’gari offering something for everyone.
If you want to drive, then Tag Along Tour or Dingo’s might be an option. Alternatively, hire your own 4WD.
If you are more in the mood to be driven to give you more time to soak in the scenery, then the big blue bus of K’gari Explorer Tours, the Fraser Experience or Adventure Tours might be more your cup of tea. There are also smaller tour operators who will take you in a 4WD and offer different packages so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
5. Tides
It is important that if you are driving you pay attention to when high and low tide is. You do not want to end up on the Wall of Shame after being caught by the tides. Two hours either side of low tide gives you a good window to cruise along the beach with plenty of room. Make sure that you are off the beach two hours either side of high tide for your own safety -cars and salt water don’t mix well!
Leave a Reply