How To Get To K'gari (Fraser Island)
Coming to K'gari
K'gari is one of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations. Located off the east coast of Queensland, the island's many attractions, such as Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie, Champagne Pools, Indian Head, the Hammerstone sand dunes, and the Maheno Shipwreck, are visited by up to half of a million people each year. But once you step foot on the island, you'd never know it!
If you're considering making a trip to the world's largest sand island, you're probably wondering how to get there. K'gari is separated from mainland Australia by the Great Sandy Strait and, since the island has no bridges, visitors must either get there by sea or air.
The most popular method is by a ferry or barge from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. Alternatively, if you are a more adventurous soul, you can fly over to the island in a light aircraft and land right on the beach! However you decide to travel, the first thing you must do is get to the Fraser Coast Region of Australia.
HOW TO GET TO THE FRASER COAST
To get to K'gari, travellers will need to visit Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach on the Fraser Coast to catch a ferry or light aircraft. Here’s a handy list of ways to get there, depending on where you're coming from.
- Getting to K'gari from the Whitsundays
- Getting to K'gari from Rainbow Beach
- Getting to K'gari from Sydney
- Getting to K'gari from Brisbane
- Getting to K'gari from Noosa
- Getting to K'gari from Hervey Bay
Map of K'gari (Fraser Island)
Self-drive to K'gari (Fraser Island)
The Fraser Coast is a comfortable 3-hour drive north of Queensland's capital city, Brisbane, which passes through many scenic small towns along the Bruce Highway.
Many visitors to K'gari arrive in Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach in a campervan, car or another vehicle before boarding a ferry for the crossing. This is a great option for those who will be taking a 4WD across to K'gari, especially as only 4WDs are allowed on the island. Alternatively, there are free and paid parking options available if you wish to leave your vehicle behind. If you are self-driving, make sure you familiarise yourself with ferry times to ensure you have enough time to reach your destination.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service permits are required for all 4WD vehicles travelling to K'gari and must be purchased before going to the island.
Rail to Fraser Coast
The closest train station to Hervey Bay is the Maryborough West Train Station. Queensland Rail operates regular daily services along the Fraser Coast from Brisbane, Rockhampton and Cairns to Maryborough West. From here, Queensland Rail offers RailBus Coach Connections to Hervey Bay - just let them know at the time of booking and they will make sure your chosen service meets a connection.
Bus to Fraser Coast
Both Greyhound Australia and Premier coaches offer daily services from Brisbane, Maroochydore and Cairns to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. While Greyhound offers air conditioning, onboard toilets, free wifi and in-seat USB chargers, Premier has reclining seats, onboard toilet and entertainment. Ask us how you can package your tour with your bus ticket and save!
Fly to Fraser Coast
Although there are no commercial airports on K'gari, you can easily fly to Hervey Bay Airport before taking the ferry. There are regular direct flights from Brisbane with Qantas, or from Sydney with Virgin Australia.
Getting to K'gari (Fraser Island)
Once you've made it to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach on the Fraser Coast, it's time to head to the island! You can either hop or drive onto a ferry or barge service, or go all out with an Air K'gari flight that lands right on K'gari's 75 Mile Beach!
K'gari Ferry / Barge Services
There are two companies that operate daily car and passenger ferry services to K'gari; K'gari Barges and Manta Ray Barges.
Which departure point you use will depend on whether you are self-driving or you are joining a tour group. While tour groups will have a predetermined departure point if you are self-driving the departure point you choose will depend on which part of the island you wish to start your journey on. For more information, you can read our article on the differences in arrival points on K'gari.
Travel times by ferry to K'gari
K'gari Barges depart from River Heads near Hervey Bay - there are 3 services to Wanggoolba Creek: (8.30 am, 10.15 am and 4.00 pm subject to change) and 5 services to Kingfisher Bay (6.45 am, 9.00 am, 12.30 pm, 3.30 pm and 6.45 pm subject to change) daily.
Manta Ray Barges operate from Inskip Point at Rainbow Beach departing approximately every 30 minutes between 6 am and 5.15 pm daily.
Since there are several departure points and arrival points, the ferry and barge times will vary to get to K'gari.
- Departing River Heads: 50 minutes to Kingfisher Bay
- Departing River Heads: 30 minutes to Wanggoolba Creek
- Departing Inskip Point: 10 minutes to Hook Point
TIP: Passengers can book one-way or return tickets, but return tickets are a significantly better option. Two one-way tickets cost much more than a return ticket so it's best the plan your entire trip before going to the island so you can cut some of your costs.
As you can see, there is no shortage of ways to reach the stunning World Heritage Site. Visitors come from all over the world by all modes of transport to be captivated by its beauty and wild nature. No matter which way you choose to get to K'gari, you can be sure that you won’t be disappointed when you arrive!
Tours on K'gari
When it comes to the spectacular world heritage listed area, there is no shortage of exceptional guided and tag-along tours to choose from. One advantage of joining a tour is that everything will be taken care of for you - no need to worry about ferry schedules, you will meet your tour group on the mainland and travel to the island together.
K'gari tours come in many variations, from day trips to overnight 2 or 3-day adventures. Depending on the tour you choose, your pick-up location may be in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Noosa, Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay. Choose the most convenient location for you and remember to be aware of you pick up time.
Take a look through our handy guide for more information on which tours depart on which days.
