Can You Drive On K'gari At High Tide?

Gabby Boucher

Updated Wed 17 Jul 2024

You can't drive on K'gari's beaches at high tide, but you can drive on the inland tracks! Driving a 4WD on the world's largest sand island is a quintessential Aussie experience, so let's discuss the importance of checking the tide times before you get behind the wheel. 

Can You Drive On K'gari At High Tide?

Anyone driving on K'gari's beaches should avoid driving at high tide. More specifically, you shouldn't drive on the beach within 2 hours before or 2 hours after high tide. Outside of that 4-hour window, the beaches are safe for driving! This rule is meant to promote safe driving and prevent accidents or car damage. During high tide, there is less space on the beach for cars. The sand is also wet and soft, which makes cars more likely to get bogged. 

During low tide, the stretch of sand is much wider, allowing for a safer driving experience. The sand is also dry and more compact, which is suitable for 4WDs to drive safely. 

However, K'gari's inland tracks are fair game regardless of the tide times! These sandy trails wind through the rainforest and are safe for driving at any time of day.

When is high tide on K'gari (Fraser Island)?

Before travelling to K'gari (Fraser Island), always check the current tide times so you can plan your beach drives accordingly. High and low tides are different every day of the year, so you can refer to a tide times graph for up-to-date tides. 

See our 2024 K'gari tide times list so you can plan your K'gari itinerary!

Which K'gari attractions are only available at low tide?

K'gari (Fraser Island) is full of amazing things to do, yet some natural attractions are only accessible at low tide. These landmarks are located on or near 75 Mile Beach. So the only way to reach them is by driving your 4WD along the sand. At high tide, these destinations become too difficult to reach. If you are already at one of these places during high tide, just hang out for a while until the tide drops low enough to drive out. 

Eli Creek

This crystal clear, fast-flowing creek travels from the lush forests and out to sea. Eli Creek is one of K'gari's most popular destinations, especially for those with inflatables who want to drift down the gentle current of the creek. To access Eli Creek, you just drive along 75 Mile Beach and park at the sign near the Eli Creek Campground. Because it's located right on the beach, you can only drive here at low tide. 

Maheno Shipwreck

Maheno Shipwreck is another K'gari hotspot that isn't accessible at high tide. This iconic shipwreck from the early 1900s rests proudly on the shores of 75 Mile Beach. Because it sits right on the edge of the shore, high tides envelop much of the shipwreck's base in water. You'll have to wait until low tide to walk around the Maheno!

Lake Wabby

This stunning lake on K'gari is situated a few kilometres inland from 75 Mile Beach. Most travellers access Lake Wabby by driving to the small parking area along the beach. Then you follow the short walking track to the lake, where you can swim and stroll along the golden dunes of the Hammerstone Sand Blow. You can also access Lake Wabby via another walking trail that leads inland, but you can't drive to the lake from inland so it's usually easier to visit during low tide. 

Which K'gari attractions are available at any tide?

If you find yourself ready to explore K'gari during high tide, there are still plenty of things to do away from the coast! Skip the beach driving and head inland for any of the following K'gari highlights. These are all accessible via inland tracks so the tides don't affect them. 

Rainforests

The tall, majestic rainforests of K'gari are a sight to behold. Just driving through the dense greenery of inland K'gari is a magical experience. Drive over to Central Station or Pile Valley where you can disembark your vehicle and stroll around. Admire the incredible trees that grow out of the sand and get lost in the fairy-tale-like forests of K'gari. 

Lakes

K'gari is also home to several inland lakes that are accessible via 4WD tracks or hiking trails. Many of these lakes are perched lakes, meaning they are formed entirely from rainwater and do not connect to the ocean in any way. The most famous of these perched lakes is Lake McKenzie. Other gorgeous lakes where you can stop for a swim or a picnic include Lake Birrabeen, Lake Boomanjin, Lake Allom, and Lake Garawongera.

Resorts

If the tide times have altered your plans on K'gari, why not kill some time at one of the resorts? The island has two spectacular resorts that accept day guests. If you're on the eastern side of K'gari, stop at K'gari Beach Resort for a swim in the pool or a snack from the bakery. If you're on the western side of K'gari, check out Kingfisher Bay Resort for fun tours and fabulous restaurants. 

If you have any other questions about K'gari (Fraser Island), contact our travel experts!

Or check out our 4WD hire options and tag along tour options if you're ready to book a driving experience on K'gari!