Can You Take a Normal Car to K'gari (Fraser Island)?
You cannot take a 2WD to K'gari (Fraser Island), are the sandy terrain is only suitable for 4WD vehicles! K'gari (Fraser Island) is known for its sandy highway, over 100 lakes and streams, and beautiful rainforests, among other things. This beautiful place is packed with things to see and do, and adventurous travelers from all over the globe flock here to explore the world's largest sand island.
The easiest and most common way to visit K'gari is on a guided tour or a tag-along tour. But you can also visit the island without a tour if you book all your permits and barge tickets ahead of time. But what if you want to take a normal car over there?
Can You Drive A 2WD On K'gari (Fraser Island)?
No, you can't drive a 2WD on K'gari (Fraser Island) because the island is made of sand that is not suitable for normal cars. Only 4WD vehicles are allowed due to government regulations and safety reasons! K'gari (Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world, and therefore all the roads and tracks, save for a few of the paved roads at some resorts, are made of sand. This stunning island is composed of rainforests and lakes that sit on top of ancient sand dunes. K'gari is part of the world's largest and oldest sand dune system!
So the strict rules about 4WD vehicles on K'gari (Fraser Island) is not just to make life harder, it's for safety. The tracks on the island are made of soft sand and it's all too easy to get bogged. Especially towards the coasts where the sand is often wet and soggy, 4WD vehicles are 100% necessary. 2WD cars simply could not handle the sandy driving on K'gari.
Can you take a normal car on the ferry to K'gari (Fraser Island)?
Though you can't drive a 2WD around K'gari, you can still bring a normal car on the ferry from River Heads in Hervey Bay to Kingfisher Bay Resort. This resort is the only place on the island where you can drive a 2WD, as there are several paved roads and the ferry is right in front of the resort. However you are not permitted to drive beyond the perimeter of the resort property without at 4WD, as you are guaranteed to get bogged and cause an obstruction.
Hiring A 4WD For K'gari (Fraser Island)
Because you can't take a normal car to K'gari (Fraser Island), there are lots of excellent 4WD rental options. We recommend hiring a vehicle that has been modified to suit the unique terrain, rather than risk getting bogged in your own vehicle. Insurance in many instances may not even cover your vehicle should this happen, whereas hire companies have all appropriate permits as well as adequate insurance coverage.
You can hire a 4WD on the mainland in Hervey Bay and ride the barge over with your vehicle, or you can pick one up on the island. Single-day and multi-day 4WD hires are both available. 4WD hire generally includes all your necessary permits as well!
Taking Your Own 4WD To K'gari (Fraser Island)
If you already have your own 4WD, you are all set to drive that on K'gari (Fraser Island)! Preferably your vehicle will be high-clearance, if not you may be restricted in terms of where you can go on the island. If you take your own 4WD, you still need to organize all your national park permits and ferry transfers. If you're spending more than one day on K'gari, you can book a campsite (you will need a camping permit) or you can stay at one of the resorts on the island!
Tag Along Tours On K'gari (Fraser Island)
Another excellent option for visiting K'gari (Fraser Island) is a tag-along tour. If you want to try driving on K'gari (Fraser Island), but you don't have a 4WD and you don't want to hire one, you can join a tag-along tour. These are guided tours that provide multiple 4WD vehicles. Guests can sign up to be a driver and hop in the driver's seat of one of the provided 4WDs. There is a tour guide who leads the group in their own 4WD.
Tag-along tours are great because all your food, fuel, permits, accommodations, and navigation are included. You don't have to stress too much during the planning process. You can just show up, attend the driving safety briefing, and enjoy K'gari! Your tour guide will ensure everything is taken care of.
Try your hand at driving on K'gari with one of these epic tag along tours!
