The Different Arrival Points On K'gari (Fraser Island)
If you're looking to visit the natural wonder that is K'gari (Fraser Island) in Australia, you're probably wondering how best to get there. There are several departure points to choose from, making it easy and convenient to reach the world's largest sand island from different locations. You can arrange your ferry to the island based on where you want to depart from the mainland!
The Different Arrival Points On K'gari (Fraser Island)
There are three arrival points on K'gari (Fraser Island), with two on the island's western side and one on the southern side. The River Heads Ferry departs from Hervey Bay. From here, there are two ferry options: one that arrives at the Kingfisher Bay Ramp and one that arrives slightly further south at the Fraser Venture Ramp.
The Inskip Point Ferry departs just outside of Rainbow Beach. This ferry travels to Hook Point at the southern tip of the island. Both ferries are convenient, and there are perks to travelling on both. Let's break down the different arrival points on K'gari (Fraser Island) so you plan your itinerary accordingly!
Kingfisher Bay Arrival Point
The Kingfisher Bay passenger ferry departs from River Heads which is 20 minutes south of Hervey Bay. It lands on the western side of K'gari (Fraser Island) at Kingfisher Bay Resort and takes about 50 minutes in total. The resort itself is accessible by 2WD, but the rest of the island requires 4WD to get around. This means you can take your own vehicle to the resort, but only if you plan to rent a vehicle or join a tour from there.
Kingfisher Bay Resort offers many 4WD tours and guided walks around the island, accommodating all types of travellers. The resort itself has villas, private rooms, a wilderness lodge, and houses available for rent as well as bars, restaurants, pubs, tennis courts, water sports activities, a massage and beauty centre, a general shop, a bottle shop, and a petrol station!
This is the best place to land on K'gari if you intend to stay for several days in hopes of enjoying the finer things in life on the island. The resort is completely fenced in to make it dingo safe, meaning you can freely walk around the entire resort.
Read more about the River Heads Ferry here!
River Heads to Kingfisher Bay Resort
- Approximate crossing time: 50 minutes
| Departing River Heads | Arriving Kingfisher Bay Resort |
| 6:45 am | 7:35 am |
| 9:00 am | 9:50 am |
| 1:00 pm | 1:50 pm |
| 3:30 pm | 4:20 pm |
Kingfisher Bay Resort to River Heads
| Departing Kingfisher Bay Resort | Arriving River Heads |
| 7:50 am | 8:40 am |
| 10:30 am | 11:20 am |
| 2:30 pm | 3:20 pm |
| 5:00 pm | 5:40 pm |
*Please note all departure times are subject to the tides and may change at any time.
Fraser Venture Arrival Point
The Fraser Venture Ferry also departs from River Heads but lands at Wanggoolba Creek (also on the western side of the island) and takes about 40 minutes. To take this ferry, passengers must be in a 4WD vehicle, as you cannot drive on the island with a 2WD vehicle.
This is the best arrival point on K'gari (Fraser Island) if you are on a self-drive tour of the island. It's the closest arrival point to top attractions like Lake McKenzie and Central Station, and just across the island on the Eastern Beach is K'gari Beach Resrot. This is the second biggest and most well-equipped resort on the island after Kingfisher Bay Resort. Or if you're camping, the Fraser Venture Ferry puts you in a great position to start exploring the island on your own.
River Heads to Wanggoolba Creek
- Approximate crossing time: 40 minutes
| Departing River Heads | Arriving Wanggoolba Creek |
| 8:30 am | 9:10 am |
| 10:15 am | 10:55 am |
| 4:00 pm | 4:40 pm |
Wanggoolba Creek to River Heads
| Departing Wanggoolba Creek | Arriving River Heads |
| 9:00 am | 9:40 am |
| 3:00 pm | 3:40 pm |
| 5:00 pm | 5:40 pm |
*Please note all departure times are subject to the tides and may change at any time
Hook Point Arrival Point
The third and final arrival point on K'gari (Fraser Island) is Hook Point, located at the southern tip of the island. You can catch the ferry from Inskip Point, which is just a short drive outside Rainbow Beach. This is the shortest ferry journey at only 10 minutes long, and the ferry lands right on the southern end of 75 Mile Beach where your adventure begins!
Bookings are not necessary for this service. You can only go on this ferry in a 4WD, with both tour vehicles and personal vehicles welcome. As there are no resorts or shops this far south on K'gari, you will have to do some driving before you reach any amenities or landmarks! But if you plan on camping on 75 Mile Beach or staying at K'gari Beach Resort or Dilli Village, this is still a convenient place to arrive on the island.
Read more about the Inskip Ferry here!
Inskip Ferry To Hook Point
Daily from 6:00 am - 5:00 pm approximately every half hour
*Please note all departure times are subject to the tides and may change at any time
K'gari (Fraser Island) Ferry Tips
- It takes about 45 minutes to drive from the western side of K'gari (Fraser Island) to the eastern side, which is important to keep in mind when planning your trip. The island is quite large with a sometimes challenging drive from one destination to the next.
- You have to plan your driving routes around the time tides!
- Make sure your vehicle is in good working order (if you plan to drive your own) and check the QPWS condition report prior to starting your trip.
- Passengers can book one-way or return tickets, but return tickets are a generally cheaper.
- Make sure you arrive at the ferry terminal around 30 minutes prior to departure
