Essential Packing List for K'gari (Fraser Island)
If you are heading to K'gari (Fraser Island), you will want to be prepared and ready to have the best time possible. This gorgeous island is very remote and full of wilderness with minimal human infrastructure. Though there are some great shops on hte island to stock up on supplies, it's still a good idea to pack everything you might need. What you'll need to bring is dependent on the type of tour've booked (whether camping or resort, or self-drive or guided), but there are a few essentials you'll need, no matter what type of trip you choose!
We've made a K'gari (Fraser Island) packing list to help you prepare for your adventure!
Essential Packing List for K'gari (Fraser Island)
Clothes
The clothes you need to pack for K'gari (Fraser Island) will depend on the time of year. If you're coming to visit in summer (December - February), you will want to pack light clothing for hot weather, whereas if you come in the winter (June - August) you'll want to pack layers to bundle up on chilly nights along with your warm weather wear.
K'gari sees warm days most of the year (between 21C and 30C), so you'll want to pack breathable clothing and swimwear so you can cool off and get dry easily, no matter when you come. You'll spend most of your time outside exploring nature, even on a guided resort tour. So pack comfy, movable clothes that are ideal for hiking, swimming, and adventuring!
- Comfy clothes to suit the length of your tour
- Rain jacket
- Swimwear and towel
- Jumper for cold weather
Footwear
You'll probably wear sandals for most of your time on K'gari (Fraser Island). As it is the world's largest sand island, you'll be trekking around on the sand most of the time and will want shoes that are easy to get on and off. If you're on an extended trip you might want to bring sneakers or closed-in footwear if you want to do any hiking or extensive amounts of walking. But for the most part, comfy thongs or other sandals will be fine.
- Sandals
- Sneakers
Toiletries
There aren't many stores on K'gari (Fraser Island), and the ones they do have tend to have higher prices than stores on the mainland. So you're better off bringing everything you will need with you. Since most tours on K'gari are no more than 3 days, you should just take the essentials, as space is limited for luggage and supplies. If you're visiting on your own and staying for 5 days or 7 days, you'll have more space in your car and can pack more if needed.
The most important thing you should think about is sun care, making sure to bring sunscreen and aloe vera. Try to get a mineral-based sunscreen that won't add pollutants to K'gari's pristine lakes, or just make sure you apply sunscreen after your swims.
- Sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
- Aloe vera
- Insect repellent
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Any other toiletries that you use every day
Camera or GoPro
You'll want to take pictures to last a lifetime while on this stunning and unique sand island. Bring along your camera or GoPro to make sure you capture all your memories as you make your way from place to place. As most fun things on the island are water-based, it's a great idea to bring something waterproof if you have it so you can keep your equipment in good shape. A portable battery pack is also recommended, so you don't miss a thing as you move from place to place around the island!
- Camera
- GoPro
- Charger
- Waterproof case
- Batteries
Alcohol
Bring some drinks if you're looking to treat yourself on K'gari (Fraser Island)! There are several bottle shops on the island, so you can pick up alcohol once you arrive if needed. But it's more economical to pick it up on the mainland since the prices are inflated on the island shops. Some tours are BYO, meaning you can bring your own alcohol with you. There are even some bars on the island if you're looking for a fun night out!
Be sure to check whether or not your tour allows alcohol before you head to the bottle shop. If you're renting your own vehicle and or bringing your own 4WD, you'll want to bring along your alcohol with you from the mainland and save yourself some money.
Other Essentials for K'gari (Fraser Island)
Floatie: This is a fun thing to have if you're heading to Eli Creek (which most tours do). It's an awesome place to relax and enjoy a leisurely float down the creek, but you might have to supply your own floatie! They can be purchased at Big W and other department stores for affordable prices before you head to the island. Our pro tip: bring a small floatie so you don't spend too much time blowing it up!
Hat: Bring along a hat to keep yourself out of the sun as much as you can. The sun in Australia is strong, especially in the summer, and it's easy to burn when you're spending most of your day outside.
Car seat: If you're travelling with children, you will need to bring along your own car seat. All kids need to be in an appropriate seat for the bumpy ride on the 4WD tracks. You can check each individual tour page for their requirements.
Valid driver's license: If you plan to drive on a tag-along tour, you will need to bring your original driver's license (a copy will not suffice).
Extra money: You might want to pick up souvenirs or other extras when you stop at stores and shops on the island and will need cash or credit.
What To Bring For Camping On K'gari (Fraser Island)
If you're going on a camping trip, the main addition you will want to bring is a sleeping bag and pillow. Some camping tours supply them, but some may require you to bring along your own or rent one. Since you're sleeping in a tent and spending all your time outside, you may also have to bring additional warm clothing. It's also a good idea to bring along a torch for after hours when the sun goes down. Fires are very restricted, so unless you're staying at a designated campground where they're allowed, plan warm clothing and bedding accordingly, especially during the winter months.
If you're on a camping tour, most of your gear will be provided. But if you're visiting the island without a tour, make sure you pack enough food, water, and supplies to help your trip run smoothly.
Check out our complete guide to camping on K'gari for more info!
4WD Rental On K'gari (Fraser Island)
If you're conducting a self-drive 4WD tour and renting a vehicle, you'll have to bring along a lot more essentials. There are both camping packages and resort packages, which will dictate where you spend the night and if you have to prepare for the elements. It's also a good idea to pack extra fuel, a radio or communication device (there isn't always mobile phone coverage) a first-aid kit, and a recovery kit for safety reasons, however, most rental vehicles provide those.
The main thing you'll need to account for when packing for your own 4WD rental is food and drinks since you'll have to cook for yourselves. You'll want to plan out meals and prepare properly for the number of days you're staying. Both alcohol and food are available on the island but are much more expensive as compared to the mainland grocery stores. Your selection is also limited, so you're better off picking up what you need ahead of time so you can have the variety you want.
