Fraser Island Frequently Asked Questions
Fraser Island is the biggest sand island in the world and is located 200 kilometres north of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland in Australia. It is one of the top tourist destinations in the country and is best accessed from Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach, located on the east coast. We have listed some FAQs that may help you answer any questions you may have about the island before setting off for your sandy adventure!
Where is Fraser Island?
- Fraser Island is located 200 kilometres north of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland in Australia. It is found on the Fraser Coast, and is close to the mainland, with some places as close as 1km to the shore.
Is it Frazer Island or Fraser Island?
- Fraser Island (not Frazer) was named after historical figure Eliza Fraser, a famously shipwrecked resident who spent some time on the island in 1836. Her name, which is of Scottish origin, is the namesake of the island and how it was formally known for many years. However, the island’s original and true name, as it is today, is actually K’gari, which means ‘paradise.’ It was such named by its traditional owners, the Butchulla.
How do I get to Fraser Island from the Whitsundays?
Fraser Island is about 930 kilometres south of the Whitsundays. From the Whitsundays, you can reach Fraser Island a few different ways:
- Bus: Both Greyhound and Premier buses can get you from Airlie Beach directly to Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, the two main launch points to the island, as well as the Sunshine Coast. The ride usually takes 13-15 hours.
- Fly: You can fly from Proserpine (the main airport for the Whitsundays, about 45 minutes outside of Airlie Beach) to Brisbane, and bus up to Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach or Noosa afterwards. While Hervey Bay and the Sunshine coast do have their own airports, flights tend to cost much more. For this reason, most people fly into Brisbane and bus onwards or drive themselves. The flight is approximately an hour and a half from Proserpine to Brisbane, and Brisbane is located 3.5 hours from Hervey Bay and 2 hours 45 minutes from Rainbow Beach.
- Drive: The drive from the Whitsundays to Fraser Island would take about 12-13 hours, plus stops. This is a good option if you want to take your time and see some of the country in between, passing Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Seventeen Seventy and more along the way if you choose. Many people who have campervans or car rentals get there this way.
- Train: You can get the train from Proserpine and head down to Fraser Island, stopping at Hervey Bay, where you will get a ferry across to the island.
How do I access Fraser Island?
- As Fraser Island has no bridges from the mainland, it can be accessed one of two ways: by boat or by air. Most people access the island by barge or ferry, which leaving from River Heads (near Hervey Bay) taking 20 minutes or Inskip Point (near Rainbow Beach) taking 10 minutes.
Each tour company is different and leaves from different departure points. Make sure you know which one your tour is leaving from. If guests are joining a tour or self-driving, they will leave from one of two locations: Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. Depending on if you are joining a tour or self-driving, your trip may include a pickup and locations such as Brisbane or Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, before driving to the ferry terminal. Ask your tour operator what pickups are available to you. For more information on arrival points, click here.
Where do Fraser Island tours depart?
- Tours to Fraser Island depart from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach, with additional pickups at Noosa, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
How long do I need on Fraser Island?
- Different tours visit Fraser Island for different lengths of time. The longer you spend on the island, the more destinations you will get to visit and the longer you will get to stay at each. You can go to Fraser Island on a day tour, or tour the island for up to 3 days on different types of guided tours or tag-along tours.
If you are going on your own, it is all dependent on how long you want to drive around the island and see its different attractions. On average, most tours offered are 2-3 days, giving you a few days on the island, with plenty of time to explore. To read more about how long you will need, click here.
Can I drive on Fraser Island?
- Yes, you can drive on Fraser Island. You must have a 4WD to drive on the resort (aside from Kingfisher Resort). It is important to note that Fraser Island has the same road laws as the rest of Australia. Drivers who do not obey the rules of the road will be fined. Police patrol the island.
Can I drive if I have never driven a 4-wheel drive before?
- If you are over the age of 21 and you have a current open drivers licence, then yes. All tag along tours conduct a comprehensive briefing prior to the trip departure (usually the day prior). Your tour guide will give you an outline of the trip at the briefing, as well as plenty of information and guidance regarding driving along the beach in a 4-wheel drive. They usually include an educational video. Please note, different tours have different restrictions and age limits for drivers. This information is on the specific product page. For tips on driving on Fraser Island, read more here.
What kind of tours are there on Fraser Island?
Fraser Island offers several different types of tours including day tours, 2 or 3 day guided tours and 2 or 3 day tag-along tours.
- Day tours: Day tours mostly consist of guided tours onboard a 4-wheel drive that take up to 20 passengers at a time. These tours often leave bright and early in the morning and arrive later in the evening. Most have similar itineraries.
- Guided tours: Guided tours are usually 2-3 days long, and include accommodation and meals. This kind of tour allows you to sit back and relax as your guide does the driving. Different tours have different types of accommodation, including camping or resort stays.
- Tag-along tours: Tag along tours allow you to drive yourself around the island, following the lead car that your guide will be driving. This unique experience allows you to drive on the sand highway Fraser Island is known for as you make your way from place to place. However, you don't have to drive in a tag-along tour, someone else in your car may opt to drive the whole time, allowing you to sit back and relax! This type of tour also has different types of accommodation, including camping and resort-style stays.
Should I go on a tag-along or guided tour?
- Which type of tour you choose is completely dependent on the type of adventure you’re looking to have.
- Tag-along tours appeal to a certain market as they are a more independent style tour that gives you an opportunity to drive on Fraser Island. Many people go for this type of travel, as the thrill of driving on the sand highway is a huge tourist attraction in itself. Tag-along tours are usually made up of several 4WD vehicles following a lead car around the island and are filled with tour guests. You have to follow your team lead wherever they go but are still in control of your own vehicle. No experience is required and all vehicles are automatic, so anyone with a license can usually drive them.
- Guided tours are just what they sound like - fully guided! Guided tours are conducted from a large, 4WD bus that takes more passengers than a tag-along tour. This is a great option if you have no desire to drive, as your tour guide will take you everywhere you need to go. Buses are air-conditioned, whereas most tag-along vehicles are not, making them the best option if you dislike the heat. Due to their height, you usually have a pretty good point of view through panoramic windows too, which is a big extra perk. Guided tours are a great option if you’re travelling in large groups or with family, as you can better stick together.
- Keep in mind, no matter what type of tour you choose, they are bumpy! We advise that those with neck or back issues or those who are pregnant check with their doctor before endeavouring to visit Fraser Island. You can read more here about tag-along and guided tours.
What do I need to bring to Fraser Island?
- If you are going on a guided tour, space is limited. For this reason, it's important to not overpack and to only take a small bag with the essentials: bathers, toiletries, comfortable clothes to suit the season, a jumper and long pants for the evenings, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, bug spray camera and a towel. Most guided tours are BYO alcohol, where you will need to bring any alcohol you want to the island with you. Please note most tours will not take large suitcases, but many times extra luggage can be stored on the mainland at your accommodation. You can read a complete packing list here.
Are all tours BYO alcohol?
- BYO alcohol means that you will have to purchase your alcohol beforehand to bring to the island for you. This is specific per tour, as not all tours allow it, having their own liquor licence. If it is BYO, your alcohol will be stored in coolers or fridges to be enjoyed at a nice cool temperature. Always double check if your tour is BYO or not. You can purchase alcohol on the island, but it is more expensive than in Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, so it's best to pick it up before heading to Fraser.
Can you buy food on Fraser Island?
- There are several shops on Fraser Island where you can purchase food and supplies. You will find everything you need here on the island, but keep in mind, it’s more expensive than on the mainland. Don’t be surprised by the mark-up, it’s a seller's market here! You can find a complete list of places where you can purchase food here.
Can you buy fuel once you get there?
- There are 5 places to buy fuel once you get to Fraser Island. Like food and alcohol purchases, it’s more expensive than on the mainland, but certainly a necessity. Locations include Eurong Resort, Happy Valley, Cathedrals on Fraser, Orchid Beach and Kingfisher Bay. You can find a more detailed account of where to buy fuel here.
Are dingoes dangerous?
- Dingoes, like any other wild animal, can be dangerous! However, if you follow the ‘dingo safety rules’ you will likely find yourself well out of harm's way and able to enjoy these beautiful animals from a safe distance. The first and most important rule is to remember that they are in fact, wild animals, and should be treated as such. They are not to be approached and under no circumstances should anyone try to pet or feed them - they are NOT pets and can and will attack is provoked.
What is the overnight tour accommodation like?
- Your accommodation is dependent on the type of tour you choose to do, or where you choose to stay as an independent driver. Fraser has several different types of accommodation including camping, cabin style accommodation, dorm rooms and private rooms.
There are several different overnight locations on Fraser Island, including Eurong Resort and Kingfisher Resort, which are closed resorts, making them a safe option to walk around and relax in the evenings. If you have a specific type of accommodation in mind, be sure to ask your travel agent which tour type is right for you.
What kinds of things can you see there?
- Fraser Island is full of beautiful, natural attractions such as lakes, creeks and more. You can look forward to seeing things such as the Pinnacles, Eli Creek, Indian Head, Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, Seventy Five Mile Beach, Champagne Pools, the SS Maheno and more.
Where can I park my car or campervan?
- If you're joining a guided or tag-along tour, you will have to leave your own car or campervan back on the mainland. Where you park your car will depend on where you are departing from. Noosa, Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach all have several public parking areas, some of which are free, and some that cost per hour or per night. You can ask your accommodation which area is best to park your car or campervan while you are on the island.
Where can I store my luggage?
- As most Fraser tours have limited space, you are usually only allowed one small bag during your tour. For this reason, many guests store their luggage while they are on the island. Most accommodation will allow you to store your excess luggage while you are on the island in a secure luggage storage room, so just ask them at your pre-island briefing.
